Green Jade Shrimp care guide
Green Jade Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. 'Green Jade') — minimum tank 20 L, temperature 20-26 °C, pH 6.5-7.8.
Overview
The Green Jade Shrimp is a less common selectively bred colour line of Neocaridina davidi. It exhibits a soft jade-green colouration that is most apparent against the dark backdrop of a well-planted aquarium.
Taxonomy
- Family: Atyidae
- Genus: Neocaridina
- Scientific name: Neocaridina davidi var. 'Green Jade'
- Common synonyms: Green Jade, Jade Shrimp
Habitat
Captive-bred from the standard Neocaridina davidi stock originating in Taiwan and southern China. Green Jade tolerates the same neutral to slightly hard, mineralised water that suits other Neocaridina lines.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 20 L (5.3 US gal)
- Adult size: 2-3 cm
- Temperature: 20-26 °C (68-79 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.8
- GH: 6-12 °dGH
- KH: 2-8 °dKH
- Lifespan: 1-2 years
Diet
A continuous biofilm grazer and detritivore. Supplement with shrimp granules, blanched vegetables and an occasional protein offering. Avoid overfeeding to prevent water-quality decline.
Compatibility
Peaceful and best housed in a species-only or shrimp-dominated tank. Compatible with Otocinclus and Nerite Snails. Avoid cichlids, crayfish and any larger fish. Do not mix with other N. davidi colour forms as crossbreeding quickly produces wild-type brown offspring.
Breeding
Reliable but slower spread of colour than the more popular red lines because the green pigment is more sensitive to selective drift. Berried females carry 20-30 eggs for around 30 days; juveniles feed on biofilm.