Here is the complete care guide and information about the Dream Black Shrimp — a striking and popular freshwater shrimp known for its deep, velvet-black coloration: 🦐 Dream Black Shrimp...
Here is the complete care guide and information about the Dream Black Shrimp — a striking and popular freshwater shrimp known for its deep, velvet-black coloration:
Dream Black Shrimp
Black Sakura Shrimp
Black Neocaridina Shrimp
Painted Black Shrimp (depending on grade)
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neocaridina davidi |
| Family | Atyidae |
| Origin | Taiwan (selectively bred color morph) |
| Natural Type | Selective variant of Wild Neocaridina Shrimp |
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 1 – 1.5 inches (2.5 – 4 cm) |
| Color | Jet black to deep velvety black body and legs |
| Grades |
High-grade: Fully opaque black, including legs
Mid-grade: Some translucent areas or less saturated color |
| Sex Difference | Females are usually larger, rounder, and more vividly colored |
🎯 Dream Black Shrimp are a color-selective strain of Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina), bred for their intense black appearance.
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 10 gallons minimum |
| Temperature | 20°C – 26°C (68°F – 79°F) |
| pH Level | 6.5 – 7.5 |
| Water Hardness | 4 – 10 dGH (moderately hard) |
| TDS | 150 – 250 ppm |
| Water Type | Freshwater |
🚫 Avoid sudden fluctuations in temperature or pH — stability is key to healthy shrimp.
| Item | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Substrate | Inert or shrimp soil – dark substrate enhances shrimp color |
| Plants | Java Moss, Anubias, Bucephalandra, Hornwort, Subwassertang |
| Décor | Shrimp caves, driftwood, Indian almond leaves (for tannins) |
| Filtration | Sponge filter or gentle flow filter |
| Lighting | Moderate (low lighting can deepen their black color) |
| Lid | Optional – they don’t jump much but lids help prevent evaporation |
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful, social, shy when alone |
| Ideal Group Size | At least 5–10 individuals for natural behavior |
| Good Tankmates | Small nano fish (e.g., ember tetras, rasboras, snails, otocinclus), other Neocaridina |
| Avoid | Large or aggressive fish (e.g., bettas, cichlids, loaches) – may prey on shrimp |
| Type | Foods Accepted |
|---|---|
| Natural Diet | Algae, biofilm, decaying leaves |
| Supplemental Diet | Shrimp-specific pellets, algae wafers, blanched spinach, zucchini |
| Occasional Treats | Bloodworms, crushed flakes, protein supplements (once/twice weekly) |
🥬 Make sure not to overfeed – uneaten food can spoil water quickly.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reproduction Type | True freshwater breeder |
| Breeding Ease | Very easy under stable water conditions |
| Gestation | 2 – 3 weeks – females carry eggs under abdomen |
| Baby Shrimp | Miniature versions of adults; no larval stage |
| Breeding Notes | Keep in species-only or shrimp-dominated tank for best baby survival |
💡 Babies are also black if both parents are Dream Black or from the same line, but sometimes other shades (dark brown/blue) may appear.
🚫 Avoid any copper-based medications – toxic to all shrimp
✔ Add Indian almond leaves or catappa for natural antifungal benefits
🧼 Clean tank regularly – but perform only 10–20% water changes weekly
🎍 Use moss and dense plants for hiding and foraging space
✅ Use shrimp-safe water conditioner to remove chlorine and chloramines
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neocaridina davidi (Dream Black strain) |
| Size | 1 – 1.5 inches |
| Lifespan | 1.5 – 2 years |
| Tank Size | 10 gallons or more |
| pH Range | 6.5 – 7.5 |
| Temperature | 20 – 26°C |
| Color Grade | Deep solid black |
| Diet | Omnivorous algae grazer |
| Breeding | Easy in freshwater |
| Behavior | Peaceful and community-safe |
🌑 One of the darkest freshwater shrimp varieties available
🔥 Excellent for contrast in planted or aquascaped tanks
🧹 Helps clean algae, biofilm, and debris
💧 Adaptable and beginner-friendly like other Neocaridina
🐣 Easy to breed and maintain colony in home aquarium