Here is a complete care and information guide for the Dream Blue Shrimp, a beautiful and popular Neocaridina variant prized for its bright sapphire blue color. 🦐 Dream Blue Shrimp...
Here is a complete care and information guide for the Dream Blue Shrimp, a beautiful and popular Neocaridina variant prized for its bright sapphire blue color.
Dream Blue Shrimp
Blue Velvet Shrimp
Dream Blue Velvet Shrimp
Blue Neocaridina Shrimp
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neocaridina davidi |
| Family | Atyidae |
| Origin | Selectively bred in Taiwan from wild Neocaridina species |
🎯 Dream Blue is a selectively bred color morph of Cherry Shrimp, prized for its rich and consistent blue color.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 1 – 1.5 inches (2.5 – 4 cm) |
| Color | Vibrant sapphire or sky blue; some with velvet or opaque texture |
| Color Grade | Higher-grade shrimp have solid blue on body and legs |
| Sex Difference | Females are slightly larger and more deeply colored; males are smaller and more translucent |
💎 The most intense blue color comes from selective breeding over multiple generations.
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 10 gallons or more |
| Temperature | 20 – 26°C (68 – 79°F) |
| pH Level | 6.5 – 7.5 |
| Water Hardness | 4 – 10 dGH |
| TDS | 150 – 250 ppm |
| Water Type | Freshwater |
🚫 Avoid copper in water or medications – it is toxic to shrimp.
| Component | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Substrate | Inert substrate or shrimp soil; dark substrate enhances color |
| Plants | Java Moss, Anubias, Java Fern, Bucephalandra, Subwassertang |
| Décor | Driftwood, Indian almond leaves, shrimp hides or caves |
| Filtration | Sponge filter or low-flow filter with pre-filter sponge |
| Lighting | Moderate (not too bright – helps prevent stress) |
| Tank Lid | Optional, but helps reduce evaporation and escape risk |
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful and social |
| Best Group Size | 5 or more – thrive in colonies |
| Good Tankmates | Snails, Otocinclus, small rasboras, ember tetras, small peaceful fish |
| Avoid | Cichlids, bettas, barbs, large fish – may eat shrimp |
🐠 Ideal for community nano tanks and planted aquascapes.
| Food Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Staple Diet | Algae, biofilm, decaying plant matter |
| Supplement Foods | Shrimp pellets, algae wafers, blanched spinach or zucchini |
| Occasional Treats | Protein pellets (2x/week), crushed flakes, Bacter AE |
🧼 Remove uneaten food to prevent ammonia buildup.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Breeding Type | True freshwater breeder |
| Maturity Age | 3 – 4 months |
| Gestation Period | 2 – 3 weeks |
| Egg Count | 20 – 40 eggs per clutch |
| Baby Shrimp | Born fully formed – no larval stage |
| Survival Tips | Provide moss and hiding places; avoid predators; ensure clean water |
🐣 Fry are mini versions of adults and grow quickly if properly fed.
✅ Keep stable temperature and pH – avoid sudden changes
✅ Add mosses and leaf litter for natural grazing surface
🚫 Avoid medications with copper or zinc
✅ Perform weekly 10–20% water changes with dechlorinated water
✅ Use shrimp-safe sponge filter to prevent fry loss
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neocaridina davidi |
| Common Name | Dream Blue Shrimp |
| Color | Velvet or sapphire blue |
| Size | 1 – 1.5 inches |
| Lifespan | 1.5 – 2 years |
| pH Range | 6.5 – 7.5 |
| Temp Range | 20 – 26°C |
| Breeding | Easy in freshwater |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Difficulty Level | Beginner-friendly |
💙 Dream Blue Shrimp are a color morph of Red Cherry Shrimp, bred for their electric blue color
🎨 Their color may darken with age, and be more vibrant on dark substrates
🍃 Excellent algae grazers and natural cleaners for planted tanks
🔄 Can crossbreed with other Neocaridina davidi types (e.g., cherry, yellow, chocolate) — avoid if color purity is important