How To Breed Neocaridina Shrimp
Neocaridina shrimp, like the popular Cherry Shrimp, are a favorite among freshwater aquarium enthusiasts for their vibrant colors, algae-eating abilities, and ease of care. These tiny inverts are perfect for planted tanks, nano setups, and aquascapers who want to add life and color to their aquarium.
Best of all? Neocaridina shrimp are incredibly easy to breed, making them a great choice for beginners.
Choosing Your Neocaridina Shrimp
Popular Neocaridina varieties include:
Red Cherry Shrimp (and its high-grade versions like Sakura and Fire Red)
Yellow Goldenback Shrimp
Green Jade Shrimp
Orange Sakura Shrimp
Stick to one color morph per tank if you want to preserve pure lines—otherwise, crossbreeding may produce duller, wild-type offspring.
Tank Setup
Tank Size: 5 gallons minimum (10+ gallons preferred for stability)
Filtration: Sponge filter or gentle hang-on-back with pre-filter sponge
Substrate: Inert or planted tank substrate (no need for active buffering like Caridina)
Decor: Live plants (moss, Anubias, buce), driftwood, leaf litter, cholla wood for grazing and hiding
Lighting: Moderate lighting to encourage algae and biofilm growth
Lid: Shrimp are not jumpers, but a lid helps reduce evaporation and keeps parameters stable.
Water Parameters
Neocaridina are hardy and can adapt to a wide range of conditions, but they do best in:
Temperature: 68–78°F (20–25.5°C)
pH: 6.8–7.8
GH: 6–8
KH: 2–6
TDS: 150–250 ppm
They do well in dechlorinated tap water or remineralized RO if your water is very soft.
Feeding
Neocaridina shrimp graze on biofilm, algae, and detritus, but supplemental feeding ensures they stay healthy and breed well.
Staple foods: Shrimp pellets, wafers, algae tabs
Treats: Blanched zucchini, spinach, Indian almond leaves, snowflake food
Frequency: Feed small amounts 2–3 times a week. Avoid overfeeding—shrimp are messy eaters!
Breeding Neocaridina Shrimp
These shrimp will breed readily in stable, clean conditions without any special intervention.
Breeding tips:
Keep a mixed group of males and females (you’ll need both—females are larger and more colorful).
Females will develop a saddle (eggs in the ovaries) and then become berried (carrying fertilized eggs under the tail).
Eggs hatch in 3–4 weeks into fully formed tiny shrimp—no larval stage.
Fry care:
Baby shrimp will hide in moss and hardscape.
Don’t use strong filters or medications.
Ensure there’s always biofilm and microfauna for them to eat.
Tips for a Thriving Colony
Avoid fish that might eat shrimp—stick to nano tank mates like small rasboras or snails.
Perform weekly water changes of 10–20% with parameter-matched water.
Use shrimp-safe water conditioners (no copper or harsh chemicals).
Final Thoughts
Neocaridina shrimp are the perfect freshwater invertebrates for new aquarists, planted tank lovers, and breeders. Their hardy nature, beautiful color varieties, and ease of care make them a rewarding addition to any peaceful aquarium setup. With minimal effort, you’ll soon have a thriving, self-sustaining colony.
