Blue Velvet Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Description
Blue Velvet Shrimp are a stunning freshwater shrimp known for their striking blue coloration, which can range from light sky blue to deeper shades of sapphire. Their translucent blue bodies have a slight iridescent shimmer, making them visually appealing in aquariums. These shrimps have small, slender bodies with long antennae and small legs. The males are usually smaller and less vibrant in color compared to the females, who tend to be slightly larger and more colorful. Blue Velvet Shrimp are peaceful and social creatures, often seen grazing on algae, biofilm, and detritus in the aquarium. They are excellent cleaners and help maintain the balance of the tank by consuming leftover food and algae.
Habitat Origin
Native to freshwater rivers and streams in East Asia, Blue Velvet Shrimp are a selectively bred color morph of the Neocaridina davidi species, which is native to Taiwan. They prefer calm, clear waters with abundant hiding spots and access to algae and organic matter.
Aquarium
Ideal Number in Aquarium: At least 5-10 individuals, as they are social and feel more secure in groups.
Favorite Food
Blue Velvet Shrimp are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including algae, biofilm, detritus, and decomposing plant matter. In captivity, they can be fed algae wafers, shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables (like spinach or zucchini), and occasional live or frozen foods like daphnia or brine shrimp. A varied diet will ensure they maintain vibrant coloration and overall health.
Behavior:
Blue Velvet Shrimp are peaceful, active, and social. They are bottom-dwellers and are often seen grazing on the substrate, rocks, and plants for algae and food particles. They enjoy a calm, low-stress environment, and their behavior is most noticeable when they are kept in groups, where they will interact and graze together. Though they are generally peaceful, they can be sensitive to water quality and may hide or become stressed if the conditions in the tank deteriorate. They are also known for being excellent scavengers, helping to keep the tank clean by consuming leftover food and algae.
Special Care:
Blue Velvet Shrimp thrive in a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots, such as plants, driftwood, and rocks. A fine-gravel or sandy substrate is ideal for them to scavenge and forage naturally. Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial, especially keeping the water clean, as they are sensitive to fluctuations in water quality. Regular water changes and good filtration will help maintain optimal conditions. A tank lid is recommended, as they may try to climb out if the water level is too low. Additionally, because these shrimp are sensitive to copper, it is important to avoid copper-based medications or treatments in the aquarium.
Compatibility with Other Fish:
Ya, Blue Velvet Shrimp sangat cocok dengan ikan damai lainnya seperti Tetra, Rasbora, dan Corydoras. Hindari memelihara mereka dengan ikan yang besar atau agresif yang bisa mengancam mereka.
Breeding Setup
While a separate breeding tank is not strictly necessary, using one is recommended to optimize conditions and protect the eggs and fry from potential predators. A 5-gallon tank (19 liters) is suitable for a small group, while a 10-gallon tank (38 liters) is ideal for larger breeding colonies. Maintain pH between 6.5–8.0, temperature 22–28°C (72–82°F), and hardness 4–8 dGH. Use gentle sponge filtration to avoid sucking in shrimp. Add fine gravel or sand, and live plants like Java moss or Hornwort to provide shelter and foraging surfaces. Keep lighting moderate on a 10–12 hour light/dark cycle.
Conditioning for Breeding
To condition Blue Velvet Shrimp, offer a balanced and varied diet consisting of high-quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, peas), and occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp or daphnia. Weekly 20–30% water changes help maintain optimal conditions. A larger water change (~50%) combined with a slight temperature increase to 28°C can mimic seasonal cues that encourage breeding.
Spawning Process
Spawning typically occurs shortly after the female molts. Males sense this and begin to court her. Once mating is successful, the female carries 20–40 fertilized eggs under her tail, where they develop over 2–3 weeks. Separation of parents is not required, as Blue Velvet Shrimp are peaceful and do not eat their own eggs or fry. However, ensure the tank is free from aggressive fish that might threaten the young.
Fry Care
Once hatched, the fry resemble miniature adults and begin foraging almost immediately. Start by offering infusoria or liquid fry food, then gradually introduce baby brine shrimp or microworms. The fry will also feed on biofilm and microorganisms in the tank. Maintain stable water temperature (22–28°C) and perform frequent small water changes (10–20%) every day or two to keep the environment clean and reduce the risk of ammonia spikes.
Key Considerations
Blue Velvet Shrimp reach sexual maturity at 4–6 months. Females are larger, more vibrant, and have a curved underbelly, while males are smaller and more translucent. Avoid sudden changes in water parameters, as these can stress the shrimp and halt breeding. Keep the tank peaceful, ensure good water quality, and avoid overfeeding, as decaying food can rapidly degrade conditions and affect fry survival.