Neocaridina davidi (formerly Neocaridina
heteropoda)
Note: Due
to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image
provided.
Size
These shrimp grow to a maximum size of 2 inches in length,
although this will only be attained by the largest females. The most common
maximum length is about 1.5 inches for females, and 1.25 inches for males.
Recommended Tank Parameters
pH level range: 6.4 to 8.0, ideal range: 6.8 to 7.5
Temperature range: 72? to 82? F
Water type: kH 0-8; gH 4-14; TDS 100-300
Feeding
Blue Velvet Shrimp require very little food. When we say
very little, we mean that one fish flake the size of a dime every day is enough
for 10 or more shrimp. Overfeeding is a common cause of death, so do not feed
them more than they can eat in two hours. In established tanks where there is
plenty of algae and biofilm, dwarf shrimp may not need extra food at all.
In addition to fish or shrimp flake foods and pellets,
dwarf shrimp will also eat blanched vegetables (such as zucchini, carrots, and
spinach), as well as algae wafers or pellets.
Breeding
Blue Velvet Shrimp are VERY easy to breed. In fact, you
don't have to do anything but provide the shrimp with good conditions, cover
your filter intake with a pre-filter (such as a sponge), and keep them in a
tank without any fish (with the exception of Otocinclus catfish - they are fine
to keep with breeding shrimp). Females will carry between 30 and 50 eggs at a
time in a cluster beneath their tails, and the newborn shrimp hatch as
miniature versions of the adults that are immediately able to fend for
themselves. However, there must be adequate algae and/or biofilm in the tank
for them to feed on. In tanks lacking algae or biofilm (usually newer tanks),
shrimp can be fed by crushing algae flakes before dropping them in. Within 3
months, the newborn shrimp will be sexually mature and able to breed. When
properly kept, 10 shrimp can turn into 1,000 within 6-8 months.