Blue Jelly Shrimp: Neocaridina davidi

Taxonomy and Habitat

Blue Jelly shrimp belong to the species Neocaridina davidi, native to freshwater streams and ponds in East Asia. They are a selectively bred color variant, not a distinct species. In their natural environment, they prefer heavily planted areas with plenty of hiding spots and biofilm to graze upon.

Water Parameters

These shrimp are highly adaptable but prefer stable conditions. Maintain a pH between 6.5 and 7.5 and a temperature range of 18 to 26 degrees Celsius. Providing a GH of 6-10 and KH of 2-5 helps support healthy shell development. Regular, small water changes are recommended to avoid shocking the colony.

Feeding and Nutrition

They are opportunistic omnivores that spend most of their time grazing on algae, biofilm, and decaying plant matter. In an aquarium, supplement their diet with high-quality shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini, and occasional protein-rich treats to ensure proper growth and coloration.

Tank Mates

Due to their small size and peaceful nature, they should only be kept with non-aggressive, nano-sized fish. Avoid large or predatory species that may view them as food. They are best suited for shrimp-only tanks or setups with small tetras, rasboras, or snails.

Molting and Breeding

As they grow, shrimp must shed their exoskeleton in a process called molting. Ensure the water has sufficient minerals for this process. Breeding is relatively straightforward; once the female is berried, she will carry the eggs under her abdomen for several weeks until they hatch into miniature versions of the adults, requiring no special larval stage.