Neocaridina Breeding Colony

Neocaridina davidi, the ancestor of all Cherry Shrimp colour morphs, is the most widely kept freshwater shrimp in the hobby. This mixed colour breeding colony of 20 adults spans the variety of naturally occurring and selectively bred colours — reds, oranges, yellows, and wild-type browns — representing the full breadth of the species' colour potential in a single purchase.

Neocaridina davidi is renowned for its hardiness and adaptability, tolerating a wide range of water parameters that make it forgiving for beginners while productive enough for experienced breeders. In planted tanks, colonies of 20+ adults will rapidly self-sustain and grow, providing a perpetual population of algae cleaners and visual interest.

This colony is ideal as a starter group for a new shrimp tank, as a bio-control algae team in a planted aquarium, or as a live food production colony to supply fry tanks with protein-rich baby shrimp. The mixed colours will segregate in offspring, offering the potential to selectively develop preferred colour lines.

Water: 18–28°C, pH 6.5–8.0, GH 6–20, KH 2–15; very adaptable; avoid copper-based medications. Tank: minimum 20 L, planted with mosses and fine-leaved plants, sponge filter, gentle flow. Feeding: biofilm grazer; supplement with algae wafers, blanched spinach, shrimp powder food. Breeding: female carries 20–60 eggs; juveniles independent after 3–4 weeks; colony self-sustaining. Compatibility: plant-safe; avoid all fish over 3 cm; compatible with peaceful snails.