Blue Velvet Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Blue Velvet Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) — Easy care, Peaceful, under Other. Minimum tank in the app: 5.3 US gal min; aim for 59–84°F and pH 6.5–8. The Blue Velvet Shrimp is ideal for aquarists seeking a vibrant, low-maintenance inhabitant for nano tanks.

Blue Velvet Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelEasy
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size5.3 US gal min
pH range6.5–8
Temperature59–84°F
Max size1.6 in (4.0 cm)
Captive lifespan1–3 years
SchoolingNo

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Various

  • East & Southeast Asia

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Blue Velvet Shrimp Tank Setup

Create a balanced environment with plenty of hiding places using plants, driftwood, and substrate variations to encourage natural scavenging behavior. Maintain moderate water flow to support their delicate gill structure, and ensure lighting is soft to avoid stressing them. Minimal open space is essential for movement, but densely planted areas will help them feel secure.

What Do Blue Velvet Shrimps Eat?

These shrimp are slow foragers, so competition can arise if faster feeders dominate the area. Provide a balanced diet of algae wafers, detritus, and blanched vegetables to maintain their health and enhance their coloration.

Blue Velvet Shrimp Tank Mates

Best housed with other peaceful species of similar size that occupy different tank levels, ensuring no competition for substrate resources. Avoid larger, predatory fish that may see them as food, and maintain an even number of shrimp to reduce territorial issues. Intraspecies aggression is minimal, but larger groups can benefit from more coverage to prevent any dominant behavior.

Are Blue Velvet Shrimps Good for Beginners?

In App-aquatic we file this under easy care. That still means a cycled tank, realistic stocking, and parameters that do not swing every weekend. Aquarists often overlook water parameters, particularly pH and copper levels, which can lead to rapid health declines. Failing to provide sufficient cover can also lead to stress, as shrimp feel exposed and vulnerable.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

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