Quick Stats
| Adult Size | 2.5 cm |
| Minimum Tank | 5 gal |
| Temperature | 18–28°C |
| pH Range | 6.5–7.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 6–15 dGH |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Diet | Scavenger — biofilm, algae, shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables |
| Schooling | Colony of 10+ |
Tank Setup
The Blue Velvet Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi (blue variant)) requires a minimum tank size of 5 gal. For a species this size, a larger tank is always better — more water volume means more stable parameters and a healthier environment.
Water parameters should be maintained within the following ranges: temperature 18–28°C, pH 6.5–7.5, and hardness 6–15 dGH. These are relatively tolerant fish that adapt to a range of conditions.
Provide appropriate hiding places, a suitable substrate, and open swimming space to match the natural behaviour of this species.
Tank Mates
Blue Velvet Shrimp are peaceful fish. They work well in community tanks with similarly-sized peaceful species.
Compatible tank mates include: Cherry Shrimp (same species, different colour), Amano Shrimp, Nerite Snail, Otocinclus, Pygmy Corydoras. Avoid housing with aggressive or much larger fish.
Schooling requirements: Colony of 10+. Keeping them in adequate numbers is essential for their wellbeing.
Diet & Feeding
Blue Velvet Shrimp are Scavenger. Their diet should reflect their natural feeding habits.
Scavenger — biofilm, algae, shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables
Feed small amounts 1–2 times daily. Only provide what the fish can consume within 2–3 minutes to prevent overfeeding and water quality issues.
Common Health Issues
Like all aquarium fish, Blue Velvet Shrimp can be susceptible to common diseases including ich (white spot disease), fin rot, and bacterial infections. This species is generally hardy and disease-resistant when kept in good conditions.
Prevention is always better than treatment. Maintain stable water parameters, avoid overfeeding, quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank, and perform regular water changes. A regular maintenance routine will prevent most health issues.
If disease does occur, isolate affected fish in a quarantine tank and treat appropriately. Always research medication compatibility before use — some treatments are toxic to invertebrates and scaleless fish.
Breeding
Breeding Blue Velvet Shrimp is possible in the home aquarium.
Provide appropriate breeding conditions — planted areas with fine-leaved plants. Condition breeding pairs with high-quality foods before attempting to spawn them.
Many Blue Velvet Shrimp will breed readily without intervention. Be prepared to remove eggs or fry if you want to raise them — adult fish may eat their own young.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Blue Velvet Shrimp need?
A Blue Velvet Shrimp needs a minimum tank size of 5 gal. Larger is always better — more water volume means more stable water parameters and healthier fish.
Are Blue Velvet Shrimp easy to keep?
Blue Velvet Shrimp are rated as Easy difficulty. Beginners can keep them successfully with proper research and a cycled tank.
What do Blue Velvet Shrimp eat?
Blue Velvet Shrimp are Scavenger. Feed a varied diet including biofilm, algae, shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables.
Can Blue Velvet Shrimp live with other fish?
Blue Velvet Shrimp are peaceful. Compatible tankmates include: Cherry Shrimp (same species, different colour), Amano Shrimp, Nerite Snail, Otocinclus, Pygmy Corydoras. They work well in community tanks with similarly-sized peaceful fish.