Blue Velvet Shrimp
Neocaridina palmata
This shrimp reaches 2.5 to 3 cm in adulthood. Its body is translucent with a uniform bright blue hue, sometimes dotted with lighter spots. The antennae are long and slender. It has small claws on its front legs for feeding. Its behavior is peaceful and active, spending time grazing on algae and biofilms. Reproduction is straightforward: females carry eggs under the abdomen for about 3 to 4 weeks. Juveniles are miniature copies of adults.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 18–28 |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| GH | 4–8 |
| KH | 2–5 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 20 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 0.5 |
Care
Care notes
Keep temperature between 18-28 °C, pH 6.5-7.5, GH 4-8, KH 2-5. A minimum tank size of 20 liters is recommended for a small group. They are omnivorous: accept shrimp foods, blanched vegetables, and algae wafers. Avoid predatory fish; small peaceful fish like micro-rasboras are suitable. A dark substrate enhances their color. Gentle filtration and well-oxygenated water are essential. Regular water changes (10-20% weekly) maintain good quality.