Description
🌟 Black Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. Black)
📌 Basic Info
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Scientific Name: Neocaridina davidi (Black variant)
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Common Name: Black Shrimp / Black Sakura Shrimp
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Size: ~1 – 1.2 inches (2.5 – 3 cm)
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Lifespan: 1.5 – 2 years
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Tank Zone: Bottom to mid (constantly grazing on plants, substrate, and surfaces)
🌊 Water Parameters
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TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): 100 – 250 ppm
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pH: 6.5 – 7.5
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Temperature: 20°C – 26°C (68°F – 79°F)
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Water Type: Freshwater, soft to moderately hard
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Hardness: GH 4–8, KH 3–6
🐟 Characteristics
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Solid jet-black or dark chocolate body color
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Peaceful, hardy, and beginner-friendly shrimp
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Great algae eaters and natural tank cleaners
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Easy to breed in a stable aquarium
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Females often show deeper, richer black coloration
🍽️ Food
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Type: Omnivorous scavenger
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Diet: Algae, biofilm, shrimp pellets, spirulina, blanched vegetables (spinach, cucumber), quality shrimp food
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Feeding Frequency: 3–4 times per week, small amounts
🛠️ Maintenance
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Weekly water change: 15–20%
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Use sponge filter to protect baby shrimp
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Provide moss, driftwood, and plants for grazing and hiding
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Avoid copper-based products (toxic to shrimp)
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Stable tank conditions = long life and better breeding
👥 Social Behavior
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Minimum Group Size: 10+ (do best in colonies)
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Tank Mates: Peaceful nano fish (rasboras, tetras, guppies, otocinclus, snails)
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Avoid: Large/aggressive fish (bettas, cichlids, barbs, goldfish)
✅ Do’s
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Keep in planted aquariums for best health and contrast
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Maintain stable water conditions
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Keep them in groups for natural colony behavior
❌ Don’ts
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Don’t expose to copper medications or fertilizers
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Don’t keep with predators
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Don’t overfeed – causes water quality issues
⭐ Quick Tips
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Their jet-black body stands out beautifully in green planted aquascapes
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Hardy and beginner-friendly
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Breed readily in home aquariums
