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