Description
🌟 Choco Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. Chocolate)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Neocaridina davidi (Chocolate variant)
Common Name: Chocolate Shrimp / Brown 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 tank surfaces)
🌊 Water Parameters
TDS: 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
Deep brown to chocolate-colored shell, sometimes with reddish or coffee tones.
Peaceful and hardy → great for community or nano aquariums.
Active algae eaters and tank cleaners.
Easy to breed in stable conditions.
Females are larger and usually show deeper chocolate coloring.
🍽️ Food
Type: Omnivorous scavenger.
Diet: Algae, biofilm, shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables (spinach, cucumber, zucchini), spirulina, quality shrimp food.
Feeding Frequency: 3–4 times per week in very small amounts.
🛠️ Maintenance
Perform 15–20% weekly water changes.
Use a gentle sponge filter (safe for baby shrimp).
Provide plants, moss, and driftwood → for grazing and hiding.
Avoid copper in fertilizers/medications (toxic to shrimp).
Focus on stable water conditions more than “perfect” numbers.
👥 Social Behavior
Minimum Group Size: 10+ (they thrive in colonies).
Tank Mates: Peaceful small fish – rasboras, ember tetras, endlers, guppies, otocinclus, snails.
Avoid: Aggressive or predatory fish (bettas, cichlids, barbs, goldfish).
✅ Do’s
Keep them in well-planted aquariums with moss and hiding spots.
Acclimate slowly when adding to a new tank.
Keep them in colonies for natural behavior and breeding.
Maintain a cycled, stable aquarium.
❌ Don’ts
Don’t keep with predatory/aggressive fish.
Don’t overfeed (causes pollution).
Don’t use copper-based treatments.
Don’t place in new or unstable tanks.
⭐ Quick Tips
Known for their rich chocolate brown color, rare and exotic look.
Hardy, peaceful, and beginner-friendly.
Excellent algae cleaners and easy to breed.
Add a warm, earthy tone to any planted aquarium
