The Blue Dream Shrimp is a fan-favorite for a reason: its stunning, deep sapphire-blue coloration is nearly unrivaled. These freshwater shrimp are selectively bred for a rich, dark, and opaque blue that remains consistent across the entire body. Historically descending from the Black Carbon and Chocolate lines, they bring a sense of depth and luxury to any shrimp aquarium, providing a gorgeous contrast against light-colored sands or bright green carpeting plants.
As members of the Neocaridina genus, they are exceptionally hardy, making them the perfect choice for hobbyists who want high-end color without the difficulty of sensitive Caridina species. They are active, social, and function as a highly efficient clean-up crew, spending their time grazing on biofilm and algae to keep your shrimp tank pristine.
**Note: All livestock orders will come carefully packaged with solid wall Styrofoam insulation and shipped via 1-day shipping only. No additional insulation is needed for your livestock.
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to maintain stable parameters to ensure a healthy, thriving colony!
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neocaridina davidi "Blue Dream" |
| Common Name(s) | Blue Dream Shrimp, Blue Velvet Shrimp |
| Care Difficulty | Easy |
| Adult Size | 1.25" (3.0 cm) |
| Diet | Omnivore / Biofilm & Algae Scavenger |
| Minimum Tank Size | 5 Gallons |
| Temperature Range | 65°F–80°F (18°C–27°C) |
| pH Range | 7.2–7.6 |
| General Hardness (GH) | 4–8 dGH |
| Carbonate Hardness (KH) | 3–15 dKH |
| Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) | 250–300 ppm |
| Lifespan | 1–2 Years |
1. How do I properly acclimate my new freshwater shrimp to prevent shock?
Dwarf shrimp are sensitive to sudden shifts in water parameters and total dissolved solids (TDS). Always drip acclimate new arrivals over 1 to 2 hours before releasing them into your tank. Follow our step-by-step tutorial in 7 Easy Steps to Drip Acclimate Shrimp and Fish for the perfect drip rate setup.
2. What substrate is best for keeping dwarf shrimp healthy?
It depends on the species! Neocaridina species like Blue Dream Shrimp thrive in inert substrates like gravel or light-colored sand, while Caridina species prefer active aquasoils that buffer pH down. Learn how to select the right foundation for your aquarium shrimp in our Best Substrate for Shrimp Guide.
3. How do I get my colony to start breeding?
As long as water parameters remain stable, temperatures stay in the low 70s, and adequate food is present, dwarf shrimp will breed naturally. To maximize baby shrimplet survival rates and learn how to support berried females, read our complete guide on How to Breed Freshwater Shrimp.
4. Are dwarf shrimp easy to care for if I am a beginner?
Yes, Neocaridina species like Blue Dream Shrimp are exceptionally hardy, adaptable to standard tap water conditions, and ideal for beginners. Get a complete overview of parameters, diet, and setup requirements in our Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp Care Guide.
Overall rating: 4.678571 / 5 from 140 reviews.
Blue Dream Shrimp are highly regarded for their vibrant blue color and ease of care, making them a popular choice for freshwater aquariums. They are excellent scavengers, feeding on biofilm and algae, and are adaptable to a wide range of water parameters. Customers praise the quality, appearance, and customer service associated with purchasing these shrimp.
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"All shrimp arrived healthy with great color, ranging from sapphire blue to dark blue!"
"Absolutely love the plants. Not new to planted tanks but new to floating plants- my gouramis were looking for places to hide. And for my smallest tank the blue shrimp are just gorgeous and all came well packed and healthy."
"These shrimps arrived in fantastic shape! After a day with lights out and no food they were out and about the next day and enjoyed an algae wafer! Thank you!"
"Great eight out of 10 survive satisfied"
"Arrived all fine love them so cute and colorful"
"All alive and doing great."
"Good shipping and good stock."
"Sadly I found out the hard way that the tap water I use has spiked in copper, but they were beautiful very high quality shrimp in great shape."
"Shrimp arrived quickly, but unfortunately 4 died within the first few days. Tested the water parameters each day they were in there so unsure what caused it! Other shrimp are doing okay though"
"2 weeks later all still living without issues."
