Blue Dream Shrimp
Species Profile
Blue Dream Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) is a fan favorite for a reason: its stunning, deep sapphire-blue coloration is nearly unrivaled among freshwater aquarium shrimp. Descending from carbon and chocolate color lines, they bring rich color to planted aquariums, standing out against light decorative sands, pale stones, and bright green carpet plants. They are active, peaceful scavengers that pick at biofilm and soft algae across foliage and hardscape without nibbling healthy leaves or dislodging root systems. Because they share the hardy genetics of the Neocaridina genus, they handle standard tap water conditions well and reproduce readily, making them an approachable choice for nano tanks and peaceful community layouts.
**Note: All livestock orders will come carefully packaged with solid wall Styrofoam insulation and shipped via 1-day shipping only. No extra insulation needs to be added to your cart for your livestock.
Key Features & Notes
- Rich sapphire-blue coloration provides deep contrast against light sand, hardscape, and vibrant green stems.
- Active, plant-safe grazer that scours biofilm and soft algae without uprooting delicate carpet runners.
- Durable Neocaridina strain that adapts smoothly to tap water parameters and establishes self-sustaining colonies.
Care Specifications
- Maintain clean, well-filtered water with stable GH and KH levels to ensure problem-free molting cycles.
- Keep water parameters strictly free of copper-based medications or heavy metals.
- Supplement their diet with plant-based shrimp pellets, spirulina, and blanched vegetables to ensure proper minerals for molting when natural algae is low.
- Leave molted shells in the tank so fry and adults can ingest essential minerals for growth.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy livestock!
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neocaridina davidi "Blue Dream" |
| Common Name(s) | Blue Dream Shrimp, Blue Velvet Shrimp |
| Family | Atyidae |
| Care Difficulty | Easy |
| Diet | Omnivore (Biofilm, soft algae, sinking micro pellets, blanched vegetables) |
| Plant Safe | Yes (Safe with delicate mosses, stems, and foreground carpets) |
| Temperament | Peaceful bottom and hardscape grazer |
| Adult Size | 1.0"–1.25" (2.5–3.2 cm) |
| Minimum Tank Size | 5+ Gallons (10+ Gallons recommended for stable breeding) |
| Water Parameters | pH 6.8–7.8 | GH 6–10 | KH 3–8 | 65°F–80°F (18°C–27°C) | TDS 180–300 ppm |
| Freshwater Breeding | Yes (Prolific live shrimplet producer) |
| Origin | Taiwan (Tank-bred domestic strain) |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I properly acclimate my new freshwater shrimp to prevent shock?
Dwarf shrimp are sensitive to sudden shifts in water parameters and TDS. Drip acclimate new arrivals slowly over 1 to 2 hours using airline tubing. Follow our step-by-step tutorial in 7 Easy Steps to Drip Acclimate Shrimp and Fish.
2. What substrate is best for keeping dwarf shrimp healthy?
Neocaridina do best on inert substrates like sand or gravel that do not alter pH. Caridina species require active buffering aquarium soil. Learn how to choose the right foundation in our Best Substrate for Shrimp Guide.
3. How do I get my colony to start breeding?
Keep water parameters stable, feed a balanced diet, and maintain temperatures around 70°F to 76°F. Females carry fertilized eggs beneath their tails until miniature shrimplets hatch. Read our complete guide on How to Breed Freshwater Shrimp.
4. Are dwarf shrimp easy to care for if I am a beginner?
Yes. Blue Dream Shrimp are hardy, adapt well to dechlorinated tap water, and thrive in cycled planted tanks. Explore our complete guide on Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp Care Guide.