Blue Dream / Blue Diamond Shrimp

Blue Dream Shrimp Care Guide

Blue Dream Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. "Blue Dream") are a selectively bred color morph of the cherry shrimp. They're hardy, peaceful, and add vibrant blue color to freshwater aquariums.

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 liters (ideally 20+ liters for stability and colonies)

• Temperature: 20–26°C (68–79°F)

• pH: 6.5–7.5

• GH (General Hardness): 6–8 dGH

• KH (Carbonate Hardness): 2–4 dKH

• TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): 180–250 ppm

• Filtration: Sponge filter or gentle-flow filter

• Substrate: Inert (like sand or gravel) or active if keeping Neocaridina with other shrimp species

• Lighting: Moderate (important for plant growth if using live plants)

Use a heater if your room temperature drops below 20°C.

Tank Setup

• Plants: Provide mosses (e.g., Java Moss), ferns, and floating plants for biofilm and cover

• Decor: Driftwood, cholla wood, or rocks for grazing surfaces

• Substrate: Darker substrate enhances their color

• Hiding Spots: Essential during molting (Shrimp tubes, shrimp hides)

️ Diet & Feeding

• Primary Diet:

  • High-quality shrimp pellets

  • Algae wafers

  • Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, cucumber)

  • Biofilm (naturally forms in well-cycled tanks)

• Feeding Frequency: 3–5 times per week (very small portions)

• Warning: Do not overfeed; remove uneaten food to avoid water quality issues

Breeding

• Ease: Very easy in stable, clean conditions

• Sexual Dimorphism: Females are more vivid blue and larger with a curved underbelly

• Gestation: Around 30 days

• Babies: Born fully formed and do not go through a larval stage

✅ No special care is needed for babies if the tank is mature and well-planted

Tank Mates

Choose peaceful, non-predatory tank mates only. Blue Dream Shrimp are small and can be seen as food by larger or aggressive fish.

✅ Safe Companions:

• Snails (Nerite, Mystery, Ramshorn)

• Otocinclus Catfish

• Pygmy Corydoras

• Small Rasboras (e.g., Chili Rasboras)

• Ember Tetras

• Peaceful Nano Fish

❌ Avoid:

• Angelfish

• Any aggressive or large fish

Best kept in a species-only tank if you want to breed them or maintain a thriving colony.

Maintenance Tips

• Water Changes: 10–20% weekly with temperature-matched, dechlorinated water

• Stable Parameters: Avoid large pH swings or TDS spikes

• Avoid Medications: Copper-based treatments are toxic to shrimp