Fantasy blue velvet shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var.)

Meet the Fantasy Blue Velvet Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi variant) — a tiny, serene beauty that looks like it was dipped in a pool of deep sapphire. Calm, peaceful, and mesmerizing to watch, these shrimp bring a touch of elegance to any aquarium, all while doing their part as little algae-cleaning ninjas. ✨

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 L (more space = happier, more confident shrimp)

• Temperature: 20 – 26 °C

• pH: 6.5 – 7.8

• Water Hardness: 4 – 12 dGH

• Filtration: Gentle sponge or low-flow filter to protect adults and babies

• Substrate & Décor: Dark substrate to make their blue hues pop; live plants, mosses, and driftwood for grazing and hiding

Diet

Fantasy Blue Velvet Shrimp are omnivorous and thrive on:

• Algae and biofilm (their favorite all-you-can-eat buffet)

• Shrimp pellets or wafers

• Blanched vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or cucumber

• Occasional protein treats such as crushed flakes or tiny daphnia

Pro tip: Feed small portions once daily — they’ll happily graze the rest of the time!

Social Behavior

These shrimp are peaceful socialites and do best in groups of 10 or more. Compatible tank mates include:
✅ Small rasboras
✅ Pygmy corydoras
✅ Otocinclus
✅ Snails

Avoid aggressive or large fish that might see them as snack-sized sushi.

Breeding

Fantasy Blue Velvet Shrimp breed easily under stable conditions. Females carry eggs for 3–4 weeks, releasing miniature versions of the adults. Dense plants and mosses give the babies plenty of hiding spots and grazing opportunities.

⭐ Fun Fact

Fantasy Blue Velvet Shrimp were developed by crossing Blue Dream and Blue Jelly lines, giving each shrimp a slightly unique shade of blue — some royal, some velvety, and all utterly mesmerizing. Every colony is basically a tiny moving ocean!

Reference: Bubbly Fish – creating underwater wonders.