Ultra Blue Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)

• Type: Freshwater dwarf shrimp
• Species: Neocaridina davidi
• Lineage: Selectively bred from Blue Dream / Blue Velvet lines
• Color: Deep solid blue (higher grades = darker, almost navy)
• Size: ~2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 inches)
• Lifespan: ~1–2 years

“Ultra Blue” refers to top-grade specimens with strong opacity and uniform color, not an official scientific classification.

Tank Requirements

Water Parameters

• Temp: 20–26°C (68–79°F)
• pH: 6.5–7.8
• GH: 6–8
• KH: 2–5
• TDS: ~150–250 ppm

 Like all Neocaridina, they’re hardy, but consistency is key.

Tank Setup

• Minimum tank: 5 gallons (larger = better stability)
• Filtration: Sponge filter (avoids shrimplet loss)
• Substrate:
  • Dark substrate = enhances blue coloration
• Plants (essential for success):
  • Java moss
  • Subwassertang
  • Buce
  • Anubias

 Biofilm growth is critical for grazing and baby survival.

Feeding

• Primary:
  • High-quality shrimp pellets
  • Algae wafers
• Supplemental:
  • Blanched spinach, zucchini
  • Leaf litter (Indian almond)
  • Mineral foods

 For best color: include protein + carotenoid-rich foods

Behavior & Compatibility

• Peaceful, active grazers
• Thrive in:
  • Species-only tanks
  • Nano community setups

Compatible with:

• Chili rasboras
• Ember tetras
• Endlers

 Avoid:

• Cichlids
• Bettas (hit or miss)
• Larger community fish

Breeding

• Very easy and profitable to breed

Breeding basics:

• Females carry eggs for ~3–4 weeks
• Hatch as miniature shrimp (no larval stage)

 Key success factors:

• Stable params
• Moss-heavy tanks
• Low predation

Common Issues

1. Color Regression

• Mixing with other Neocaridina → brown/wild offspring
• Poor diet → faded color

2. Molting Problems

• Low minerals / GH imbalance
• Fix with remineralizers or calcium sources

3. Blue Line Instability

• Some lines throw:
  • Black
  • Clear
  • Wild-type shrimp

 Requires ongoing selective breeding.

Ultra Blue vs Other Blue Variants