Blue Pearl Shrimp (Neocaridina cf. zhangjiajiensis)

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Blue Pearl Shrimp

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Blue Pearl Shrimp

Neocaridina cf. zhangjiajiensis

19 Litres (5 US G.)

1.3-2.5cm (0.5-1 ")

sg

Freshwater

pH

6.4 - 8.4

22 -28 °C (71.6-82.4°F)

8-12 °d

1:2 M:F

Omnivore
Flake Foods
Other (See article)

1-2 years


This animal is available captive bred




Alternative names

Blue Pearl Shrimp, Snowball Shrimp

Sexing

Females are larger with a rounder underside.

Breeding

Breeding occurs about once every 2 months or so. They carry the eggs for approximately 3 weeks. Generation time is about 3-5 months, depending on the temperature. There will be no breeding if the temperature is too low (under 15°C (59°F) .

Tank compatibility

Do not stock with anything that can fit the entire shrimp in its mouth. Best kept in a shrimp-only tank if breeding success is desired, as there are very few fish that will not eat newly hatched shrimplets. Best not mixed with other Neocaridina as they may hybridise.

Diet

Fresh Spinach and Nettles or dried leaves such as Guava or Indian Almond.

Environment Specifics

As with other Neocardinia, these shrimp thrive in mature planted tanks. Be sure to keep their water well oxygenated, especially if they're being kept at warmer temperatures.

Behaviour

They will shrimp around your tank and pick off micro particles from plants and substrate.

Identification

The wild-type of Neocaridina cf. zhangjiajiensis is brown-grey in colour, the popular blue variant has pale blue in colour with some red spots along the body. The colours of this shrimp can vary and additional colour morphs will surely follow in the next few years.
The most well established colour morph is called the Snowball Shrimp. It is a white colour morph with a white-translucent body and white eggs.

Pictures

External links