13 Different Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina) Types: More Than Just Red!

Do you know cherry shrimps can be of different types? I have already explained different grades of cherry shrimps. However, in this article, I’ll discuss what are the different types of cherry shrimps that you can keep in your aquarium.

Some of these types are mostly available in the fish stores, whereas some are extremely rare. If you are a beginner, the names can get confusing sometimes and you may face a hard time distinguishing between two different types.

Don’t worry. I faced that too! With time and experience, you’ll eventually get good at identifying different types of the cherry shrimps.

Let’s start with the most common one: Red Cherry Shrimp!

13 Different Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina) Types

1. Red Cherry Shrimp

Scientific Name	Neocaridina davidi ‘Red’
Origin	Taiwan
Care Level	Easy
Temperature	70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit
pH	6.5 to 7.5
GH	6-8 ppm
KH	1-4 ppm
TDS	150-250 ppm

Overview

Red cherry shrimp are one of the most common freshwater dwarf shrimp species kept in aquariums. They are an ideal choice for beginners due to their ease of care.

Water Parameters: While they are not picky, maintaining the recommended water parameters will help with successful breeding.

Tank Size: A 5-gallon tank is sufficient for a colony of 10 red cherry shrimp.

Ideal Temperature Range

Red cherry shrimp thrive in a wide range of temperatures, with the ideal range being 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This is where they breed most successfully.

Tank Setup

Plant Recommendations: The more plants, the better. Check out recommendations on the best plants and moss for cherry shrimp here.

Hiding Places: Provide plenty of hiding spots, plants, and moss for them to feel safe.

Hungry for knowledge about Algae + Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina) + Feeding? We’ve got you covered in this article. Do Cherry Shrimps Eat Brown Algae?

Tank Mates

It is not recommended to keep red cherry shrimp with other tank mates due to their peaceful nature. Even small fish like tetras can prey on shrimp babies. A ‘Shrimp Only’ tank is ideal. If you wish to keep them with other species, consider checking out an article on ideal tank mates for cherry shrimp here.

Shrimp Grading

• Normal red cherry shrimp
• Sakura red cherry shrimp
• Fire red shrimp
• Painted red shrimp
• Bloody mary shrimp
• Kanoko shrimp etc.

If you want to know details about each of the grades, check out my article on cherry shrimp grading.

Breeding

Breeding red cherry shrimp is very easy. With the right conditions—good quality food, ideal water parameters, and plenty of plants—they will breed abundantly. For a guide on breeding cherry shrimp, check it out here.

Feeding

Feeding red cherry shrimp is straightforward. They mainly feed on algae and biofilm in the tank. Additionally, you can feed them commercial shrimp food 2-3 times a week. For more details, see the cherry shrimp feeding guide here.

Expand your understanding of Algae + Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina) + Feeding—click here to uncover more! Do Cherry Shrimps Eat Black Beard Algae?

2. Yellow Cherry Shrimp

Scientific Name	Neocaridina davidi ‘Yellow’
Origin	Taiwan
Care Level	Easy
Temperature	65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit
pH	6.2 to 8.0
GH	4-8 ppm
KH	3-15 ppm
TDS	150-250 ppm

Overview

Yellow cherry shrimp are similar to red cherry shrimp in terms of care. They are easy to maintain and do not require special attention.

Substrate: No special substrate is required.

Tank Size: A minimum of 5 gallons is recommended.

Filtration

For filtration, consider using either a sponge or matten filter. Matten filters are highly recommended for shrimp tanks due to their efficiency. For more information on filtration for cherry shrimp, click here.

Tank Mates

Yellow cherry shrimp, like their red counterparts, do best in a shrimp-only tank. However, if you wish to add other creatures, snails are a good option. Malaysian Trumpet Snails are particularly well-suited for shrimp tanks.

Breeding

To encourage successful breeding, include plenty of plants, moss, driftwood, or Indian Almond Leaves in the tank. These elements help create a healthy environment conducive to breeding.

Breeding Essentials:

• Plants and Moss: Essential for a healthy breeding environment.
• Diet: Similar to red cherry shrimp, primarily algae and biofilm.
• Supplemental Food: Offer commercial shrimp food 2-3 times a week. Blanched vegetables can be provided once or twice a month to vary their diet.

With the right conditions—adequate moss, plants, good quality food, and ideal water parameters—yellow cherry shrimp will breed abundantly.

3. Blue Dream Shrimp

Scientific Name	Neocaridina davidi var ‘Blue Dream’
Origin	Taiwan
Care Level	Easy
Temperature	65 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit
pH	7.0 to 8.0
GH	4-8 ppm
KH	3-15 ppm
TDS	200-300 ppm

Overview

Blue Dream Shrimp are well-known for their striking blue color, making them a popular choice for adding vibrant hues to aquariums. They stand out beautifully against a dark substrate and are appreciated for both their color and their ability to keep tanks clean.

Diet: Primarily feed on biofilm and algae. To maintain their vibrant color, supplement their diet with high-quality commercial shrimp food, such as Bacter AE.

Low Maintenance: Blue Dream Shrimp are easy to care for and are low-demanding.

Get the full scoop on Algae + Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina) + Feeding—check out this must-read article! Do Cherry Shrimp Eat Hair Algae?

Background

Blue Dream Shrimp are a result of selective breeding from the Red Cherry Shrimp, specifically from the Blue Velvet Shrimp. This direct breeding line gives them their rich and dark blue color.

Water Parameters

Blue Dream Shrimp are resilient and can thrive in a wide range of water parameters and temperatures. This makes them suitable for both beginners and advanced shrimp keepers.

Breeding

Breeding Blue Dream Shrimp is straightforward. Provide them with:

• High-quality food
• Plenty of plants and moss
• A fresh and clean environment

You’ll soon notice baby Blue Dream Shrimp appearing in the tank.

Recommended Setup for Breeding:

• Tank Size: A 10-gallon tank is ideal, allowing room for the colony to grow without needing an immediate upgrade.
• Starting Colony: Begin with at least 10 shrimp to ensure a good male-to-female ratio.

Breeding Process

When female Blue Dream Shrimp develop unfertilized eggs, they molt and release pheromones that attract males for breeding. After fertilization, the eggs take about two weeks to gestate.

Sexing Blue Dream Shrimp

Sexing Blue Dream Shrimp is similar to other cherry shrimp species:

• Females: Typically larger when sexually mature, with a larger tail and a saddle inside the body. The saddle stores the eggs before fertilization.
• Males: Smaller and more slender.

For more details on identifying the gender of cherry shrimp, check out the guide here.

Availability

Blue Dream Shrimp, though perfect for any level of shrimp keeper, are not as readily available in fish stores as Red Cherry Shrimp. However, you can find them on various online shrimp websites.

4. Black Rose Shrimp

Scientific Name	Neocaridina davidi ‘Black rose’
Origin	Taiwan
Care Level	Easy
Temperature	65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit
pH	6.2 to 8.0
GH	4-8 ppm
KH	3-15 ppm
TDS	150-200 ppm

Overview

The Black Rose Shrimp is an excellent choice for shrimp keepers who want a striking black shrimp that is as easy to care for as a cherry shrimp. Its stunning appearance can captivate viewers, making it one of the most eye-catching types of cherry shrimp.

• Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended.
• Filtration: Use either a sponge or matten filter; the matten filter is highly recommended.

Ready to learn more about Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina) + Feeding + Guide? This post will give you fresh insights! 5 Homemade Cherry Shrimp Food Recipes For Beginners

Water Parameters

Black Rose Shrimp are not picky about water parameters but thrive best within their ideal ranges. They can also tolerate a wide range of temperatures, making them versatile for various tank setups.

Tank Setup

To create an optimal environment:

• Planting: A heavily planted tank with lots of moss, moss balls, and plants is ideal. This setup encourages breeding and provides hiding spots.
• Hiding Places: Adding caves from fish stores can also serve as excellent hiding spots.

Tank Mates

While Black Rose Shrimp can coexist with small schooling fish, they breed quickly, so even if some fry are eaten, it won’t impact the population significantly. However, if you are serious about breeding, it’s best to keep them in a shrimp-only tank.

Diet

The diet for Black Rose Shrimp is simple:

• Biofilm: They thrive on biofilm in the tank.
• Algae: They also consume some types of soft algae.
• Supplemental Feeding: To maintain their stunning color, feed them Bacter AE 2-3 times a week and ensure they receive a calcium-rich diet.

Breeding

Breeding Black Rose Shrimp is as straightforward as with other cherry shrimp species. However, due to their solid black color, the female’s saddle (which stores eggs before fertilization) is not visible, so the eggs will only be noticeable after fertilization when they move towards the belly. The fertilized eggs take about 30 days to hatch.

Keep at least 10 Black Rose Shrimp to ensure a good male-to-female ratio for successful breeding.

5. Snowball Shrimp

Scientific Name	Neocaridina Palmata var. White
Origin	Taiwan
Care Level	Easy
Temperature	65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit
pH	6.2 to 8.0
GH	4-12 ppm
KH	3-8 ppm
TDS	150-250 ppm

Overview

Snowball Shrimp are a white variation of Neocaridina Palmata, first selectively bred in Germany. They are widely appreciated for their snow-white color and low-maintenance requirements, making them as easy to care for as any cherry shrimp.

Unique Feature: These shrimp are called “Snowball” because their eggs are pure white, resembling snowballs.

Expand your understanding of Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina) + Feeding + Guide—click here to uncover more! How Do Cherry Shrimp Eat?

Water Parameters

Snowball Shrimp can live in a wide range of water parameters and temperatures. However, if you’re breeding them, it’s best to maintain the water within the ideal range specified above.

Benefits

In addition to their striking appearance, Snowball Shrimp are excellent algae eaters. Many shrimp keepers report that their tanks became much cleaner after just a couple of months with Snowball Shrimp.

• Diet: Along with algae, supplement their diet with Bacter AE to maintain their color.

Feeding Tips

• Frequency: Feed supplementary food 2-3 times a week.
• Overfeeding: Avoid overfeeding. It’s okay to skip feeding for a few days as they can survive on the natural algae and biofilm in the tank.

Breeding

Breeding Snowball Shrimp is straightforward and quick:

• Eggs: The eggs take about 45 days to hatch.
• Identifying Hatch Time: You can tell when the eggs are close to hatching by noticing a set of eyes on the snow-white eggs.

Behavior

Snowball Shrimp are peaceful and active creatures. If they feel safe, they’ll spend their time grazing on plants, moss, decorations, and leaves.

Important Note on Copper

Copper is extremely deadly to Snowball Shrimp, as it is to all freshwater dwarf shrimp. Ensure that copper does not leach into the shrimp tank in any way.

6. Blue Pearl Shrimp

Scientific Name	Neocaridina cf. zhangjiajiensis
Origin	Germany
Care Level	Easy
Temperature	68 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit
pH	6.5 to 7.5
GH	3-10 ppm
KH	1-4 ppm
TDS	150-250 ppm

Overview

Blue Pearl Shrimp are a relatively new addition to the shrimp-keeping world, first bred in Germany. Their stunning blue color quickly made them popular in the USA. Blue Pearl Shrimp are recognized as the first truly bred blue dwarf shrimp.

Care Level: Easy, similar to other cherry shrimp varieties.

Care and Maintenance

• Basic Needs: Ensure ideal water parameters, fresh and clean water, plenty of plants, and high-quality food to keep Blue Pearl Shrimp happy and healthy.
• Consistency: Although they can withstand a wide range of parameters, it’s important to keep conditions consistent to avoid stress.

Diet

Blue Pearl Shrimp are scavengers and will eat almost anything:

• Primary Diet: Algae and biofilm.
• Supplemental Feeding: For proper growth and color, feed them Bacter AE and occasionally offer blanched vegetables to vary their diet.

Breeding

Breeding Blue Pearl Shrimp is straightforward:

• Requirements: Ensure a good male-to-female ratio in the colony and maintain the right setup.
• Result: With the proper conditions, you’ll see many baby Blue Pearl Shrimp in no time.

Behavior

Blue Pearl Shrimp are peaceful, but they are best kept in a shrimp-only tank. Most fish will nibble at the adults or prey on the babies, so it’s safer to avoid tank mates.

Special Note

Baby Blue Pearl Shrimp are considered “prized shrimp” and are not as common as Red Cherry Shrimp. Due to their rarity, it’s important to take proper care of them.

7. Green Jade Shrimp

Scientific Name	Neocaridina davidi var. ‘Green’
Origin	Taiwan
Care Level	Easy
Temperature	65 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit
pH	7.0 to 8.0
GH	4-8 ppm
KH	3-15 ppm
TDS	200-300 ppm

Overview

Green Jade Shrimp, with their dark green color, are a striking addition to any tank, especially against a dark substrate. They are a relatively new addition to the shrimp-keeping world and have quickly gained popularity.

• Active Scavengers: These shrimp are very active and love to scavenge the tank, eating soft algae and biofilm.
• Tank Setup: They thrive best in a heavily planted tank.

Color Variation

Green Jade Shrimp are selectively bred from the Red Cherry Shrimp line, resulting in a variety of colorations:

• Color Range: The colors range from red -> brown -> blue -> yellow -> green.
• Patterns: Some shrimp have green stripes and spots over a translucent yellow body, while others may have a bright green color or a dark emerald hue.

Sexing Green Jade Shrimp

Sexing Green Jade Shrimp is similar to other cherry shrimp species:

• Females: Larger in size, with a saddle and bigger tails. The larger tail is used to fan the eggs once they are fertilized and move towards the belly.
• Maturity: Sexing can only be done once the shrimp are sexually mature.

Care and Maintenance

Green Jade Shrimp are forgiving and can be kept in a wide range of water parameters. However, consistency is key. Inconsistent water parameters can stress the shrimp and cause health issues.

• Feeding: Feed them good shrimp food 2-3 times a week, depending on the amount of algae and biofilm in the tank. Supplementary food options include algae wafers, Bacter AE, shrimp pellets, etc.
• Avoid Overfeeding: Overfeeding is the cause of 90% of the problems shrimp keepers face.

Breeding

Breeding Green Jade Shrimp is straightforward:

• Colony: Ensure there are enough males and females in the colony.
• Gestation: The eggs need about 2 weeks to gestate.
• Fry Care: You won’t need to offer anything extra for the fry. They will start eating what the adults eat and grow quickly.

8. Blue Velvet Shrimp

Scientific Name	Neocaridina davidi var. ‘Blue’
Origin	Taiwan
Care Level	Easy
Temperature	65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit
pH	6.2 to 8.0
GH	4-8 ppm
KH	3-15 ppm
TDS	150-250 ppm

Overview

Blue Velvet Shrimp are admired for their vibrant blue color, making them a popular choice among shrimp keepers. They are similar to Red Cherry Shrimp in care requirements, diet, and breeding.

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons.
• Tank Setup: Include plenty of plants and moss to help them feel safe.

Behavior and Activity

Blue Velvet Shrimp are active and love to graze on algae and biofilm in the tank. While they do well with minimal intervention, it’s important to offer supplementary food 2-3 times a week.

• Feeding Frequency: There is no need to feed them every day. In fact, it’s better to skip feeding on some days to avoid overfeeding.

Breeding

Breeding Blue Velvet Shrimp is easy and follows the same process as with other cherry shrimp:

• Vigorous Breeders: They breed actively like other cherry shrimp species.
• Tank Mates: While some “safe” tank mates can be kept with them, no fish is entirely shrimp-safe. If breeding is your priority, keep them in a shrimp-only tank.
• Berried Females: Berried females are particularly striking, with greenish/yellowish eggs visible inside their blue bodies. The eggs take about a month to hatch.

Fry Care: The fry do not require special attention beyond having plenty of moss and plants in the tank. They will grow quickly and start mating in due time.

9. Orange Pumpkin Shrimp

Scientific Name	Neocaridina davidi var. ‘Orange’
Origin	Taiwan
Care Level	Easy
Temperature	65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit
pH	6.2 to 7.8
GH	4-8 ppm
KH	3-15 ppm
TDS	150-250 ppm

Overview

Orange Pumpkin Shrimp add a vibrant orange hue to your aquarium, making them a great choice for anyone looking to enhance the visual appeal of a planted tank without extensive care requirements.

• Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended.
• Substrate: You can use a bare bottom tank, filter pool sand, or eco-complete planted aquarium substrate for a heavily planted tank. A dark substrate will make their orange color stand out more.

Filtration

Every shrimp tank needs filtration, even if heavily planted. You can choose between:

• Sponge Filter
• Matten Filter

Water Parameters

Orange Pumpkin Shrimp are not fussy about water parameters, but it’s important to maintain consistency within the specified range. Sudden spikes or drops in parameters can stress them.

Tank Mates

You can keep some tank mates with Orange Pumpkin Shrimp, but be aware that the babies might not be safe, even with peaceful fish. If breeding is your goal, a shrimp-only tank is recommended. Snails, like Malaysian Trumpet Snails, can help create a better ecological balance in the tank.

Feeding

Feeding Orange Pumpkin Shrimp is straightforward:

• Primary Diet: Algae and biofilm.
• Supplementary Feeding: Offer good quality shrimp food 2-3 times a week, depending on the algae in the tank. You can also supplement their diet with blanched vegetables like cucumber, zucchini, and spinach.

Breeding and Availability

Breeding Orange Pumpkin Shrimp is similar to other cherry shrimp species. However, they are not as popular as Red Cherry Shrimp, so finding them for sale may be challenging, and the color may vary. It’s best to search reputable online shrimp sites and check their collections regularly.

10. Red Onyx Shrimp

Scientific Name	Neocaridina davidi var. ‘Red Onyx’
Origin	Japan/East Asia
Care Level	Easy
Temperature	65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit
pH	6.2 to 8.0
GH	4-12 ppm
KH	3-8 ppm
TDS	150-250 ppm

Overview

Red Onyx Shrimp are a stunning variant with a striking combination of red and black spots, making them exceptionally beautiful. Their appearance is similar to high-grade Red Cherry Shrimp but with added black spots that enhance their visual appeal.

• Rarity: These shrimp are very rare, and it can be difficult to find them for sale. Most shrimp stores do not keep them in their regular collection.

Care and Maintenance

Caring for Red Onyx Shrimp is as straightforward as caring for any other cherry shrimp:

• Tank Size: Follow the same guidelines as for other cherry shrimp.
• Water Parameters: Maintain within the specified ranges.

Breeding

Breeding Red Onyx Shrimp can be challenging, especially if you want to maintain the same coloration. Selective breeding is often necessary to keep the distinct red and black color pattern.

Feeding

Red Onyx Shrimp are excellent algae eaters and enjoy feeding on biofilm:

• Supplementary Feeding: Offer supplementary food a few times a week to ensure proper nutrition.

Tank Mates

Given their rarity and striking appearance, it is recommended not to keep any tank mates with Red Onyx Shrimp to ensure their safety and reduce stress.

11. Blue Diamond Shrimp

Scientific Name	Neocaridina davidi var. ‘Blue Diamond’
Origin	Taiwan
Care Level	Easy
Temperature	60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit
pH	6.5 to 8.0
GH	6-8 ppm
KH	1-4 ppm
TDS	150-250 ppm

Overview

Blue Diamond Shrimp have an interesting origin story, having been first bred from a strain of Chocolate Neo. Although their coloration is not yet fully stable, often displaying blotches of irregular patterns, they are highly cherished for their stunning sapphire-like appearance.

• Visual Appeal: These shrimp bring a beautiful sapphire hue to the tank and are also excellent at keeping the tank clean.
• Popularity: Their popularity is growing due to their algae-control and waste-management abilities.

Care and Maintenance

Blue Diamond Shrimp are as easy to care for as any other cherry shrimp:

• Tank Setup: They thrive in a heavily planted tank.
• Water Parameters: While they are not picky, maintaining consistent temperature and water parameters is crucial to their health. Avoid sudden spikes or drops.

Breeding

If conditions are right, Blue Diamond Shrimp will breed prolifically, filling the tank with baby blue shrimp in no time.

Cost

Due to their unique appearance and capabilities, Blue Diamond Shrimp are more expensive than regular Red Cherry Shrimp:

• Price: A single pair can cost more than $10, so be prepared for the investment if you want to start a colony.

Blue Diamond Shrimp are an excellent choice for those looking to add both beauty and functionality to their tank, though they come with a higher price tag.

12. Blue-Green Emerald Shrimp

Scientific Name	Neocaridina davidi var. ‘Blue-Green’
Origin	Taiwan
Care Level	Easy
Temperature	64 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit
pH	6.8 to 7.5
GH	4-12 ppm
KH	3-8 ppm
TDS	150-250 ppm

Overview

Blue-Green Emerald Shrimp are one of the newest and rarest varieties of Neocaridina davidi, and they have quickly become a favorite among shrimp keepers. They are celebrated for their dark-green, blue-green coloration that stands out beautifully against a dark substrate.

• Visual Appeal: These shrimp are known for their striking blue-green color, making them a standout addition to any tank.
• Rarity: Being a rare variety, they can be quite pricey, with a single shrimp costing around $10.

Care and Maintenance

Like other cherry shrimp species, Blue-Green Emerald Shrimp are hardy and easy to care for:

• Water Parameters: They can live in a wide range of water parameters, making them suitable for various tank setups.
• Diet: They primarily feed on algae and biofilm, but will benefit from supplemental commercial shrimp food 2-3 times a week, depending on the algae levels in the tank.

Behavior

Blue-Green Emerald Shrimp are peaceful and very active:

• Scavenging: They spend most of their day scavenging throughout the tank, jumping from leaf to leaf or exploring the substrate.
• Tank Mates: Despite their peaceful nature, it’s advisable to avoid keeping them with fish, as their rarity and cost make them too valuable to risk.

Feeding

Feeding is straightforward, but it’s crucial to avoid overfeeding:

• Feeding Frequency: Offer high-quality food like Bacter AE in small amounts to prevent overfeeding, which is a common issue in shrimp tanks.

Blue-Green Emerald Shrimp are a beautiful and rare addition to any shrimp tank, offering both visual appeal and easy care. However, due to their rarity and price, they require careful consideration in terms of tank mates and feeding practices.

13. Chocolate Shrimp

Scientific Name	Neocaridina davidi var. ‘Chocolate’
Origin	Taiwan
Care Level	Easy
Temperature	65 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit
pH	7.0 to 8.0
GH	4-8 ppm
KH	3-15 ppm
TDS	200-300 ppm

Overview

Chocolate Shrimp are named for their rich, dark chocolate color, making them a popular choice among shrimp keepers. They stand out beautifully against a light-colored substrate.

• Coloration: These shrimp range from deep red to dark chocolate hues, with some even featuring brown stripes and spots on a translucent yellow body.

Care and Maintenance

Chocolate Shrimp are easy to care for, similar to other cherry shrimp species:

• Diet: They are scavengers, primarily feeding on algae and biofilm. To ensure they receive the necessary minerals and vitamins, supplement their diet with high-quality shrimp food, like Bacter AE, 2-3 times a week.
• Supplemental Feeding: Occasionally offer blanched vegetables such as carrot, cucumber, zucchini, or spinach to vary their diet.

Water Parameters

Chocolate Shrimp can thrive in a wide range of water parameters, but they are sensitive to sudden fluctuations. Consistency is key to keeping them healthy.

Breeding

Breeding Chocolate Shrimp is straightforward, but for best results:

• Colony Size: Start with a colony of at least 10 shrimp.
• Tank Setup: A tank with plenty of plants and moss is ideal. If you’re serious about breeding, it’s best to keep them in a species-only tank, possibly with snails like Malaysian Trumpet Snails.
• Gestation: Once the female is berried, the eggs take about 2 weeks to gestate. The fry can care for themselves once hatched.

Behavior and Compatibility

Chocolate Shrimp are peaceful and can be good tank mates in a community tank. However, if breeding is a priority, a shrimp-only tank is recommended.

Sexing Chocolate Shrimp

Sexing Chocolate Shrimp is similar to other cherry shrimp species:

• Females: Typically larger, with bigger tails and a saddle inside their body that stores eggs until fertilization.

Chocolate Shrimp are a beautiful and easy-to-care-for addition to any shrimp tank, providing both visual appeal and ease of maintenance. With the right conditions, they will breed readily and add even more color to your aquarium.

How Many Types Of Shrimp Are There?

There are more than 2400 species of shrimp in this world. But, only a small portion of shrimp species are available commercially.

21 Types Of Neocaridina Shrimp

If you talk about the popularity of shrimp species, the name Neocaridina shrimp may come up first in your mind. Due to its hardy nature and low requirements, shrimp hobbyists often prefer Neocaridina shrimp. Moreover, these Neocaridina shrimp will surely catch your attention with their bright coloration.

There is a wide range of diversification in Neocaridina shrimp. I’ve made a small list of Neocaridina shrimp below.

1. Chocolate Shrimp

Chocolate shrimp are also popular as black cherry shrimp. To get shrimp with chocolatey-colored shells, you need to do selective breeding or Red Cherry shrimp. Specific grades of chocolate shrimp may have some dark patches over their brown chocolate-colored shell.

2. Black Rose Shrimp

If you’re a black lover, you must prefer black rose shrimp. This species of Neocaridina shrimp family has a pure black shell. An adult Black Rose shrimp can reach up to 3 inches.

3. Red Rili Shrimp

You shouldn’t get confused between similar-looking red cherry shrimp and Red Rili shrimp. These Neocaridina shrimp species get translucent bands with their bright red-colored head and tail. Since breeding Red Rili shrimp isn’t a difficult task, these shrimp species are not much costlier.

4. Blue Dream Shrimp

Another wonderful color morph of the Neocaridina shrimp family is the blue dream shrimp. These shrimp have won the heart of shrimp hobbyists with their blue coloration, hardy nature, and easy to breed naturally.

5. Blue Diamond Rili Shrimp

If you want something striking in your aquarium, you can choose Black Diamond Rili shrimp. These unique shrimp have glossy shells with a dark blue or black coloration. However, Blue Diamond Rili shrimp is a selectively bred variety for such unique coloration.

6. Snowball Shrimp

Snowball shrimp is one of the most beautiful varieties of the Neocaridina family. These shrimp will add a pure white appearance to your shrimp tank. Another name for snowball shrimp is White Pearl shrimp.

7. Green Jade Shrimp

This rare shrimp morph is too stunning to take your eyes off these shrimp. Green Jade shrimp has several color grades ranging from light lime green to bottle green.

8. Bloody Mary Shrimp

As the name suggests, bloody mary shrimp has a bright red coloration on their shell. Sometimes, you may notice a variety of bloody mary shrimp with translucent red color. This unique morph of Neocaridina shrimp is selectively bred from Chocolate Sakura shrimp.

9. Yellow Fire Shrimp

If any shrimp hobbyists are sunshine yellow lovers, Yellow Fire shrimp will be a great choice for them. Another name for Yellow Fire shrimp is Neon Yellow shrimp.

10. Blue Jelly Shrimp

By selective breeding of Blue Rili shrimp, you can get another unique blue-colored shrimp type of Neocaridina shrimp. Blue Jelly shrimp has a semi-transparent body of light blue coloration. Sometimes, it may appear as a hue of greenish blue color.

11. Orange Fire Shrimp

This Neocaridina shrimp type is an orange color variant of Fire Red shrimp. To achieve the bright orange color, Orange Fire shrimp are selectively bred from Red Cherry shrimp.

12. Orange Rili Shrimp

Orange Rili shrimp are different from Orange Fire shrimp due to their transparent white band. These types of Neocaridina shrimp have orange and white coloration on their shell. Due to having hardy nature, Orange Rili shrimp are a popular choice among beginners.

13. Red Sakura Shrimp

Although people often mistake Red Sakura shrimp for Red Cherry shrimp, this Neocaridina shrimp type is a high-quality variant of Red Cherry shrimp. As a result, these shrimp have darker red coloration with translucent legs.

14. Blue Pearl Shrimp

Another unique Neocaridina shrimp species is the Blue Pearl shrimp. Its icy blue color will surely add additional beauty to your shrimp tank. However, these 1.5-2 inched Blue Pearl shrimp are one of the truest breeding Blue Dwarf shrimp.

15. Red Cherry Shrimp

The most popular and hyped Neocaridina shrimp is the Red Cherry shrimp. You can keep a colony of 10-20 of these cleanup crews together in a tank. These Red Cherry shrimp can cost around $3-$8 per shrimp.

16. Black Sakura Shrimp

Another stunning species of Neocaridina shrimp is Black Sakura shrimp. Its opaque black coloration can readily catch the attention of any shrimp lover. These peaceful shrimp can live up to 2 years within an ideal environment.

17. Jinsha Shrimp

Jinsha shrimp is fun to watch for shrimp hobbyists. These shrimp have an intense mixed coloration of yellow and orange. In addition, you can find dorsal stripes over their attractive shell.

18. Red Onyx Shrimp

Another beginner-friendly Neocaridina shrimp is the Red Onyx shrimp. These shrimp has a chocolaty red shade on their shell. Red Onyx shrimp is a deep maroon to dark brown colored shrimp. Its darker version increases the demand for its price.

19. Carbon Rili Shrimp

Carbon Rili shrimp are selectively bred to get the coloration of blue, black, and white. This special-bred Neocaridina davidi is eye catchy for its translucent patches. Since these shrimp can tolerate fluctuations, they are easy to take care of.

20. Gold Dust Shrimp

Gold Dust shrimp is another striking shrimp with a transparent body. These shrimp have brown to black colored spots all over their transparent body. Since breeding Gold Dust shrimp is difficult, these shrimp are pretty rare in the shrimp world.

21. Super Green Jade Shrimp

One of the rarest Neocaridina shrimp color variants is super Green Jade shrimp. These algae eaters come in several colors. Such as velvety green, yellow, red, and brown.

Neocaridina Shrimp Color Chart

You can find Neocaridina shrimp in varieties of colors. The wild Neocaridina shrimp are mainly green and brown. Sometimes, you may find them in transparent bodies.

But, the breeders prefer experimenting with color by mixing different types of shrimp. The cost of these shrimp varies on the intensity of coloration.

That’s why, you may find a wide range of color morphs shrimp with different grades. In addition, you’ll find varieties of Neocaridina shrimp with different bands, spots, and stripes. These are the results of selective breeding.

I’ve made a small color chart for Neocaridina shrimp here. Let’s check this out.

Neocaridina Davidi	Neocaridina Palmata
Red (Red Cherry, Red Sakura, Red Rili)	Blue Pearl Shrimp
Orange (Orange Rili, Orange Sakura)	White Pearl Shrimp
Green (Green Jade)
Black (Black Shakura, Carbon Black Rili, Blue Carbon)
Yellow (Yellow Rili, Yellow Fire, Yellow Fire Neon Back)
Violet (Purple Cherry, Purple Zebra)
Chocolate (Bloody Mary, Chocolate Sakura)
Blue (Blue Jelly, Blue Rili, Blue Dream)
White (White Pearl shrimp)
Ghost

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do neocaridina shrimps get?

Neocaridina shrimp generally grow to around 1.5 inches in length for females, and 1.25 inches for males. The females can reach up to around 1.6″/4 cm, while the males stay a bit smaller.

Learn more about cherry shrimp size here!

How big do blue velvet shrimps get?

Blue Velvet Shrimp, which is a species of Neocaridina shrimp, can grow up to 1.5 inches in length for females and 1.25 inches for males, with the largest females reaching up to 2 inches. However, their exact size can vary depending on the individual.

Learn more about blue cherry shrimp care here!

How fast do cherry shrimp grow? 

Cherry shrimp generally take 4-6 months to reach adulthood, but some species can take up to 12 months to fully mature.

They grow rapidly and steadily in an exponential method through three different stages until they reach adulthood. On average, they gain 2.60 grams of weight every week when kept in optimal water conditions and given a high-quality diet.

How to sex neocaridina shrimp?

Sexing Neocaridina shrimp can be challenging, but there are a few key characteristics to look for. One way to sex them is to look for a saddle, which is a yellowish spot behind the head that contains eggs before they are moved to the swimmerettes.

Another way is to look for eggs, which can be seen tucked between a female’s back legs.

Additionally, females are typically larger and less colorful than males, and their mid-section will bend downwards, like the base of the letter U. In contrast, males’ mid-section curves the opposite way, like the top of the letter n.

Learn more about how to determine cherry shrimp gender here!

What is the highest quality cherry shrimp?

Sexing Neocaridina shrimp can be challenging, but there are a few key characteristics to look for. One way to sex them is to look for a saddle, which is a yellowish spot behind the head that contains eggs before they are moved to the swimmerettes.

Another way is to look for eggs, which can be seen tucked between a female’s back legs.

Additionally, females are typically larger and less colorful than males, and their mid-section will bend downwards, like the base of the letter U. In contrast, males’ mid-section curves the opposite way, like the top of the letter n.

Learn more about how to determine cherry shrimp gender here!

What is the most popular cherry shrimp color?

The most popular color for Cherry Shrimp is red, which is why they are commonly known as “Red Cherry Shrimp” or “RCS”. Learn more about it’s proper care here!