Wild Neocaridina Shrimp (Neocaridina denticulata)

Family: Atyidae

Wild Neocaridina Shrimp — a hardy Atyidae algae grazer. Reaches 2–2.5 cm; keep at 18–26 °C in groups.

Care parameters

Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–8
GH hardness
6–15 dGH
Adult length
2–2.5 cm
Minimum tank
20 L
Water layer
Bottom — grazes on plants, wood and glass
Difficulty
Easy
Temperament
Extremely peaceful
Origin
East Asia — central & southern China, Taiwan

Species overview

Neocaridina denticulata is an Atyidae freshwater shrimp. In the aquarium it stays an extremely peaceful algae grazer. Plan on 2–2.5 cm of adult shrimp at 18–26 °C, kept in groups of 10 or more, and pair it with other peaceful shrimp and small fish.

Native biotope

Habitat
Slow streams, ponds and rice paddies with dense vegetation
Flow
Gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate oxygen

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Fine inert gravel or shrimp-safe sand
Hardscape
Java moss, driftwood and leaf litter
Plants
Dense moss and fine-leaf plants for grazing and refuge

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Keep in groups of 10 or more
Diet
Algae grazer; supplement with sinking omnivore foods
Recommended tankmates
  • Other peaceful shrimp and small fish — Similar water needs
  • Freshwater snails — Shares the grazing niche peacefully
Avoid keeping with
  • Large crayfish and big-mouth cichlids — Will prey on shrimp

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Females are larger and deeper-bodied when carrying eggs
Breeding method
Breeds readily in pure freshwater; eggs hatch as miniature shrimp

Frequently asked questions

Is Wild Neocaridina Shrimp easy to keep?

Difficulty: easy. Extremely peaceful. Keep in groups of 10 or more.

What temperature and water chemistry does Wild Neocaridina Shrimp need?

Aim for 18–26 °C. Stable 18–26 °C; avoid heat spikes above 28 °C; 18–26 °C stable range.

How big does Wild Neocaridina Shrimp get, and what tank size?

Expect 2–2.5 cm as an adult, living bottom — grazes on plants, wood and glass. A 20 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Wild Neocaridina Shrimp eat?

Algae grazer; supplement with sinking omnivore foods. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Wild Neocaridina Shrimp live with other fish?

Extremely peaceful. Recommended tankmates: Other peaceful shrimp and small fish — Similar water needs, Freshwater snails — Shares the grazing niche peacefully. Avoid Large crayfish and big-mouth cichlids — Will prey on shrimp.

Where does Wild Neocaridina Shrimp come from?

Its home waters are East Asia — central & southern China, Taiwan — slow streams, ponds and rice paddies with dense vegetation, with gentle current.

How does Wild Neocaridina Shrimp breed?

In the aquarium: breeds readily in pure freshwater; eggs hatch as miniature shrimp. Females are larger and deeper-bodied when carrying eggs.