Blue Dream Neocaridina

Blue Dream Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. ‘Blue Dream’ or Blue Velvet Dream) are a stunning selectively bred variety of freshwater aquarium shrimp, celebrated for their striking metallic blue coloration that ranges from deep sapphire to vibrant electric blue. Often called “Blue Velvet” in high-grade lines, these shrimp feature a rich, velvety blue hue with subtle mottling or spotting, creating a dreamy, iridescent effect that shines under aquarium lighting — especially against dark substrates or lush green plants.

Key Features & Appearance

• Coloration: Intense metallic blue throughout the body, legs, and tail; high-grade specimens show solid, opaque blue with minimal transparency or black accents for contrast.
• Size: Adults typically 1–1.2 inches (2.5–3 cm); juveniles arrive smaller and develop color quickly.
• Behavior: Active, peaceful grazers that forage on algae, biofilm, and detritus, helping maintain tank cleanliness. They form lively colonies and breed readily in stable conditions.
• Lifespan: 1–2 years with proper care.

These hardy Neocaridina are popular for their eye-catching blue pop in planted tanks, making them a favorite upgrade from basic cherries or reds.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: 5+ gallons recommended; 10–20+ gal supports thriving colonies.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 18–28°C (64–82°F); best at 22–26°C.
  • pH: 6.5–8.0 (adaptable to most dechlorinated tap water).
  • GH: 6–12, KH: 2–8 (harder water boosts color and shell strength).
  • TDS: 150–300 ppm.
• Setup Tips: Planted aquascapes with moss, floating plants, botanicals (e.g., Indian almond leaves), and hiding spots enhance color and provide grazing areas. Use sponge filters to protect shrimplets; avoid copper or harsh chemicals.
• Diet: Scavengers by nature; offer shrimp pellets, blanched veggies, or algae wafers as supplements.
• Compatibility: Ideal for peaceful communities with small fish (tetras, rasboras), snails, or shrimp-only tanks. Avoid aggressive or large predators.

Breeding is straightforward: Females develop a yellow/orange saddle, carrying 20–50 eggs that hatch into mini-shrimp after 3–4 weeks. Provide cover for fry survival.

At Valley Aquatics, Blue Dream Shrimp are a top seller for customers seeking vibrant, low-maintenance color in their setups — pair them with your botanicals for instant dream tanks!