Anyone who keeps shrimp in their aquarium knows it: those little rascals are so addictive. Let's face it: they dance, scrub, and bring life to that nano tank. But which species should you choose as a beginner? Neocaridina or Caridina? Let me tell you from personal experience: once mixed, you won't get colorful, shiny youngsters, but dull brown ones. This guide will get you off to a good start.
Neocaridina shrimp are hardy, brightly colored (like the red Cherry shrimp), and perfect for beginners. Caridina shrimp are more delicate, often more subtle in color, and they don't crossbreed with Neocaridina—so they can be safely kept together without mixing colors.
What exactly is Neocaridina & Caridina?
These are two genera of dwarf shrimp that look similar, but differ quite a bit in maintenance:
- Neocaridina (Cherry, Blue Dream…) – more robust, colorful and forgiving—and really for beginners.
- Caridina (Crystal Red, Taiwan Bee…) – more fragile, and more demanding in terms of soft water and stability.
Note: Within each family – for example, Neocaridina colors – species can interbreed, but this often results in brown or "special" offspring. So choose one color per tank to keep your colors bright. And yes, Caridina and Neocaridina – they cannot even interbreed, and their water requirements are so different that it is wise to keep them separate anyway.
Comparison: Neocaridina vs Caridina
| Feature | Neocaridina | Caridina |
|---|---|---|
| Example species | Cherry, Blue Dream, Yellow | Crystal Red, Crystal Black, Taiwan Bee |
| Difficulty | Beginner-friendly and forgiving | Advanced – more sensitive to fluctuations |
| Temperature | Ideal 21–26 °C (tolerance 18–29 °C) | Ideal 20–24 °C |
| pH | 6.5–8.0 (stable water) | 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic) |
| GH (total hardness) | 6–14 dGH (107–250 ppm TDS) | 4–6 dGH (70–110 ppm TDS) |
| KH (carbonate hardness) | 0–4 dKH | 0–2 dKH |
| TDS (ppm) | 180–300 ppm | 100–160 ppm |
| Water source | Tap water (no osmosis required) | Osmosis water with minerals (e.g. Bee Mineral GH+) |
| Color variation | Many colors (red, blue, yellow, green) | Softer tones (red/white, black/white, blue) |
| Does crossing cause color loss? | Yes, within Neocaridina color lines | Yes, within Caridina lines |
| Intercrossable? | No, Neocaridina and Caridina do not crossbreed – safe to keep together | |
How to keep shrimp step by step?
- Choose an aquarium: at least 10 L with a filter, plenty of moss and hiding places.
- Substrate & water values: neutral or active soil – osmosis water + minerals at Caridina.
- Maintain the running-in period: allow the tank to get into good working order first.
- Drip method: Introduce shrimp slowly to avoid fluctuations.
- Feed in moderation: use special shrimp food, feed sparingly and remove leftovers.
- Temperature: Neocaridina can tolerate room temperature; Caridina likes it cooler (18–24 °C).
- No copper! Medications or additives? Always check for copper – even a few ppm is lethal.
Common mistakes (and fixes)
- Mixing colours within a family: never mix different colours – stick to one colour per tank.
- Too warm for Caridina: keep them cool, otherwise you will lose your beautiful shrimp.
- Copper in water: Check labels; even small amounts can be fatal.
Recommended beginner shrimp
Start your shrimp journey with these trusted heroes from our webshop and blog:
- Red Cherry (Neocaridina) – colorful, easy, and matures in a short cycle. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Crystal Red (Caridina) – a bit delicate, but with soft water conditions, a real beauty. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Checklist
- ✔️ Nano aquarium ≥25 L
- ✔️ Sufficient moss/plants/hiding places
- ✔️ Water values tailored to species
- ✔️ One color/type per family
- ✔️ Special shrimp food – with care
Conclusion
Whether you choose the easy way with Neocaridina or want something more challenging with Caridina, with the right preparation and knowledge, you'll get the most out of your shrimp tank. Need help getting started or some plant advice? Feel free to send us a message via WhatsApp 📲 – we're happy to help!
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