Obtaining a Blue Velvet Shrimp is an appealing opportunity for numerous individuals who own aquariums. These FW shrimp originate from the waterways of Taiwan and are an ideal selection for hobbyists at any level. Not only does this remarkable FW shrimp boast a stunning appearance, it also has simple care needs.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what you need to know to successfully care for Blue Velvet Shrimp.
Table of Contents
Why is Blue Velvet Shrimp a Popular Species in the Aquarium Trade?
The Blue Velvet Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) is a widespread species in the aquarium trade. It is known for its intense blue coloration that stands out from other animals in the tank. The origins of this color variation are still somewhat mysterious, as hobbyists didn’t intentionally breed blue shrimp. Some believe it’s descended from Wild Schoko shrimp or Carbon Rili Neocaridina shrimp, while others have other theories.
Appearance-wise, these invertebrates look pretty standard – they have a typical shrimp body shape, with three pairs of legs, two maxillipeds which they use for grabbing things, and a large, curved abdomen, tapering off right before their uropod (tail). The consistent blue color of Blue Velvet Shrimp covers their heads, tails, legs, and abdomens – plus you’ll often see some small dark dots, more concentrated in the front half of their bodies.
When it comes to size, fully-grown Blue Velvet Shrimp usually measure between 1.5 and 2 inches in length. While genetics plays a huge part, their size is also influenced by the quality of care they receive during development. Therefore, if you want your shrimp to reach their maximum size potential, you should buy from reputable sellers and provide top-notch habitat conditions.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Blue Velvet Shrimp is 1-2 years assuming that it was appropriately bred and receives quality care. Poor water quality or inadequate conditions can greatly shorten their lifespans, so make sure to provide them with the best environment possible.
Blue Velvet Shrimp Care
Blue Velvet Shrimp care isn’t overly complicated, and these critters are known for being relatively hardy and low-maintenance. That said, they do require certain water parameters, and you can’t just throw them in any freshwater tank and expect them to thrive.
Tank Size
A good rule of thumb is that the recommended minimum tank size for Blue Velvet Shrimp should be 5-10 gallons. This is more than enough room for a small group of shrimp and allows for the creation of an elaborate, diverse habitat. If you have a larger tank, all the better!
Although these aquarium dwellers have an affinity for hiding among plants and decorations, they also do well in sparsely decorated tanks. Just make sure to provide plenty of places for them to hide – such as driftwood, caves, and rocks.
Water Parameters
Blue Velvet Shrimp are sensitive to water conditions and require specific water parameters to thrive. Here’s some information on the ideal water parameters for Blue Velvet Shrimp:
pH: The pH should be between 6.5-7.5, with 7.0 being the ideal.
Temperature: The temperature should be between 72-78°F.
Hardness: The water hardness should be between 4-8 dKH.
Ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels: The levels of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate should be kept as low as possible. Ammonia levels should be 0 ppm, nitrite levels should be 0 ppm, and nitrate levels should be under 20 ppm.
Water quality: The water should be well-oxygenated and filtered. A high-quality filter is essential to maintaining a healthy environment for the shrimp.
It’s important to regularly test the water parameters in your tank to make sure they are within the desired range and to take steps to correct any deviations as soon as possible.
Unexpected changes in water parameters can stress or even kill Blue Velvet Shrimp, so it’s important to be vigilant about water quality. Lastly, consistency in water parameters should be maintained – test your water regularly and make adjustments accordingly.
What To Put In Their Tank
The ideal Blue Velvet Shrimp tank should be heavily planted, just like what these invertebrates would naturally find in their environment. Dense vegetation helps maintain excellent water quality, plus the shrimp can feed off the biofilm, algae, and organic matter that grows on it. Java Moss is often chosen for this purpose, as it does well in most types of water.
Compatibility
Safe tank mates
- Neon tetras
- Guppies
- Corydoras catfish
- Otocinclus catfish
- Rummy nose tetras
- Harlequin Rasboras
- Shrimp species like Amano shrimp, Cherry shrimp, and Snowball shrimp
- Snails like Mystery snail and Nerite snail
- Platies
Unsafe tank mates
- Cichlids
- Large crayfish
- Large snails
- Certain types of predatory fish like Angelfish or Betta fish
- Pufferfish
- Arowana
- Eels
- Goldfish
- Koi fish
It’s important to note that while some species may not harm Blue Velvet Shrimp, they may still consume their food or outcompete them for resources. It’s always best to research the specific species you’re considering adding to your tank to ensure they will live in harmony.
Feeding
Safe food options:
- Commercial shrimp food pellets or flakes
- Blanched vegetables such as spinach, carrots, and zucchini
- Freeze-dried or frozen food like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms
- Algae wafers
- Fruits like melons, mango, and banana
- Cooked meats like boiled chicken or boiled eggs
Unsafe food options:
- Raw meats and fish
- Processed foods like chips and crackers
- Anything containing copper, as copper is toxic to shrimp
It’s important to feed Blue Velvet Shrimp a varied diet to provide all the necessary nutrients they need. Be careful not to overfeed as uneaten food can pollute the tank and lead to harmful levels of nitrates and ammonia.
Breeding
Blue Velvet Shrimp are relatively easy to breed in a well-maintained aquarium.
Here’s some information about breeding Blue Velvet Shrimp:
1. Water conditions
Blue Velvet Shrimp need stable water parameters for breeding. The pH should be between 6.5-7.5 and the temperature between 72-78°F. The water should be well-oxygenated and filtered.
2. Conditioning
Conditioning the female by providing a varied diet and healthy environment will increase the chances of successful breeding.
3. Mating
Blue Velvet Shrimp breed sexually, with the female carrying eggs in a pouch on her belly. Once the eggs are fertilized, they will hatch into larvae.
4. Larval development
The larvae will undergo several molts before reaching maturity. The larvae will feed on the yolk sack and then on algae, small food particles, and bacteria in the water.
5. Caring for young
The larvae will molt several times before reaching maturity and can be cared for in the same manner as adult shrimp.
It’s important to keep a close eye on the breeding process to make sure the young shrimp are developing properly and to remove any dead or diseased shrimp promptly to prevent contamination of the tank.
Conclusion
Blue Velvet shrimp can be kept with a variety of other creatures, from peaceful fish species to other shrimp breeds. One thing to keep in mind is that they’re far smaller than the average fish, so you should avoid bigger species that like to nip at their fins. Tetras, live-bearers, and peaceful danios are all suitable tankmates.
By following the tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to provide your Blue Velvet Shrimp with an ideal habitat, helping them live long, happy lives! Make sure to get your shrimp from a trusted source, maintain appropriate water parameters, provide plenty of vegetation and algae, and feed them the right amount of nutritious foods – and you’ll have amazing-looking invertebrates swimming in your tank in no time.