10 Blue Pearl Shrimp

Scientific Name: Neocaridina cf. zhangjiajiensis
Other Scientific Names: Neocaridina denticulata sinensis
Common Name: Blue Pearl Shrimp
Other Common Names: N/A
Origin: Germany
Found in the wild: No

Blue Pearl Shrimp History

The Blue Pearl Shrimp is one of the newer, fresh water aquarium shrimp to the Dwarf Shrimp hobby. This blue color variant of the Neocaridina cf. zhangjiajiensis was originally bred in Germany and has quickly made its way to the American hobby. The Blue Pearl Shrimp was the first true breeding blue Dwarf Shrimp. The Snowball Shrimp is another variant of the Neocaridina cf. zhangjiajiensis.

Blue Pearl Shrimp Care

Blue Pearl Shrimp share similar care requirements with most other Neocaridina species, such as the Red Cherry Shrimp. As long as the Blue Pearl Shrimp is kept in a well established aquarium with very stable parameters the Blue Pearl Shrimp is a rather undemanding Dwarf Shrimp. While the Blue Pearl Shrimp can adapt to a wide verity of water parameters, as with most Dwarf Shrimp, stability is key!

Blue Pearl Shrimp Diet

Being an omnivore Blue Pearl Shrimp will eat just about any food found in an aquarium. They are algae eaters in small amounts, so they make a great addition for aquarium algae control. However, they will often times require additional feeding. Most foods intended for bottom feeders or aquatic invertebrates make great foods for Blue Pearl Shrimp.

Blue Pearl Shrimp Breeding

The Blue Pearl Shrimp is very easy to breed in the home aquarium. As long as there is a male shrimp and a female shrimp in a well established, well maintained aquarium they will breed. Blue Pearl Shrimp are high order shrimp so the shrimp hatch as miniature versions of the adult. For a more detailed description of breeding Blue Pearl Shrimp read the detailed article about Breeding Red Cherry Shrimp as they breed in the exact manner.

Blue Pearl Shrimp Behavior

Blue Pearl Shrimp are non-aggressive, and are quite active. In an aquarium that has no predators Blue Pearl Shrimp will often be observed grazing on algae on aquarium plants, decorations and on the substrate. When fed, the shrimp will often form large groups that are quite striking in appearance.

Special Notes

As with all aquatic invertebrates it is important to make sure copper does not get into the aquarium. Copper is toxic to all Dwarf Shrimp. Many medications contain elevated levels of copper, so it is recommended not to medicate an aquarium with Dwarf Shrimp in it.