The Neocaridina heteropoda is the wild form of the Red Cherry Shrimp and the Yellow Shrimp. Found natively in Southern Asia, the Neocaridina Heteropoda found its way into the American Dwarf Shrimp hobby shortly after the Red Cherry Shrimp became popular. It has unfortunately been released into the wild in Hawaii and is out competing some natural shrimp populations.

Neocaridina heteropoda Care

The Neocaridina heteropoda is an undemanding shrimp in its care requirements and has the same care requirements as the ever popular Red Cherry Shrimp. They should be kept in a well established aquarium with no predators. Stable parameters are of great importance when keeping Dwarf Shrimp and avoiding water parameter extremes is also very important.

Neocaridina heteropoda Diet

The Neocaridina heteropoda is an Omnivore. While eating algae comes natural to the Neocaridina heteropoda, when kept in large colonies it is important to supplement their feedings. Blanched vegetables (boiled until soft) and fish food intended for bottom feeding fish makes great supplements.

Neocaridina heteropoda Breeding

If a male and a female are present in a well cared for aquarium, the

Neocaridina heteropoda will breed. Females are larger and often display a saddle (seen in insert) on their upper back. The saddle is the females eggs developing in here ovaries. The male shrimp are smaller and are nearly clear, while the females often display variable colors.

Neocaridina heteropoda Behavior

Neocaridina heteropoda are a non-aggressive Dwarf Shrimp. They are often found grazing on the substrate and eating algae off plant leaves and aquarium decorations. When no predators are present the Neocaridina heteropoda is a much more active shrimp and will only go into hiding after molting (shedding its exoskeleton)

Neocaridina heteropoda 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.

The Neocaridina heteropoda is often sold at online auction sites mislabeled as Blue Shrimp, Blue Neocaridina, and Rainbow Shrimp. Not all shrimp with those labels are Neocaridina heteropoda but often times they are.

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