Blue Dream Shrimp for Sale

Blue Dream Shrimp Care Guide

Blue Dream Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) are one of the easiest freshwater shrimp to care for, making them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced shrimp keepers. Their hardy nature, peaceful temperament, and beautiful deep blue coloration have made them one of the most popular Neocaridina shrimp in the aquarium hobby. They thrive in mature, well-established aquariums with stable water parameters, plenty of biofilm to graze on, and live plants or aquarium mosses that provide natural shelter.

A fully cycled aquarium is essential before introducing Blue Dream Shrimp. Stable water conditions are far more important than chasing exact water parameters. Regular water changes, avoiding sudden swings in temperature or chemistry, and providing a quality shrimp diet will help keep your colony healthy, colorful, and breeding successfully.

Ideal Water Parameters for Blue Dream Shrimp

• pH: 6.2–8.0
• Temperature: 65–85°F
• GH: 4–8
• KH: 3–15
• TDS: 150–250 ppm

The Shrimp Farm's Water Parameters

To help ensure a smooth transition, our Blue Dream Shrimp are currently raised in the following water conditions:

• pH: 7.0–7.6
• Temperature: 70–76°F
• GH: 7–9
• KH: 3–4
• TDS: 175–250 ppm

Matching your aquarium as closely as practical to these parameters and acclimating your shrimp slowly can help reduce stress after arrival.

Feeding Blue Dream Shrimp

Blue Dream Shrimp are omnivorous scavengers that spend most of the day grazing on biofilm, algae, and microorganisms growing on plants, rocks, driftwood, and aquarium surfaces. While a mature aquarium provides a natural food source, supplemental feeding helps maintain excellent health, vibrant coloration, and successful breeding.

We currently feed our Blue Dream Shrimp:

• Color-Burst Aquarium Shrimp Food

You can also offer a varied diet of high-quality shrimp foods, algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and occasional protein-rich foods in moderation. Feed only what your shrimp can consume within a few hours to help maintain excellent water quality.

Aquarium Setup Tips

Blue Dream Shrimp thrive in planted aquariums with plenty of mosses, driftwood, and hiding places. Sponge filters are ideal because they provide gentle filtration while preventing baby shrimp from being drawn into the filter. Live aquarium plants also encourage biofilm growth, improve water quality, and provide excellent cover for newly hatched shrimp.

With stable water conditions, proper nutrition, and a mature aquarium, Blue Dream Shrimp will often breed readily and develop into a colorful, thriving colony that adds beauty and activity to any freshwater aquarium.

Real Owner Experience with Blue Dream Shrimp

At The Shrimp Farm, Blue Dream Shrimp have consistently been one of our favorite Neocaridina varieties because of their incredible deep blue coloration, hardy nature, and active personalities. We've successfully bred and raised Blue Dream Shrimp for years, and we've found they perform best in mature, stable aquariums with plenty of moss, live plants, and natural biofilm to graze on.

One thing we've observed is that water stability has a much greater impact on their health than chasing exact parameter numbers. Regular water changes, slow acclimation, and avoiding sudden swings in temperature or water chemistry lead to healthier shrimp, stronger breeding colonies, and more consistent coloration. A quality diet and good genetics also play a major role in maintaining the rich blue color that makes this variety so popular.

For hobbyists looking to establish a thriving colony, we recommend starting with at least 10 Blue Dream Shrimp. Larger starting groups encourage natural behavior, improve breeding success, and allow you to enjoy multiple generations over time. In a well-maintained planted aquarium, Blue Dream Shrimp will spend their day grazing on biofilm, algae, driftwood, and moss while adding constant movement and vibrant color to your aquarium.

Whether you're purchasing your first freshwater shrimp or expanding an existing Neocaridina colony, Blue Dream Shrimp remain one of the most rewarding and beginner-friendly shrimp we raise and recommend.

How big do Blue Dream Shrimp get?

Adult Blue Dream Shrimp typically grow to 1–1.25 inches (2.5–3.2 cm), although large females may occasionally reach 1.5–1.6 inches (4 cm) under excellent conditions. Females are generally larger and rounder than males, especially when carrying eggs (berried). Males remain smaller and slimmer with a narrower abdomen. Healthy Blue Dream Shrimp reach adult size within a few months when kept in stable water conditions and fed a high-quality diet.

How many Blue Dream Shrimp can I keep per gallon?

Blue Dream Shrimp have a very small bioload, allowing relatively large colonies in mature aquariums. We recommend starting with at least a 5-gallon aquarium to provide stable water conditions. Rather than focusing on a specific number per gallon, maintain excellent filtration, perform regular water changes, and avoid overfeeding. In a healthy planted aquarium, Blue Dream Shrimp will naturally reproduce until the colony reaches a balance based on the available food and space.

How long do Blue Dream Shrimp live?

Blue Dream Shrimp typically live 1–2 years. Their lifespan depends on water quality, diet, genetics, and overall aquarium stability. Consistent water parameters, regular maintenance, and a varied shrimp diet help maximize both lifespan and breeding success.

How fast do Blue Dream Shrimp grow?

Blue Dream Shrimp grow quickly compared to many freshwater invertebrates. Under ideal conditions, baby shrimp can mature into breeding adults in approximately 2–3 months. Growth is fastest in stable aquariums with plenty of biofilm, quality shrimp food, and consistent water parameters.

Are Blue Dream Shrimp easy to breed?

Yes. Blue Dream Shrimp are one of the easiest freshwater shrimp to breed. They reproduce entirely in freshwater and do not require brackish water. Healthy females carry eggs for about 30 days before releasing fully formed baby shrimp. A mature planted aquarium with stable water parameters, abundant biofilm, and minimal predators will encourage regular breeding.

Will Blue Dream Shrimp breed with Cherry Shrimp or other shrimp?

Blue Dream Shrimp are a color variety of Neocaridina davidi and will breed with other Neocaridina shrimp, including Cherry Shrimp, Blue Velvet, Yellow Golden Back, Orange Sakura, and Carbon Rili Shrimp. Over multiple generations, the offspring often lose their vibrant colors and gradually revert toward wild-type coloration. Blue Dream Shrimp will not breed with Caridina shrimp, such as Crystal Red Shrimp or Bee Shrimp.

Why is my Blue Dream Shrimp losing color?

Blue Dream Shrimp may lose their vibrant blue coloration due to stress, poor water quality, improper nutrition, recent molting, or genetics. Light-colored substrates can also make shrimp appear paler because they naturally adapt to their surroundings for camouflage. Stable water parameters, high-quality food, and a darker substrate often help maintain the deepest blue coloration.

How often do Blue Dream Shrimp molt?

Young Blue Dream Shrimp molt frequently as they grow, sometimes every few days. Adult shrimp generally molt about once every 3–5 weeks, depending on age, diet, and water conditions. Molting is a normal and essential part of growth. Newly molted shrimp are temporarily soft and should be left undisturbed while their new exoskeleton hardens.

What do Blue Dream Shrimp eat?

Blue Dream Shrimp are omnivores that constantly graze on biofilm, algae, microorganisms, and decaying plant material throughout the aquarium. They also benefit from supplemental foods such as premium shrimp pellets, algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and occasional protein-rich foods. At The Shrimp Farm, our Blue Dream Shrimp are currently fed Ebita Breed Quatro 2, helping maintain excellent health, breeding success, and vibrant coloration.

What is the best filter for Blue Dream Shrimp?

A sponge filter is the best filtration option for Blue Dream Shrimp because it provides gentle biological filtration while preventing baby shrimp from being drawn into the filter. Air-driven sponge filters also encourage biofilm growth, giving shrimp an additional natural food source. If using a hang-on-back or canister filter, install a sponge pre-filter over the intake to protect juvenile shrimp.

What are the best plants for Blue Dream Shrimp?

Blue Dream Shrimp thrive in planted aquariums with plenty of live plants and mosses. Excellent choices include Java Moss, Christmas Moss, Subwassertang, Anubias, Bucephalandra, floating plants, and Dwarf Hairgrass. Live plants improve water quality, provide natural hiding places, and encourage biofilm growth, giving shrimp a constant food source.

What is the best substrate for Blue Dream Shrimp?

Blue Dream Shrimp generally display their deepest blue coloration over dark-colored substrates such as black gravel, dark sand, or active shrimp substrates. While they can live on almost any substrate, darker backgrounds create better visual contrast and may help the shrimp retain richer coloration. Stable water parameters are ultimately more important than substrate type.

What are the best tank mates for Blue Dream Shrimp?

Blue Dream Shrimp are peaceful and do best with other non-aggressive aquarium inhabitants. Safe tank mates include snails, Otocinclus catfish, Corydoras, small Rasboras, and other peaceful nano fish, although any fish may eat baby shrimp. A heavily planted aquarium with mosses and hiding places greatly improves the survival of juvenile shrimp.

Are Blue Dream Shrimp Good Algae Eaters?

Yes, Blue Dream Shrimp are excellent algae grazers. They constantly feed on soft algae, biofilm, and decaying plant matter throughout the aquarium. While they help keep your tank cleaner, they won't eliminate heavy algae outbreaks on their own. For the healthiest shrimp, supplement their natural diet with a high-quality shrimp food and occasional blanched vegetables.

Can Blue Dream Shrimp Live with Betta Fish?

Yes, Blue Dream Shrimp can live with Betta fish, but it depends on the Betta's temperament. Some Bettas ignore shrimp, while others may chase or eat them. A heavily planted aquarium with plenty of moss and hiding places gives shrimp the best chance of coexisting safely. If your goal is to breed Blue Dream Shrimp, a shrimp-only aquarium is the safest option.

How do I acclimate Blue Dream Shrimp?

Blue Dream Shrimp should be slowly drip acclimated before being introduced to a new aquarium. Gradually matching the temperature and water parameters reduces stress and greatly improves survival after shipping. Most hobbyists complete the acclimation process over 1–2 hours before gently transferring the shrimp into the aquarium without adding shipping water to the tank.

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