Boxing Shrimp

A common issue for new shrimp keepers is trying to figure out the difference between Caridina Shrimp and Neocaridina Shrimp. Freshwater aquarium shrimp come in multiple species types, however Neocaridina caridina are the two most common for shrimp for sale.

Neocaridina shrimp are types like the Red Cherry Shrimp, Blue Dream Shrimp, or Snowball Shrimp.

Caridina shrimp are types such as Crystal Red Shrimp or Blue Bolt Shrimp.

What is the difference between Caridina Shrimp and Neocardina Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp, and why can’t they breed?

Interestingly enough there is more to it that meets the eye literally.

Most freshwater shrimp keepers think the main differences was rostrum length. It has become apparent that this can vary drastically from each sub species of Shrimp. For this very reason rostrum length cannot be a viable means of identification.

To the naked eye there are no differences between the species other than the rostrum length as noted above. To see the only two differences between Caridina and Neocardina freshwater shrimp you have to dive in to the macro world. These are dwarf shrimp after all! We can't expect them to be large, right?

The first major difference is the shape and size of the reproductive appendage. This is a modified swimming leg, it is the first set in a swimming pair called Pleopods.

On Neocaridina the end of the appendage is called the Endopod also referred to as Endopodite. Which is the inner branch of the crustacean's limbs, it is round and flat. It is almost like someone is holding a table tennis bat.

The end of the Caridina species appendage (Endopod) is longer but more slender than that of the Neocaridina.

Neocaridina Endopod

Caridina Endopod

This is likely the reason the two cannot inter breed, their "parts" simply put, do not fit together.

Square going into circle

The other difference between the species is a small part on the first Maxilliped (body appendage), in most but not all "What is an example of some Caridina species that do not have this?" Caridina species there is a small spur, almost like a finger (Endopod). This is something that is completely missing from Neocaridina.

Freshwater Shrimp Breeding

Breeding the neocaridina shrimp is considered to be an easy task by most. Proper water conditions along with aquarium plants, high quality pellet foods/blanched vegetables will help your shrimp tank of neocaridina breed readily. Live plants add a huge benefit to breeding. Live plants provide micro-organisms for the baby shrimp and adult shrimp to happily eat on. Often times shrimp pellets food are not enough to keep the baby shrimp alive. This is why planted tank setups are ideal for most shrimp.

Caridina shrimp breeding is also not difficult but more so than their counterpart neocaridina shrimp. They require soft water and PH below 7.0 to truly thrive and breed higher grades.

In general terms breeding either neocaridina caridina shrimp is not hard. Things to consider are tank size, other livestock in the community tank who might prey on the shrimp. Shrimp love to eat algae so a having a good natural supply in your tank aids them.

Red cherry shrimp care or bee shrimp care is overall a low demanding task. This is if you have proper equipment, and knowledge on their care. Breeding bright red high grade cherry shrimp in your red cherry shrimp tank is very achievable. Cherry Shrimp are often considered beginner shrimp due to their ease

We offer complete guides on how to breed and care for shrimp on our Shrimp Farm University Blog. We even include more challenging types to breed like the Amano Shrimp or Ghost Shrimp. Amano shrimp and ghost shrimp at a certain stage demand brackish water for their baby shrimp. This is what presents a challenge to get the baby shrimp to survive in the correct water parameters. Our detailed article will explain PH levels, water temperature, test kits needed, food source, sponge filters, and other things these algae eaters need to breed.

Aquarium Heaters

The heaters fail quite regularly in the aquarium hobby. An improper heating device can cause death in shrimp. Heater failure is usually triggered at a position where the heat is extreme and the tank overheats. This causes shrimp to die. It is generally recommended to not use heaters in shrimp tanks if you room temperature stays between 65-75 degrees.

Cannot Cross Breed Neocaridina to Caridina Shrimp

Taking away from this article is the fact that neocairidna and caridina simply cannot physically crossbreed. Thus, it is a nonissue when keeping them as tank mates. Keeping them as tank mates requires they be kept in caridina parameters. More on this at our Shrimp Farm University Blog Page.

Happy Shrimp Keeping!

- Mark Peggie