Blue Velvet Shrimp – Complete Guide [2023]

The Blue Velvet Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) has grown in popularity among aquarists. It’s easy to see why they make excellent pet shrimp. They are colorful, hardy, easy to breed, and widely available in most countries. When considering purchasing this endangered species, as well as other animals sold as pets around the world, we must consider its welfare.

Blue velvet shrimp (BVS) is a freshwater shrimp of the Atyidae family. It is a Taiwanese species that was named after the Taiwanese scientist who discovered it. Neocaridina davidi is its scientific name.

The blue velvet shrimp is very small, reaching a maximum length of one inch. There are numerous colors to choose from, including red, green, purple, and black. Each blue velvet shrimp has a black dot on the back that almost looks like an eye. This is how their names came to be!

Blue Velvet shrimp is a popular species and one of the most commonly kept shrimp. They are not only Neocaridina Family members, but also known as Sakura shrimp and neon red cherry shrimp.

If you’re looking for a beginner shrimp, the blue velvet shrimp is a great choice. This article will provide you with a brief overview as well as a very basic care guide for blue velvet shrimp.

Blue Velvet Care

Blue Velvet Shrimp are a popular choice for hobbyist aquarists as they are hardy and easy to care for, making them a good option for those new to shrimp keeping. They have slightly higher temperature requirements than some other shrimp species, such as Ghost Shrimp and Red Cherry Shrimp, but their care is similar. They can be delicate when first introduced to an aquarium and their antennae can be easily damaged by other tankmates, but they tend to become hardier once they have acclimated to the aquarium.

Blue Velvet Shrimp Dimensions

Blue Velvet Shrimps are small in size and can come in a variety of colors. They will forage for food in the tank and are known for their hardy nature and easy care, making them a popular choice for hobbyist aquarists. Despite being referred to as “dwarf shrimp” in some sources, they are larger than some species of dwarf shrimp like Crystal Red Shrimp, which typically grow up to 0.75 inches in size, while Blue velvet shrimp can grow up to 1.5 inches. They are a good option for smaller aquariums and can be kept in a community tank with other peaceful tankmates. It’s important to note that they may not be suitable for all aquariums, so it’s always best to research the specific needs of any species you plan to keep before making a purchase.

Blue Velvet Shrimp Nutrition & Diet

Blue Velvet Shrimp have a varied diet that includes both plant and animal matter. They will forage for food in the tank, but it is important to provide them with a balanced diet to ensure their optimal health. Some of the foods you can provide for them include: -Commercial shrimp pellets or flakes -Blanched vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, and lettuce -Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and blood worms.

It is also important to ensure that they have access to a variety of food sources and to not overfeed them. Overfeeding can lead to water quality issues and can negatively affect the health of the shrimp.

It’s also important to note that Blue Velvet Shrimp are scavengers, they will eat algae, fish food, and even dead fish. This can be good, but also bad, as they might eat all the food before other tankmates have a chance to eat.

It is also a good idea to supplement their diet with foods high in calcium to promote healthy shell growth. Cuttlebone, which can be placed in the tank, is a good source of calcium.

Lifespan of Blue Velvet Shrimp

The temperature at which Blue Velvet Shrimp are kept has an effect on their lifespan. Blue Velvet Shrimps are excellent freshwater shrimp for hobbyists and fish enthusiasts. They will live longer if kept at temperatures ranging from 21 to 24°C (68-75 Fahrenheit).

Blue Velvet Shrimp can live for up to 3-5 years in the wild, but their lifespan is typically shorter in a home aquarium, where they can live for 1-2 years. The lifespan of an individual shrimp can vary depending on factors such as water quality, diet, and tank conditions. It is important to consider the length of each shrimp when determining whether it is a juvenile or adult. Juvenile shrimp are typically smaller than adults and may not have fully developed coloration. Proper care and maintenance of the aquarium can help to prolong the lifespan of Blue Velvet Shrimp and ensure they live a healthy and happy life in captivity.

Water Temperature of Blue Velvet Shrimp

Blue Velvet Shrimps can survive in a wide range of temperatures. They will, however, live longer if kept at higher temperatures.

If the temperature is too low, shrimp will not breed. If the temperature is too high, shrimp can become inactive, which can lead to death. Shrimp thrive in water temperatures ranging from 68 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with 75 degrees being ideal for breeding.

If you intend to keep other shrimp or fish in your tank, Blue Velvet Shrimp is the best choice. It should be heated to between 78 and 80 degrees F to ensure that it is within the preferred temperature range of the species.

Can Blue Velvet Shrimps live in an unheated aquarium?

Blue Velvet Shrimps are tolerant to a wide range of temperatures, but they do prefer water temperatures ranging from 76 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. While they can survive in unheated tanks, keeping them in a heated tank will help to prolong their lifespan. Blue Velvet shrimp can survive in temperatures as low as 60F, but they will be less active and might not breed. They can also survive in temperatures as high as 82F but they will be more active and might breed more often. However, it’s important to note that temperatures above 84F for an extended period of time can be harmful and can cause stress to the shrimp. It’s also important to note that without a heater, the temperature of the tank will fluctuate depending on the room temperature, which can be stressful for the shrimp. A stable temperature will help them thrive and live a longer life.

pH of Blue Velvet Shrimp water

Blue Velvet Shrimp are native to the southern region of Japan and they prefer soft water with a pH of 6.5 to 7. They thrive and reproduce easily in this environment. To successfully keep Blue Velvet Shrimp in captivity, it is important to mimic their natural environment as closely as possible. This includes adjusting the pH of your tap water to be between 6.5 and 6.8 and maintaining a general hardness (GH) of 3-5 dGH and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 1-2 dKH. This will help to ensure that the shrimp have the correct water conditions to thrive and reproduce. It’s important to test the water parameters regularly and make any necessary adjustments to maintain optimal water conditions for Blue velvet shrimp.

Blue Velvet Shrimp Tank Dimensions

A minimum aquarium size of 5 gallons per specimen is recommended, but 10 gallons is preferable. Blue Velvet Shrimp prefer tall aquariums to wide aquariums. They enjoy climbing on plants or driftwood and dislike swimming. A 10 gallon tank that is 20 inches tall is preferable to one that is only 20 inches wide.

Although Blue Velvet Shrimps can be kept together, they are semi-aggressive and frequently attack each other. You must allow them enough room to establish their territories.

How many Blue Velvet Shrimps can I keep in a gallon of water?

The general rule for Blue Velvet Shrimp is one gallon per shrimp, but this is often considered excessive, particularly for smaller tanks. A ratio of one gallon per shrimp is ideal for tanks 5 gallons or smaller. Larger tanks, 10 gallons or more, will allow for more shrimp per gallon. However, it is also important to consider the dimensions of the tank, as some tanks may be taller than others, which would allow for more shrimp.

Blue Velvet Shrimp can be kept with other shrimp as long as they are not kept with aggressive or larger shrimp. They can also be kept with non-aggressive snails and fish.

It’s important to keep in mind that male Blue Velvet Shrimps should be kept in a separate tank as they have the ability to become territorial and fight. Female Blue Velvet Shrimps are usually not bothered by this.

Setup of a Blue Velvet Shrimp Tank

In standard community tanks, Blue Velvet Shrimp can thrive. They are, however, sensitive to changes in pH or other parameters. They prefer to be housed in an acidic environment with plenty of hiding places.

They are also ammonia, toxin, and chemical sensitive. Cycle your tank before adding shrimp. The process of forming beneficial bacteria colonies that can convert toxic nitrates released by fish waste into more-safe nitrates that can be used as plant fertilizer.

Blue velvet shrimp are simple to keep and offer an excellent opportunity to observe the behavior of larger freshwater invertebrates within the confines of a small aquarium. Here’s an example of a basic tank configuration.

Fine gravel or HTH pool filter soil can be used as the substrate. It’s best to make it soft because the shrimp will eat it at night. Because shrimp eat detritus, you can vacuum less gravel than you would for a planted aquarium.

Plants: Java moss is a low-light plant that can aid in the survival of your plants below the roots. They will not eat your plants, but they will tear them apart as they move around in search of food. Because amano shrimp and blue velvet shrimp are less adept at digging, you should let them care for your plants.

Artificial logs are an excellent way to decorate your tank. They serve as a haven for shrimp and an incubator for eggs.

Heating and Filtration: A filter system is not required for a blue velvet shrimp. One, on the other hand, can be used to keep the water clear so your pet can see better.

Blue Velvet Shrimps Breeding?

Blue Velvet Shrimp are prolific breeders and can produce many batches of young each year. If kept in a species-only tank, they will most likely breed on their own. For breeding purposes, it is best to keep them separate from other shrimp species as other species can intimidate Blue velvet shrimp and reduce the number of eggs produced.

Blue velvet shrimp reach sexual maturity at around 7-10 months of age. You can keep them together or separate them if you want to focus on one shrimp at a time. Male and female Blue velvet shrimp look similar, except for size differences, with females typically being larger than males, but this is not always the case. One way to determine if a shrimp is male or female is by observing them mating.

When females are carrying small, dark eggs (known as “berried” state), they are ready to mate. The eggs are easily visible through the shrimp’s transparent body walls. Females can store sperm for up to a month after mating before releasing the eggs in small batches over several weeks. Depending on their health, a female can produce 20-50 eggs per year.

Do Blue Velvet Shrimp spawn?

It all depends on what you mean by “eggs”. Internal fertilization occurs in many aquatic species. The embryos, however, do not develop until they are deposited externally. The female will carry the eggs until they hatch. This is normal behavior and does not indicate a problem.

Blue Velvet Shrimp lay eggs, which indicates that they are healthy. Blue Velvet Shrimp typically lay their eggs beneath aquatic plants in aquariums. Each female shrimp will mate and give birth. After that, she will carry her eggs for about 30 days before releasing them into the water. These shrimp are referred to as live bearers. They can give birth to 20 to 40 baby shrimp at once.

How many children does Blue Velvet Shrimp have?

Blue Velvet Shrimps will spawn every 25-30 days if the conditions are favorable. A female can lay 20-60 eggs per year, but the average number she lays is 30-40.

Blue Velvet Shrimps have a lifespan of up to five years. You can get a lot of baby shrimp if you have a happy and healthy Blue Velvet Shrimp female.

Diseases of Blue Velvet Shrimp

Dwarf shrimp, also known as Caridina or Neocaridina species, are popular among aquarists. It is critical to understand that they are susceptible to a wide range of parasites and diseases.

These crustaceans are tough, but they do get sick from time to time. If you want to successfully breed them and keep their population stable, you must be able to identify and treat common parasites and diseases that they may have.

Small flagellates are one of the most common shrimp parasites. The most common parasite is Vorticella. This parasite develops when there is an excess of organic matter or feeders. Although it does not directly harm shrimp, if they do not have enough energy after fighting the parasite, they may starve. This can be remedied by incorporating small amounts of salt (5g per liter) into your water. It will eliminate the parasites.

We recommend consulting an Aquatic Veterinarian if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms that could indicate infection.

Tankmates for Blue Velvet Shrimp

Blue velvet shrimp can adapt to a wide range of fish and other creatures. They must remain calm and refrain from eating the shrimp.

Tank companions for Blue Velvet Shrimp should be calm and small, as they could easily become prey for more aggressive and larger fish species. They’ll enjoy having rocks and plants to hide in, as well as a variety of places to explore.

Many fish and invertebrates get along well with blue velvet shrimp. Blue velvet shrimp can coexist peacefully in tanks with other fish and invertebrates as long as no aggressive species are present.

The following fish can coexist with blue Velvet Shrimp:

Blue Velvet Shrimp are generally peaceful and can coexist with a variety of other tankmates. Some examples of compatible fish include:

• Bamboo shrimp
• Ghost shrimp
• Cardinal tetras
• Cherry shrimp
• White Clouds Danios
• Minnows
• Otocinclus catfish

It’s important to note that while some fish may not actively harm the shrimp, they may eat the shrimp’s food or compete with them for resources.

Examples of incompatible tankmates for Blue Velvet shrimp include:

• Harlequin Rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha) – These fish are known to be aggressive towards small shrimp and may harass or even attack them.
• Pristella Tetra (Pristella maxillaris) – These fish are known to be fin nippers and can harm the shrimp.

It’s always a good idea to research the specific needs and compatibility of any species you plan to keep before making a purchase.

It’s also worth noting that some shrimp are more delicate than others and may require more attention and care to thrive. Blue velvet shrimp are considered to be tough and hardy but still, it’s always a good idea to monitor them closely to ensure they are healthy and happy.

Betta and Blue Velvet Shrimps

Betta fish and Blue Velvet Shrimp are generally incompatible as tankmates. Betta fish are carnivorous and have been known to eat smaller shrimp species like the Blue Velvet Shrimp. They can also be territorial, defending their territory from shrimp, which can cause the shrimp to be injured or killed. Additionally, bettas are known to be aggressive and can cause stress to other tankmates. The shrimp might hide all the time, not eating properly and eventually die. Keeping these two species together is not recommended and it’s best to separate them in different tanks to ensure the health and safety of both the betta fish and the shrimp.

Guppies and Blue Velvet Shrimps

Blue Velvet Shrimp can make good tankmates for guppies. They are peaceful and do not harm guppies, but precautions should be taken when keeping them together.

Guppies are known to eat smaller shrimp, such as baby Blue Velvet shrimp, so it’s important to ensure that the tank has enough plants and hiding places for the baby shrimp to take refuge. You may also want to keep a close eye on the tank and separate the baby shrimp from the guppies if you notice the guppies are eating them.

It’s also important to note that guppies can be quite active and they might cause stress to the shrimp. Guppies also tend to eat a lot of food and they might outcompete the shrimp for food.

It’s always best to research the specific needs and compatibility of any species you plan to keep before making a purchase, and to monitor the tank closely to ensure the health and well-being of all the inhabitants.

Is Blue Velvet Shrimp available for purchase?

Blue Velvet Shrimp can be found in a variety of places, including local aquarium stores, online retailers, and hobbyist breeders.

Local aquarium stores may carry Blue Velvet Shrimp on occasion, so it’s worth inquiring with store employees to see if they have any in stock or if they know of other stores that do.

Online retailers and hobbyist breeders often specialize in shrimp, and may offer a wider selection of Blue Velvet Shrimp. When buying from online or out of state, it is important to research the seller to ensure they are reliable and capable of shipping the shrimp safely.

It’s also worth checking online classified ads, such as Craigslist or Facebook groups where hobbyist breeders can advertise their shrimp. Additionally, it’s a good idea to research the specific needs of the shrimp and to ask the seller about the shrimp’s health, diet, and water parameters.

It’s always best to research the specific needs and compatibility of any species you plan to keep before making a purchase, and to monitor the tank closely to ensure the health and well-being of all the inhabitants.

Blue Velvet Shrimp Cost

Blue velvet shrimp are considered to be a more expensive shrimp species than some freshwater dwarf shrimp, but they are less expensive than some other species such as Crystal Red shrimp or Tiger shrimp. The majority of Blue velvet shrimp are imported from Asia and prices can vary depending on the quality, size, origin, and harvest date.

Prices for Blue velvet shrimp may also fluctuate depending on the season, with prices tending to be higher during the winter when supply is lower.

The price of a single Blue velvet shrimp can range from $3.50 to $15 USD. It’s important to note that prices can vary depending on the location and the supplier. It’s always a good idea to research and compare prices before making a purchase.

Blue Dream Shrimp vs. Blue Velvet Shrimp

The Blue Velvet Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) is an Atyidae Family freshwater shrimp. Blue Pearl Shrimp is another name for it. Blue Dream Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) is a Blue Velvet Shrimp variant that has been selectively bred. Its blue color distinguishes it.

Blue Velvet Shrimps are distinguished by a large, circular carapace that covers the majority of their body. The Blue Velvet Shrimp’s eyes are mounted on stalks that can be rotated 360 degrees and moved separately. It has six abdominal sections and five pairs of walking legs. It has five pairs of walking legs and claws that are not all the same size. The left claw is larger than the right.

Although it has a similar appearance to the Blue Velvet Shrimp, the Blue Dream Shrimp has been carefully bred to be a more blue-colored species. It has a blue body with black stripes that run down its tail. It is more expensive than Blue Velvet Shrimp because it is rarer and more difficult to breed.

Red Cherry Shrimp or Blue Velvet Shrimp

Blue Velvet Shrimps (Neocaridina davidi) and Red Cherry Shrimps (Neocaridina davi) are both popular shrimp species among aquarists. Both are known for their ease of care, vibrant colors, and general hardiness.

The main difference between the two species is that Blue Velvet Shrimp is a variant of the Red Cherry Shrimp. Blue Velvet Shrimp was selectively bred for its blue color, while the Red Cherry Shrimp is the original shrimp species from Taiwan and China.

Red Cherry Shrimps are typically larger and more colorful than Blue Velvet Shrimps. They are popular among aquarists due to their low prices and wide range of colors. Blue Velvet Shrimps, on the other hand, grow faster and cleaner than Red Cherry Shrimps, but they are more expensive.

Both species are easy to care for and make great additions to any aquarium, but it’s important to consider your budget and the specific characteristics that you are looking for in a shrimp before making a purchase.

Begin your Blue Velvet Shrimp Colony!

Blue Velvet Shrimps can make great additions to your aquarium if proper care is taken. They have specific dietary needs, so it’s important to provide them with a suitable diet to keep them healthy. It is always a good idea to conduct research on the species before introducing them to your aquarium and consult with an expert breeder or aquarium pet shop for advice.

It’s also important to maintain consistent water conditions for Blue Velvet Shrimp and to make any changes gradually to avoid stress. This includes monitoring and adjusting pH, temperature, and water hardness as needed to mimic their natural environment as closely as possible.

Overall, Blue Velvet Shrimps can be a fun and rewarding addition to your aquarium, but it’s important to understand their needs and to be prepared to provide proper care. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask.