Neocaridina palmata

About This Species

Basic Description

The Blue Pearl Shrimp is a fantastic choice for beginners. This small crustacean is very peaceful and an active scavenger that will explore the entire aquarium. As an omnivore, it helps keep tanks clean by feeding on algae and leftover food pellets or wafers, requiring daily feeding. It adapts well to various freshwater conditions and is perfect for small community tanks, but should be kept in small groups to feel secure. Its bright appearance and active nature make it a lively addition to any freshwater setup.

Detailed Description

Also known by the name White Pearl Shrimp, this creature is a prolific and easy-to-breed addition to the hobby. It thrives in established freshwater aquariums with low water flow, where it continuously grazes on biofilm and various algae, acting as an efficient cleaner. Due to its very low waste production and minimal oxygen needs, it has a very small impact on the aquarium's bioload, making it ideal for nano tanks. While it tolerates a broad range of pH and hardness, it prefers cooler tropical temperatures. Maintaining a small colony is recommended as they are social and more active in groups.

Scientific Description

*Neocaridina palmata* is a freshwater decapod crustacean of the Atyidae family, originating from Asia. This species is characterized by its low metabolic rate, leading to exceptionally low oxygen consumption and waste production, resulting in a minimal bioload factor. Its diet is omnivorous, holding an ecological niche as a detritivore and a consumer of biofilm and algae. This adaptable invertebrate prefers stable conditions within a specific range of temperature, pH, and water hardness. Its life cycle is relatively short, and its ease of breeding in captivity has contributed significantly to its popularity in aquaculture and aquarium keeping. It exhibits moderate activity levels throughout all water column zones.