Ultra Blue Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)

• Type: Freshwater dwarf shrimp
• Species: Neocaridina davidi
• Lineage: Selectively bred from Blue Dream / Blue Velvet lines
• Color: Deep solid blue (higher grades = darker, almost navy)
• Size: ~2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 inches)
• Lifespan: ~1–2 years

“Ultra Blue” refers to top-grade specimens with strong opacity and uniform color, not an official scientific classification.

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Tank Requirements

Water Parameters

• Temp: 20–26°C (68–79°F)
• pH: 6.5–7.8
• GH: 6–8
• KH: 2–5
• TDS: ~150–250 ppm

 Like all Neocaridina, they’re hardy, but consistency is key.

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Tank Setup

• Minimum tank: 5 gallons (larger = better stability)
• Filtration: Sponge filter (avoids shrimplet loss)
• Substrate:
  • Dark substrate = enhances blue coloration
• Plants (essential for success):
  • Java moss
  • Subwassertang
  • Buce
  • Anubias

 Biofilm growth is critical for grazing and baby survival.

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Feeding

• Primary:
  • High-quality shrimp pellets
  • Algae wafers
• Supplemental:
  • Blanched spinach, zucchini
  • Leaf litter (Indian almond)
  • Mineral foods

 For best color: include protein + carotenoid-rich foods

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Behavior & Compatibility

• Peaceful, active grazers
• Thrive in:
  • Species-only tanks
  • Nano community setups

Compatible with:

• Chili rasboras
• Ember tetras
• Endlers

 Avoid:

• Cichlids
• Bettas (hit or miss)
• Larger community fish

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Breeding

• Very easy and profitable to breed

Breeding basics:

• Females carry eggs for ~3–4 weeks
• Hatch as miniature shrimp (no larval stage)

 Key success factors:

• Stable params
• Moss-heavy tanks
• Low predation

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Common Issues

1. Color Regression

• Mixing with other Neocaridina → brown/wild offspring
• Poor diet → faded color

2. Molting Problems

• Low minerals / GH imbalance
• Fix with remineralizers or calcium sources

3. Blue Line Instability

• Some lines throw:
  • Black
  • Clear
  • Wild-type shrimp

 Requires ongoing selective breeding.

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Ultra Blue vs Other Blue Variants

Variant	Color	Notes
Blue Dream	Deep blue	Basis for Ultra Blue
Blue Velvet	Lighter blue	More translucent
Blue Jelly	Pale blue	Soft, almost pastel
Ultra Blue	Dark, opaque	Premium grade

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