Dream Blue Shrimp

Overview:

The Dream Blue Shrimp, often known as the Blue Dream or Blue Velvet Shrimp, is a captivating and elegant addition to any freshwater aquarium. A color morph of the Neocaridina davidi species, these dwarf shrimp are celebrated for their stunning, deep blue coloration and peaceful nature. They are an excellent choice for adding a pop of color and a touch of serenity to a community tank or a dedicated "shrimp-only" setup.

Key Features:

• Stunning Blue Color: The most distinguishing feature of this shrimp is its brilliant, uniform deep blue coloration. The intensity of the color can vary, but a high-quality Dream Blue Shrimp will have a rich, opaque hue that stands out beautifully against green aquarium plants and light-colored substrates.

• Peaceful and Community-Friendly: Dream Blue Shrimp are incredibly peaceful and can be safely housed with a variety of non-aggressive, small fish species (e.g., small rasboras, neon tetras). They are a fantastic addition to a "nano" or community tank.

• Natural Scavenger: As active scavengers, these shrimp play a beneficial role in the aquarium ecosystem. They spend their days grazing on algae, biofilm, and leftover fish food, helping to keep the tank clean and healthy.

• Hardy and Easy to Care For: One of the main reasons for their popularity is their resilience. They are much hardier than other dwarf shrimp species, making them an ideal choice for beginners.

Important Considerations for Aquarium Owners:

• Tank Size: Dream Blue Shrimp can be kept in small aquariums, with a minimum tank size of 5 gallons (around 20 liters) recommended for a colony. They thrive in a planted tank where they can feel secure and have a constant source of biofilm to graze on.

• Water Parameters: While hardy, they require stable water conditions to thrive.

  • Temperature: 68-78°F (20-25°C)

  • pH: 6.5-8.0

  • Water Hardness: They prefer a GH (General Hardness) of 4-8 and a KH (Carbonate Hardness) of 3-15.

• Habitat: Provide a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding places, such as Java Moss, driftwood, and small caves. This will give them security, especially during molting, and a surface for biofilm to grow.

• Diet: While they will graze on natural algae, they should be supplemented with a varied diet of high-quality shrimp pellets or flakes, blanched vegetables (like zucchini or spinach), and occasional protein-rich foods.

• Breeding: Dream Blue Shrimp are prolific breeders. If housed in a healthy environment with stable water parameters, they will readily breed, and the females will carry small eggs until they hatch.