Orange eye Fire Red Neocaridina

Neocaridina shrimp, most notably the Fire Red (Neocaridina davidi), are small, hardy freshwater crustaceans popular in the aquarium hobby for their vibrant colors and ease of care. Quick Care Guide (2026) Difficulty: Very easy; ideal for beginners. Tank Size: Minimum 5 gallons (19L), though 10 gallons is recommended for better stability. Lifespan: 1–2 years. Size: Adults reach approximately 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 inches). Diet: Omnivorous scavengers. They primarily eat biofilm and algae but should be supplemented with high-quality sinking pellets, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), and calcium-rich foods. Water Parameters Neocaridina are highly adaptable but thrive best in stable conditions: Temperature: 65–80°F (18–27°C). Breeding is most successful at 70–75°F. pH: 7.0–7.6 (slightly alkaline is preferred). GH (General Hardness): 8–14 dGH. KH (Carbonate Hardness): 4–7 dKH. Popular Color Morphs While the wild type is mottled brown/gray, selective breeding has produced a "rainbow" of varieties: Red: Cherry, Sakura, Fire Red, Painted Fire Red. Blue: Blue Dream, Blue Velvet, Blue Jelly. Yellow/Orange: Yellow Sakura, Orange Sakura. Specialty: Green Jade, Chocolate, Black Rose, and Rili (transparent mid-section). Note: Mixing different colors will eventually result in "wild type" (brown) offspring. Breeding & Reproduction Ease: Extremely easy; they breed readily if water quality is maintained. Sexing: Females are larger, more colorful, and develop a "saddle" (visible ovaries) behind the head. Berried Females: After mating, the female carries 20–60 eggs under her abdomen for 2–3 weeks until they hatch as miniature versions of the adults.