Blue Jelly Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) – The Softest Splash of Sky Blue

Category: Freshwater Shrimp
Scientific Name: Neocaridina davidi
Origin: Selectively bred in Taiwan from wild Neocaridina populations native to southern China
Lighting: Moderate lighting highlights translucence and soft blue hues
Substrate: Dark, inert substrate recommended for strongest coloration and comfort
Size: Juvenile/Adult

Parameters (Neocaridina Standard):
GH: 6–12
KH: 2–8
pH: 6.8–7.8

A Crisp, Ice-Blue Delight

Blue Jelly Shrimp are a delicate, icy-blue color morph of Neocaridina davidi, known for their cool pastel tones and gentle translucency. Their coloration creates a refreshing, calming presence in the aquarium — like pale sky or glowing glacier-blue drifting between leaves. They are a favorite among aquascapers who prefer a soft, dreamy look rather than dark or highly saturated tones.

Their subtle contrast makes them ideal for tanks with rich green plants, mossy textures, and dark backgrounds, where their pale blue bodies shimmer like hidden gems whenever they move through shadows or bright patches of light.

Color, Behavior, and Development

Juveniles often begin nearly clear, then gradually develop their cool blue wash as they mature. High-quality Blue Jelly Shrimp retain a clean, light-blue transparency without yellow or green undertones. Their behavior is identical to all Neocaridina — highly active, peacefully grazing across botanicals, driftwood, and substrate throughout the day.

Blue Jelly colonies thrive in well-planted environments with ample micro hiding spaces to support shrimplet survival. Mosses, root tangles, and leaf litter help them feel secure while stimulating natural feeding behavior.

Care, Feeding, and Ideal Conditions

Stability is key to deepening their blue tones. They perform best in mature, well-cycled aquariums with steady GH and KH values. A diverse diet of biofilm, spirulina-based foods, shrimp pellets, and blanched vegetables encourages strong, healthy coloring and proper molting. As with all Neocaridina, peaceful tankmates are essential to avoid stress that can dull coloration.

Botanicals such as Indian almond leaves, Casuarina cones, and cholla wood provide natural enrichment and support essential microfauna growth that sustains juveniles and enhances overall colony health.

Breeder Pack Options

• Breeder Pack includes two males and eight females not including extras.

• Ultimate Breeder Pack includes two males and eight females not including extras along with three ounces of shrimp food one cholla wood and five almond leaves.

Bonus Tip

Blue Jellies show their best tone against dark hardscape and lush plants like moss — this heightens contrast and gives them an ethereal, glowing appearance under aquarium light.

Complete your shrimp order with some vibrant plants! They provide essential hiding spots and enhance the natural look of your tank, creating a healthier, more enriching environment for your shrimp. Add plants to your order for a thriving, beautiful setup!