Blue Dream Shrimp Care Guide (2026)

Blue Dream Shrimp Care Guide (2026)

Blue Dream Shrimp are a selectively bred color morph of Neocaridina davidi — the same species as Cherry Shrimp — developed for their vivid blue coloration. Their husbandry is identical to Cherry Shrimp, but their distinct appearance and the specific considerations around maintaining and breeding true color make them worth their own guide. If you are already keeping Cherry Shrimp, you can keep Blue Dreams under the same conditions.

Species Overview

  • Scientific name: Neocaridina davidi
  • Color morph: Blue Dream (also sold as Blue Velvet, Blue Diamond — naming varies by seller and color intensity)
  • Adult size: 1–1.5 inches; females larger than males and typically more intensely colored
  • Lifespan: 1–2 years
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Difficulty: Beginner

Blue Dream vs. Blue Velvet vs. Other Blue Neocaridina

Blue Neocaridina naming is inconsistent across the aquarium trade. Blue Dream, Blue Velvet, Blue Diamond, and Blue Jelly may be sold under overlapping or inconsistent names, but they can represent different selectively bred lines and should not automatically be assumed to be genetically identical. Husbandry is essentially the same because they are all Neocaridina davidi, but buy from a seller who can identify the line if maintaining coloration through breeding is important to you.

Tank Size

Same as Cherry Shrimp: 10 gallons is a practical minimum for a colony. Larger tanks provide more stability and room for a self-sustaining breeding population.

→ Best Freshwater Aquarium Tanks

Water Parameters

  • Temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C)
  • pH: 6.8–7.8
  • GH: 6–10
  • KH: 2–8
  • TDS: 150–300 ppm
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm at all times
  • Nitrate: Keep below 20 ppm; lower is better

Identical parameters to Cherry Shrimp. Test your tap water before setup — many sources fall within Neocaridina range without remineralization.

→ Best Aquarium Test Kits | Best Shrimp Remineralizers & GH/KH Minerals

Color and Grading

Blue Dream coloration ranges from pale, washed-out blue to deep, opaque blue-violet. Females are typically more intensely colored than males. Color intensity is influenced by genetics, water parameters, diet, and substrate color — dark substrates tend to bring out more vivid coloration in Neocaridina shrimp.

Higher-grade Blue Dreams have solid, opaque blue coloration across the body. Lower-grade shrimp may appear translucent or patchy. If color quality matters to you, purchase from a seller who photographs their actual breeding stock rather than stock photos.

Breeding for Color

Blue Dream Shrimp breed readily under the same conditions as Cherry Shrimp. The primary consideration specific to this morph is color line maintenance. Mixing established Neocaridina color lines can produce increasingly inconsistent coloration, including dull, brownish, translucent, or wild-type-looking offspring over subsequent generations. To maintain vivid blue coloration:

  • Cull or separate lower-quality individuals (pale, patchy, or off-color shrimp) from the breeding population
  • Do not mix Blue Dreams with other N. davidi color morphs — they will interbreed and offspring will lose color definition
  • Select the most intensely colored females for breeding stock

→ Freshwater Shrimp Breeding Guide

Where to Find Blue Dream Shrimp

Ready to start your colony? The Shrimp Farm carries Blue Dream Shrimp — a straightforward way to get healthy shrimp shipped to your door once your tank is cycled and ready.

Browse Blue Dream Shrimp at The Shrimp Farm →

Disclosure: HabitatCraft participates in The Shrimp Farm affiliate program and may earn a commission from purchases made through this link, at no extra cost to you.

Filtration

Sponge filter, same as Cherry Shrimp. Shrimplet-safe, gentle flow, easy to maintain.

→ Best Sponge Filters for Shrimp Tanks | Best Air Pumps for Aquariums

Substrate

Inert substrate is appropriate. Dark-colored substrate (black sand, dark gravel) enhances blue coloration and is worth considering if color intensity is a priority.

→ Best Substrate for Shrimp Tanks

Plants

Live plants are strongly recommended. Java moss, java fern, and anubias provide cover, support biofilm, and give shrimplets hiding places. Blue shrimp show particularly well against green plant backgrounds.

→ Best Live Aquarium Plants

Feeding

Same as Cherry Shrimp. Supplement every 1–2 days with shrimp-specific pellets, snowflake food, or blanched vegetables. Remove uneaten food within a few hours.

→ Best Shrimp Food

Molting

Blue Dream Shrimp molt regularly. Leave shed exoskeletons in the tank. Molting problems can be associated with unsuitable or unstable water chemistry — maintain stable parameters and avoid large, rapid water changes.

→ Freshwater Shrimp Molting Guide

Tankmates

Adult Blue Dream Shrimp can coexist with many small, peaceful fish, although virtually any fish capable of catching a shrimplet may eat one. A species-only tank produces the fastest colony growth and the best color line maintenance. Avoid mixing with other N. davidi color morphs.

→ Freshwater Shrimp Tankmates Guide

Equipment Summary

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