Green Jade Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)
Green Jade Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)
Green Jade Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. "Green Jade") are highly popular, vibrant freshwater dwarf shrimp prized for their striking deep green to olive-colored bodies. Originating from selective breeding of wild Neocaridina lines in Taiwan, they double as an efficient clean-up crew by eating algae and organic debris while providing a vivid visual contrast against dark substrates and aquarium plants.
Care and Water Parameters
While they possess the trademark hardiness of the Neocaridina family, high-grade Green Jade variants can be slightly more sensitive to poor water conditions and shifting parameters than common cherry shrimp.
Temperature: 68–75°F (20–24°C) is ideal for stability, though they tolerate 64–82°F.
pH Range: 6.8–7.5 ensures optimal shell health and reduces osmotic stress.
GH / KH: General Hardiness should sit between 6–8 dGH, and Carbonate Hardiness between 2–5 dKH.
TDS: Maintain Total Dissolved Solids between 180–250 ppm for optimal molting cycles.
Diet and Feeding
Green Jade Shrimp are active, non-aggressive omnivorous scavengers. They primarily feed on naturally growing biofilm and algae within an established aquarium.
Supplemental feeding keeps their colors rich and supports shell development.
High-protein sinking patties formulated with real sword prawns and mulberry leaves to naturally boost growth, breeding vitality, and deep green pigmentation.
Breeding and Culling Challenges
Green Jades breed easily in a mature home aquarium provided they are safe from predators and fed a stable diet. However, they are widely considered one of the most difficult Neocaridina color lines to maintain cleanly over generations.
The "Chocolate" Heritage: Because they descend from the highly diverse chocolate shrimp line, their genetics throw inconsistent offspring.
Culling: Regular culling (removing off-color individuals) is mandatory. Offspring frequently shift toward undesirable translucent yellow, brown, or light blue shades.
Dark Substrates: Keeping your colony over a dark gravel or aqua-soil substrate will visually deepen and intensify their natural emerald and jade pigmentation over time.