🦐 Blue Diamond / Blue Velvet Shrimp – Description & Properties
Blue Diamond and Blue Velvet are blue color morphs of Neocaridina davidi. Both varieties are popular for their striking blue coloration and hardy nature, making them excellent choices for planted and shrimp-only aquariums.
Although often confused, they differ mainly in color intensity and opacity.
🌈 Description
🔹 Blue Velvet
Lighter blue to sky blue coloration
Semi-transparent to moderately opaque
Softer, pastel appearance
🔹 Blue Diamond
Deep navy to dark sapphire blue
High opacity and strong color coverage
More intense and solid appearance
Size: 2–2.5 cm (0.8–1 inch)
Behavior: Active grazers, peaceful
Color intensity depends on genetics, diet, lighting, and substrate contrast.
🌟 Properties & Benefits
✔ Attractive blue coloration
✔ Hardy and beginner-friendly
✔ Fully freshwater breeding
✔ Active and constantly grazing
✔ Strong contrast on light substrate
✔ Suitable for community shrimp tanks
💧 Care Requirements
Temperature: 18–26°C (64–79°F)
pH: 6.5–7.8
GH: 6–12
KH: 2–8
TDS: ~150–250 ppm
Substrate: Neutral substrate recommended
Like other Neocaridina varieties, they are adaptable to a wide range of stable parameters.
🦐 Breeding
Breeds fully in freshwater
Egg incubation: approx. 3–4 weeks
20–40 shrimplets per clutch
Offspring color may vary if different blue lines are mixed
For maintaining strong color quality, selective breeding is recommended.
📌 Summary
Blue Diamond and Blue Velvet shrimp are hardy, vibrant blue Neocaridina varieties suitable for beginners and advanced keepers alike. Blue Velvet offers a lighter pastel blue, while Blue Diamond provides a deep, solid navy coloration.