Caridina vs Neocaridina: which water does each shrimp need
The key difference between the two families of aquarium shrimp and how to prepare the water for each one.
June 5, 2026
Dwarf shrimp are among the most popular animals in the aquarium hobby, but putting a Caridina into Neocaridina water (or the other way around) usually ends badly. The key lies in the water chemistry.
Neocaridina (the easy ones)
Neocaridina davidi (Red Cherry, Blue Dream, Yellow…) are hardy and perfect for getting started. They want neutral and somewhat hard water:
- pH: 6.5 – 7.5
- GH: 6 – 8 (they need minerals to molt)
- KH: 2 – 5
- TDS: 150 – 250 ppm
- Temperature: 20 – 25 °C
They tolerate tap water well in many areas. If they breed, you’ll have a colony within months.
Caridina (the demanding ones)
Caridina (Crystal Red, Taiwan Bee…) want soft and acidic water, usually with remineralized RO water and an active substrate that lowers the pH:
- pH: 5.5 – 6.5
- GH: 4 – 6
- KH: 0 – 1 (almost no buffer!)
- TDS: 100 – 150 ppm
- Temperature: 20 – 24 °C
They are more sensitive to nitrogenous compounds and to sudden changes in TDS.
The practical rule
Neocaridina = harder water (positive KH). Caridina = soft and acidic water (KH ≈ 0).
Don’t mix the two in the same tank: their ideal waters are incompatible. And in both cases, ammonia and nitrite must be at 0 and the TDS stable: shrimp molt, and a failed molt caused by unstable water is fatal.
Measure the TDS and GH before adding any shrimp, and acclimate very slowly (drip by drip) when you bring them home.