NEOTROPIC – Breeder and Online Seller of Tropical Fish and Freshwater Invertebrates

Welcome to NeoTropic, a French aquarium specialist dedicated to the breeding and sale of tropical fish and freshwater aquarium invertebrates.

We offer aquarists a wide selection of aquarium fish, freshwater shrimp, crayfish, freshwater snails and other invertebrates, with particular attention paid to animal quality, acclimation and proper care conditions.

Whether you are setting up your first aquarium, adding to an existing community, discovering new species or creating a dedicated shrimp or invertebrate aquarium, NeoTropic offers a wide range of species and varieties suitable for different types of freshwater aquariums.

Freshwater Tropical Fish for Aquariums

Freshwater tropical fish offer an extraordinary diversity of colours, shapes and behaviours.

NeoTropic offers a variety of species suitable for community aquariums, species-specific tanks and aquariums dedicated to particular families of fish.

Depending on availability, you can find:

• cichlids;
• schooling fish;
• bottom-dwelling fish;
• livebearers;
• small tropical fish;
• species suitable for community aquariums;
• more unusual species sought after by experienced aquarists.

Each species has its own requirements regarding aquarium size, temperature, pH, water hardness, diet and compatibility with other inhabitants.

Fish should therefore be selected according to the characteristics of your aquarium and the species already living in it.

Aquarium Cichlids

Cichlids have historically played an important role at NeoTropic.

This large family includes fish with fascinating behaviours, spectacular colours and a wide variety of breeding strategies.

Their requirements can vary considerably depending on the species.

Some cichlids live in pairs or groups, while others develop much stronger territorial behaviour.

Their adult size must also be taken into account before purchase.

Fish for Community Aquariums

A community aquarium allows several compatible species to be kept together.

To create a balanced community, several factors should be considered:

• aquarium volume;
• adult size of the fish;
• temperature;
• pH;
• water hardness;
• behaviour;
• swimming zone;
• the number of individuals required for each species.

Combining fish that occupy different areas of the aquarium can also create a more balanced and harmonious community.

Some fish live mainly near the surface, others in mid-water and others close to the bottom.

Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp

Aquarium shrimp have become extremely popular in freshwater aquariums.

Small, colourful and fascinating to observe, they can be kept in dedicated shrimp tanks or, for certain species, alongside carefully selected fish.

NeoTropic offers a variety of freshwater shrimp suitable for beginners as well as experienced shrimp keepers wishing to establish colonies or selectively breed particular colours.

Neocaridina: Colourful and Easy-to-Keep Freshwater Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi are among the most popular freshwater aquarium shrimp.

They are available in many colours and selectively bred varieties:

• Red Cherry;
• Red Sakura;
• Yellow Fire;
• Blue Velvet;
• Blue Dream;
• Tiger;
• Orange;
• Green Jade;
• White Pearl;
• Chocolate;
• Rili varieties;
• other colourful varieties.

Their ability to reproduce entirely in freshwater makes it possible to gradually establish a thriving colony in a suitable aquarium.

They are also an excellent choice for discovering the fascinating world of freshwater aquarium shrimp.

Caridina and Other Freshwater Shrimp

NeoTropic also offers several species and varieties of Caridina, along with other freshwater shrimp.

One of the best known is the Amano shrimp – Caridina multidentata, appreciated for its constant activity in the aquarium and its consumption of certain algae and organic matter.

Other species allow enthusiasts to discover very different behaviours, body shapes and care requirements.

Before purchasing shrimp, it is essential to check the water parameters required by each species.

Dwarf Aquarium Crayfish

Freshwater aquarium crayfish are another fascinating group of freshwater invertebrates.

Small species of the genus Cambarellus are particularly suitable for aquariums thanks to their compact adult size.

One of the best known is the CPO – Cambarellus patzcuarensis Orange, famous for its intense orange colour.

Other species such as Cambarellus diminutus and Cambarellus texanus also offer aquarists the opportunity to discover the fascinating behaviour of dwarf crayfish.

How to Keep Dwarf Crayfish in an Aquarium

Dwarf crayfish require a properly arranged aquarium with:

• several hiding places;
• wood and roots;
• rocks;
• a suitable substrate;
• biological filtration;
• properly mineralised water.

The available bottom surface area is particularly important.

Crayfish can be territorial and need places to hide, especially during moulting.

Freshwater Aquarium Snails

Freshwater snails can also be fascinating aquarium inhabitants.

Depending on the species, they may feed on:

• algae;
• biofilm;
• leftover food;
• certain types of organic matter.

They do not replace regular aquarium maintenance, but they can play a useful role within the aquarium ecosystem.

Many species are available in a wide variety of shapes and colours.

Why Keep Invertebrates in a Freshwater Aquarium?

Invertebrates add another fascinating dimension to an aquarium.

They allow aquarists to observe behaviours very different from those of fish:

• foraging;
• moulting;
• breeding;
• juvenile development;
• exploring the aquarium;
• interactions between individuals.

An aquarium dedicated entirely to invertebrates can be just as fascinating as a community fish aquarium.

What Aquarium Should You Choose as a Beginner?

The right aquarium primarily depends on the animals you intend to keep.

A small aquarium may be suitable for certain shrimp, whereas many fish species require considerably larger tanks.

Before choosing your livestock, determine:

aquarium volume;

temperature;

pH;

GH and KH;

filtration type;

species already present.

It is better to choose animals that suit your aquarium rather than trying to adapt the aquarium afterwards to incompatible species.

The Importance of the Nitrogen Cycle

Before introducing fish, shrimp or crayfish, the aquarium must be biologically ready for its inhabitants.

The filter supports the development of beneficial bacteria involved in the nitrogen cycle.

Nitrite is toxic to aquarium inhabitants.

Before introducing livestock, nitrite should therefore be:

0 mg/L.

A newly filled aquarium should therefore not immediately receive its final livestock.

What Temperature Is Suitable for a Tropical Aquarium?

The appropriate temperature depends on the species.

Many tropical fish are kept at around 23 to 27°C, although some species prefer cooler or warmer water.

Neocaridina shrimp can tolerate a relatively wide temperature range, but particular attention should be paid to excessive temperatures and the reduced oxygen levels that may accompany them.

The requirements of each species should always be checked rather than applying a single temperature to every aquarium inhabitant.

What pH Is Suitable for a Freshwater Aquarium?

There is no single ideal pH for every aquarium animal.

Different species may prefer:

• slightly acidic water;
• water close to neutral;
• alkaline water.

The most important consideration is to create a community of species with compatible requirements.

Stable pH is also essential.

GH and KH: Why Are They Important?

GH mainly represents the general hardness of the water.

KH contributes to pH stability.

These parameters are particularly important for certain invertebrates that require suitable mineral levels for healthy moulting.

Testing your water therefore helps you choose species suited to the parameters available.

Can Tap Water Be Used in an Aquarium?

Yes, for many species.

It depends on the composition of your local tap water.

Before choosing fish or invertebrates, it can be useful to measure:

• pH;
• GH;
• KH;
• nitrate.

If your tap water is compatible with the species you wish to keep, using it can considerably simplify aquarium maintenance.

Can Fish and Shrimp Be Kept Together?

Yes, but compatibility must be carefully considered.

Many fish may eat small shrimp, particularly juvenile shrimp.

If a fish has a mouth large enough to swallow a shrimp, there is always a potential risk.

For aquarists wishing to establish a large Neocaridina colony, a dedicated shrimp aquarium is generally the most effective option.

Can Fish and Crayfish Be Kept Together?

Certain combinations are possible with small crayfish species.

However, it is best to avoid fish that are:

• very slow;
• long-finned;
• likely to rest or sleep on the bottom;
• large enough to eat the crayfish.

A crayfish may also attempt to grab a fish that passes within reach.

Tank mates must therefore be selected carefully.

How to Choose Aquarium Livestock

Before purchasing an aquarium animal, ask yourself five simple questions:

What will its adult size be?

What aquarium volume does it require?

What water parameters does it need?

Should it live alone, in a pair or in a group?

Is it compatible with the animals already present?

These simple checks can prevent many common stocking mistakes.

Buying Freshwater Fish and Invertebrates Online

Buying online provides access to species and varieties that can sometimes be difficult to find locally.

At NeoTropic, particular attention is paid to preparing live animals for transport.

Fish and invertebrates are living animals, so their packaging and transport conditions must be adapted accordingly.

After delivery, appropriate acclimation helps minimise differences in temperature and water parameters.

Species for Beginners and Experienced Aquarists

Freshwater fishkeeping can be enjoyed in many different ways.

Some aquarists simply want to create an attractive community aquarium.

Others choose to focus on:

• breeding;
• selective shrimp breeding;
• fish breeding;
• keeping cichlids;
• observing crayfish;
• rarer and more unusual species.

Our selection allows aquarists to progressively discover the many different aspects of freshwater aquarium keeping.

NeoTropic: Freshwater Fish, Shrimp, Crayfish and Invertebrates

NeoTropic specialises in freshwater tropical fish and aquarium invertebrates.

Our aim is to offer aquarists a varied selection including:

tropical freshwater fish;

cichlids;

Neocaridina shrimp;

Caridina shrimp;

Amano shrimp;

Cambarellus dwarf crayfish;

freshwater snails and other invertebrates.

Each group has its own characteristics and offers something different to discover.

Browse our different categories to see the animals currently available and choose species suited to your aquarium.