Chocolate Shrimp – Neocaridina davidi – 1.5 to 2 cm

Neocaridina davidi Chocolate: a Shrimp with Chocolate-Brown Colouration

The Neocaridina davidi Chocolate, also known as the Chocolate Shrimp, is a selectively bred variety of Neocaridina distinguished by its dark brown colouration.

Depending on the individual, age, sex and quality of the line, its colour can range from chocolate brown to very dark brown, sometimes with warmer or almost black shades.

This deep, natural colouration gives it a very different appearance from traditional red, yellow or blue Neocaridina. It looks particularly striking against light green plants, mosses and contrasting aquarium decorations.

Adult females generally display denser pigmentation and a larger body shape than males.

Characteristics of the Chocolate Neocaridina

Scientific name: Neocaridina davidi
Variety: Chocolate
Common name: Chocolate Shrimp
Colouration: chocolate brown to very dark brown
Adult size: approximately 2.5 to 3 cm
Temperature: 18 to 28°C
pH: approximately 6.5 to 8
Diet: omnivorous and detritivorous
Behaviour: peaceful and social
Difficulty: easy
Breeding: possible entirely in freshwater

Like other Neocaridina, the Chocolate Shrimp can adapt to a range of aquarium conditions. Stable water parameters and a properly cycled aquarium are nevertheless essential for successful long-term care.

A Suitable Aquarium for Chocolate Shrimp

The Chocolate Neocaridina appreciates mature aquariums with plenty of vegetation.

Mosses, aquatic plants, roots, stones and leaves provide numerous surfaces on which biofilm and micro-organisms can develop naturally.

A well-structured aquarium also provides plenty of hiding places, particularly during moulting and for juvenile shrimp.

The chocolate colouration stands out particularly well against light green vegetation. Suitable lighting also helps reveal the different brown shades of this variety.

Chocolate Shrimp can be kept in nano aquariums, but stable water parameters should always be prioritised over keeping them in the smallest possible volume.

Feeding Chocolate Neocaridina

The Chocolate Shrimp is omnivorous and detritivorous. It spends much of its time exploring aquarium surfaces in search of food.

Biofilm, micro-organisms, certain microalgae and organic matter form part of its natural diet in a mature aquarium.

These natural food sources can be supplemented with food specifically formulated for freshwater shrimp.

A varied and balanced diet supports growth, moulting and reproduction. However, food should be provided in moderate quantities to prevent the accumulation of uneaten food and organic waste.

An Active Shrimp in the Aquarium Ecosystem

Chocolate Neocaridina are constantly active when they feel secure.

They explore plants, roots, stones and substrate, using their small legs to collect food particles and biofilm from surfaces.

This activity contributes to the consumption of small organic debris and certain microalgae.

However, Chocolate Shrimp should not be considered simply as aquarium “cleaners”. Appropriate feeding and regular aquarium maintenance remain essential.

Breeding Neocaridina davidi Chocolate

The Chocolate Neocaridina can reproduce entirely in freshwater when conditions are suitable.

After mating, the female carries her eggs beneath her abdomen and regularly fans them during their development until they hatch.

The young hatch directly as tiny shrimp and quickly begin exploring the aquarium in search of biofilm.

Mosses and dense plants are particularly useful in a breeding aquarium because they provide both hiding places and numerous feeding surfaces for juvenile shrimp.

A fine sponge fitted over the filter intake can also help protect the smallest shrimp.

Selecting Chocolate Colouration

The Chocolate colouration can vary between individuals within a population.

Some individuals develop a deep and relatively uniform brown colour, while others may display lighter or slightly different shades.

To maintain a strongly coloured line, individuals that best display the desired phenotype can be selected over successive generations.

Age and sex can also influence colour intensity. Adult females are often the individuals displaying the deepest shades.

Differences Between Male and Female Chocolate Shrimp

Female Chocolate Neocaridina are generally larger and have a broader, more rounded abdomen.

They may also display more opaque and intense chocolate pigmentation.

Males are usually smaller and slimmer, and their colouration may be slightly less dense.

These differences become easier to observe as the shrimp reach maturity.

Keeping Chocolate Shrimp with Fish

The Chocolate Neocaridina is a completely peaceful shrimp.

It can be kept in some community aquariums, but the risk of predation by fish should always be considered.

Adult shrimp may be ignored by some small, peaceful fish, whereas juvenile shrimp can become potential prey for many fish species.

If the aim is to establish a large Chocolate Shrimp colony, a dedicated shrimp aquarium remains the safest option.

In a community aquarium, dense vegetation, mosses and numerous hiding places can increase the survival rate of juvenile shrimp.

Can Chocolate Shrimp Be Kept with Other Neocaridina Colours?

Different Neocaridina davidi varieties can interbreed.

Chocolate Shrimp can therefore breed with Red Cherry, Sakura, Orange Rili, Blue Velvet, Yellow, Black and other Neocaridina colour varieties.

These crosses are not recommended when the aim is to preserve a well-defined Chocolate line.

Over successive generations, mixing different lines can alter colouration and produce offspring with highly variable pigmentation, sometimes closer to the wild phenotype.

To preserve the characteristics of the Chocolate variety, it is preferable to keep it separately from other Neocaridina colours.

Buy Neocaridina davidi Chocolate Shrimp Online

With its chocolate-brown colouration, Neocaridina davidi Chocolate offers an unusual alternative to more brightly coloured shrimp varieties.

Its active behaviour, relatively easy care and ability to reproduce entirely in freshwater make it possible to gradually establish a beautiful colony in a suitable aquarium.

NeoTropic offers Neocaridina davidi Chocolate Shrimp for sale online, selected for freshwater aquariums.

Careful acclimatisation is recommended on arrival to minimise sudden changes in temperature and water parameters.

Never release aquarium shrimp into the natural environment.