Green Jade Shrimp – Neocaridina davidi – 1.5 to 2 cm

Neocaridina davidi Green Jade: a Striking Green Freshwater Shrimp

The Neocaridina davidi Green Jade is a particularly distinctive selectively bred variety, sought after for its unusual green pigmentation among freshwater aquarium shrimp.

Its colouration can range from olive green to deep green, sometimes with darker shades. The intensity and uniformity of the colour naturally vary depending on the individual, age, sex and quality of the selected line.

Adult females are generally larger and more strongly pigmented than males. The best-coloured individuals can display dense green pigmentation covering much of the body.

The Green Jade is therefore an excellent choice for aquarists looking to keep Neocaridina in less common colours.

Characteristics of the Neocaridina Green Jade

Scientific name: Neocaridina davidi
Variety: Green Jade
Common names: Green Jade Shrimp / Green Shrimp
Colouration: olive green to deep green
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 to intermediate
Breeding: possible entirely in freshwater

Although Neocaridina are considered relatively hardy, the Green Jade benefits above all from stable water conditions and a properly cycled aquarium. Sudden changes in temperature or water parameters should be avoided.

What Aquarium Is Suitable for Green Jade Shrimp?

The Neocaridina Green Jade particularly appreciates mature aquariums offering plenty of surfaces to explore.

Mosses, roots, stones, leaves and aquatic plants encourage the development of biofilm and micro-organisms naturally consumed by shrimp.

Because of its green colouration, the Green Jade can sometimes be surprisingly discreet among dense vegetation. An aquarium containing darker areas, roots or stones can create different contrasts and make the shrimp easier to observe.

Mosses are particularly beneficial for juvenile shrimp, providing both hiding places and numerous natural feeding surfaces.

A nano aquarium can be suitable for a colony, although a larger volume offering good biological stability generally makes long-term maintenance easier.

Feeding Green Jade Shrimp

The Green Jade is omnivorous and detritivorous. It spends much of its time exploring aquarium surfaces in search of tiny food particles.

Biofilm, micro-organisms, certain microalgae and organic matter naturally form part of its diet.

Food specifically formulated for freshwater shrimp can supplement these natural resources and provide the nutrients required for growth, moulting and reproduction.

A varied diet is preferable, but food should always be provided in moderate quantities. Uneaten food should not be allowed to accumulate in the aquarium, as this can reduce water quality.

Do Green Jade Shrimp Eat Algae?

Like other Neocaridina, the Green Jade spends a great deal of time grazing on aquarium surfaces.

It may consume certain microalgae as well as biofilm growing on plants, stones, roots and aquarium glass.

This activity contributes to the biological balance of the aquarium, but the Green Jade should not be considered a solution for eliminating all types of algae.

A shrimp colony does not replace regular aquarium maintenance or the need to identify the cause of excessive algae growth.

Green Colouration That Can Vary

The most distinctive characteristic of the Neocaridina Green Jade is, of course, its colouration.

The intensity of the green varies between individuals. Some shrimp display an olive shade, while others develop a much deeper and more opaque green.

Slightly brown, yellowish or darker tones may also appear in some individuals.

This natural variation forms part of the selective breeding process. To progressively develop a colony displaying strong green colouration, breeders can select individuals that best represent the desired phenotype.

Breeding Neocaridina Green Jade Shrimp

The Green Jade reproduces entirely in freshwater when suitable conditions are provided.

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

The juveniles hatch as tiny, fully formed shrimp and quickly begin searching for food across the different aquarium surfaces.

Dense vegetation, mosses and a mature aquarium rich in biofilm greatly benefit their development.

For additional protection in a breeding aquarium, a fine sponge can be fitted over the filter intake to prevent juvenile shrimp from being drawn into the filter.

Differences Between Male and Female Green Jade Shrimp

Female Green Jade Shrimp are generally larger and more robust than males.

Their abdomen becomes broader and more rounded as they mature, allowing them to carry eggs. Females also often display denser and more opaque green pigmentation.

Males generally have a slimmer body shape and remain slightly smaller. Their colouration may be paler or display more transparent areas.

These differences become much easier to observe in adult shrimp.

Keeping Green Jade Shrimp with Fish

The Neocaridina Green Jade is completely peaceful and poses no danger to fish.

However, many fish species may regard shrimp as prey. Juvenile shrimp are particularly vulnerable because of their very small size.

For establishing a large colony and maximising juvenile survival, a dedicated shrimp aquarium remains the safest option.

In a community aquarium, dense vegetation, mosses and numerous hiding places can help reduce the risk of predation, although the risk cannot be completely eliminated.

Can Green Jade Shrimp Be Kept with Other Neocaridina?

Different selectively bred varieties of Neocaridina davidi can reproduce with one another.

Green Jade Shrimp can therefore cross with Red Cherry, Sakura, Blue Velvet, Orange Rili, Yellow Fire, Black, Chocolate and other Neocaridina varieties.

If the aim is to maintain a Green Jade line with attractive green colouration, it is preferable not to mix different colour varieties in the same aquarium.

Crossbreeding can gradually alter the selected characteristics and produce offspring displaying variable colouration, sometimes closer to the wild phenotype.

A dedicated Green Jade aquarium therefore makes it easier to preserve and selectively develop the green colouration over successive generations.

Buy Neocaridina davidi Green Jade Shrimp Online

With its distinctive green colouration, the Neocaridina davidi Green Jade is a particularly interesting variety for expanding a collection of freshwater shrimp.

Its active behaviour, small size and ability to establish a colony create a lively aquarium in which the shrimp constantly move from one surface to another in search of food.

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

Careful acclimatisation is recommended before introducing them to their new aquarium to minimise sudden differences in temperature and water parameters between the transport water and the aquarium water.

Never release aquarium shrimp into the natural environment.