Blue Pearl Shrimp (Neocaridina palmata var. 'Blue Pearl')
| Blue Pearl Shrimp Neocaridina palmata var. 'Blue Pearl' | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Blue Pearl Shrimp |
| Name Lat. | Neocaridina palmata var. 'Blue Pearl' |
| Family | Shrimps |
| Family lat. | Atyidae |
| Order | Decapods |
| Order lat. | Decapoda |
| Origin | S-China, Vietnam |
| Habitat | Streams, ponds |
| Diet | Algae, detritus |
| pH | 6.0-8.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Reproduction | Larval stages |
| Breeding | Simple |
| Life Span | 1-2 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 2.5 cm |
| Temperature | 18-24 °C |
| Hardness | 4-12 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 25 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1" |
| Temperature | 64-75 °F |
| Hardness | 70-200 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 5 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The Neocaridina palmata 'Blue Pearl' is a breeding selection. The distribution area of Neocaridina palmata is southeast China and Vietnam, where it lives in streams and small and medium-sized rivers of the mountainous regions.
Maintenance
They require a partly densely planted aquarium with many roots and a medium strong current. The substrate of dark sand or gravel should be partially covered with foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves, oak leaves), rotting plant material and mulm.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable in the aquarium water, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals. When choosing the filter, special care should be taken to ensure that the animals cannot be sucked in.
Diet
In nature, they use the bristles of their scissor legs to rasp off growth organisms from stones, dead wood and plants
For a balanced diet, the food supply consists of autumn leaves from native trees (e.g. oak, beech, maple, birch) or sea almond tree leaves and a special, high-quality shrimp food with low protein content (below 30%). In addition, algae leaves, freshly scalded nettle or dandelion leaves and leaf spinach can be offered. It is recommended to coat stones or roots with a slurry of spirulina, chlorella and other algae powder and place them in the aquarium after they have dried. Dry food for fish and crayfish as well as cyclops, daphnia, Artemia nauplii, microworms (live or frozen) should be offered only occasionally due to the high protein content.
It is sufficient to feed them about 3 times a week. Unaccepted food should be siphoned off after approx. 12 hours
A regular and varied diet promotes the well-being of the animals and increases their resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They should be kept in a group of at least 10 animals. Keeping them in a species tank is recommended, but they can also be kept with small peaceful fish in a community tank with lots of moss and fine-leaved plants (hiding places). A socialization with other Neocaridina species is not recommended, because the animals cross.
Basically only compatible animals with similar requirements to the water condition and water temperature may be socialized.
Reproduction and breeding
The females are larger and more plump than the males. Breeding is relatively easy. After a molt of the female, the male attaches his sperm packet to the first swimming legs (pleopods) of the female. Then he pushes the eggs over these packages and fixes them to the pleopods. There the young develop to the last larval stage and are released with fully formed walking legs and scissor tufts.
Important
This mutation was bred by Ulf Gottschalk and presented to the public in 2006.
The foliage (sea almond tree, oak, beech, etc.) not only provides cover, but also promotes the development of microorganisms when rotting, which are a valuable secondary food source
The well-being of the animals should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced animals must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: petdata; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: REQUENA, KLOTZ, MARTIN (2020): Garnelen im Aquarium, Dähne Verlag; KARGE & KLOTZ (2007): Süßwassergarnelen aus aller Welt, Dähne Verlag; ENGELMANN & LANGE (2011): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Wirbellose, Verlag Harri Deutsch