Green Jade Shrimp

Description

Green Jade Shrimp

Green Jade shrimp are a captivating variety of Neocaridina davidi, typically growing to 2-4 cm in length. Their most distinctive feature is their unique green coloration, which ranges from a light, translucent mint green to a deeper, more intense emerald shade. True to their name, the best specimens display a smooth, jade-like appearance that creates an ethereal effect in planted aquariums.

The green coloration can vary in intensity, with high-grade specimens showing a more solid, uniform green throughout their body. The color can appear particularly striking under aquarium lighting, where it can take on different hues ranging from a soft sage to a rich forest green. Some specimens may display subtle variations in their green coloring, with slightly darker or lighter patches that add depth to their appearance.

Like other Neocaridina species, Green Jade shrimp possess a straight or slightly curved rostrum, well-developed eyes on short stalks, and long, sensitive antennae. Their walking legs (pereopods) and swimming legs (pleopods) usually display a lighter version of their body coloration, often with a translucent quality that adds to their delicate appearance. The internal organs may be slightly visible through their semi-transparent exoskeleton, creating an interesting depth to their coloration.

Sexual dimorphism is present, with males typically being smaller and showing less intense coloration compared to females. Mature females are notably larger and develop a more rounded abdomen for carrying eggs. When berried, females carry eggs that appear as small greenish spheres visible through their exoskeleton. Female Green Jades tend to show more intense coloration, particularly during breeding periods.

As a Neocaridina variety, Green Jade shrimp are relatively hardy and adaptable. They thrive in a wide range of water parameters: pH 6.5-7.8, GH 6-8, KH 2-5, temperatures between 20-28°C (68-82°F). They readily accept a variety of foods including standard fish flakes, shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables, and naturally occurring biofilm. Their color can be enhanced through a diet rich in vegetables and specialized shrimp foods containing natural color enhancers.

Taxonomy:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Decapoda
Family: Atyidae
Genus: Neocaridina
Species: N. davidi

Questions? You can contact us here.