Chocolate Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. “Chocolate”) are a beautiful and popular type of freshwater shrimp. They are known for their deep brown to black coloration, which can vary in intensity from shrimp to shrimp. Chocolate Shrimp are relatively easy to care for and can be a great addition to any community tank.
Appearance
Chocolate Shrimp are typically about an inch long when fully grown. Their bodies are a translucent brown to black color, with some individuals having a slightly blue shimmer. Their legs and antennae are also brown to black, and their eyes are black. Chocolate Shrimp have a translucent carapace, which allows their internal organs to be seen.
Behavior
Chocolate Shrimp are very active and social creatures. They love to explore their surroundings and interact with other shrimp. Chocolate Shrimp are also scavengers, and they will help to keep your aquarium clean by eating algae and other detritus.
Care and Maintenance
Chocolate Shrimp are relatively easy to care for. They can be kept in a variety of aquarium setups, but they prefer a well-planted tank with soft to medium water. The pH of the water should be between 6.5 and 7.5, and the water hardness should be between 2 and 8 dGH. Chocolate Shrimp also need a temperature of between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
Diet
Chocolate Shrimp can be fed a variety of foods, including commercial shrimp foods, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables. You should avoid feeding them copper-based medications, as these can be toxic to shrimp.
Tankmates
Chocolate Shrimp are peaceful creatures and can be kept with a variety of other fish and shrimp. However, it is important to avoid keeping them with fish that are known to be aggressive towards shrimp. Some good tankmates for Chocolate Shrimp include:
- Neon tetras
- Guppies
- Platies
- Rasboras
- Celestial pearl danios
- Other types of shrimp
Breeding
Chocolate Shrimp are relatively easy to breed in captivity. If you have a male and female Chocolate Shrimp in your aquarium, they will likely breed on their own. However, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success:
- Provide a well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding places for the shrimp.
- Feed the shrimp a high-quality diet.
- Maintain the water parameters within the ideal range.
- Raise the water temperature to between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the female shrimp has been fertilized, she will carry the eggs in her abdomen for several weeks. Once the eggs hatch, the baby shrimp will be very small and vulnerable. It is important to provide them with a safe environment by adding plenty of fine-leaved plants to the aquarium.
Tips for Keeping Chocolate Shrimp Happy and Healthy
- Avoid using copper-based medications in your aquarium, as these can be toxic to shrimp.
- Be careful not to overfeed your shrimp, as this can lead to water quality problems.
- Quarantine any new shrimp before adding them to your main aquarium to prevent the spread of diseases.
- Monitor your shrimp regularly for signs of illness. If you see any signs of illness, quarantine the shrimp immediately and treat them with the appropriate medication.
With proper care, Chocolate Shrimp can live for several years. They are a beautiful and unique addition to any freshwater aquarium.


















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