Blue Pearl Shrimp
Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis
A hardy, peaceful dwarf shrimp species closely related to the popular Cherry Shrimp. They are excellent scavengers that constantly graze on biofilm and algae. Due to their tiny size, they are extremely vulnerable to predation and are best kept in dedicated invertebrate setups or with very small, peaceful nano fish (like rasboras).
Blue Pearl Shrimp At a Glance
Blue Pearl Shrimp Tank Requirements
Will Blue Pearl Shrimp fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Blue Pearl Shrimp needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Blue Pearl Shrimp against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Blue Pearl Shrimp Water Parameters
Blue Pearl Shrimp Temperament & Compatibility
Blue Pearl Shrimp Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Blue Pearl (Standard)
The classic ice-blue morph of this species. Coloration can range from a pale translucent blue to a deeper solid blue depending on genetics, water quality, and substrate color (darker substrates enhance color).
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Ice Blue, Standard
Snowball Shrimp (White Morph)
A popular bright white translucent morph of the same species. They get their name from their pure white eggs, which resemble tiny snowballs carried beneath the female's abdomen.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Snowball Shrimp, White Pearl Shrimp
Blue Pearl Shrimp Care Guide Summary
The Blue Pearl Shrimp, scientifically known as Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis, belongs to the Invertebrates family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 3 cm and have a compressed body shape with a fast growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Blue Pearl Shrimp requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 19 litres and a tank length of at least 30 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 18°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6.5–8 and a general hardness of 6–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Blue Pearl Shrimp is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Blue Pearl (Standard) and Snowball Shrimp (White Morph). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Blue Pearl Shrimp Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Blue Pearl Shrimp, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, an established tank with natural algae growth, as they depend on it as a primary food source, and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress.
Blue Pearl Shrimp Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Blue Pearl Shrimp is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Blue Pearl Shrimp Is Actually For
Blue Pearl Shrimp is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide a keeper who can commit to a proper group of at least 6. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially established algae.
The most common mistake is buying Blue Pearl Shrimp for looks first and only later discovering how its adult size, behavior, or bioload changes the whole tank plan. Another frequent problem is underestimating its social needs. A token pair or trio often behaves very differently from a real group.
Blue Pearl Shrimp Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Blue Pearl Shrimp.
5 Gallon
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
Show 27 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Pearl Shrimp
How big does Blue Pearl Shrimp get?
Blue Pearl Shrimp (Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 3 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a fast growth rate.
What tank size does Blue Pearl Shrimp need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 19 litres and a tank length of at least 30 cm are recommended for Blue Pearl Shrimp. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Blue Pearl Shrimp need?
Blue Pearl Shrimp thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 18–28°C, a pH between 6.5 and 8, and a general hardness of 6–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Blue Pearl Shrimp peaceful or aggressive?
Blue Pearl Shrimp is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 0 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Blue Pearl Shrimp should be kept together?
Blue Pearl Shrimp is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Blue Pearl Shrimp have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Blue Pearl Shrimp benefits from established algae (otocinclus), plants - densely covered, and leaf litter/blackwater in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 2, 2026
- Last updated
- May 2, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Blue Pearl Shrimp
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Blue Pearl Shrimp based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Japanese Ricefish (Medaka)
Oryzias latipes
Ideal Tank MatesKabia rainbowfish
Glossolepis kabia
Ideal Tank MatesScissortail Rasbora
Rasbora trilineata
Ideal Tank MatesRummynose Rasbora
Sawbwa resplendens
Ideal Tank MatesRosy Red Minnow / Fathead Minnow
Pimephales promelas
Ideal Tank MatesRose Danio
Danio roseus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Blue Pearl Shrimp
These plants pair well with Blue Pearl Shrimp based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Carolina Fanwort
Cabomba caroliniana
Fish Similar to Blue Pearl Shrimp
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
One of the most popular and hardy freshwater invertebrates in the hobby. They come in a rainbow of selectively bred colors. They are excellent scavengers and algae eaters, perfect for nano planted tanks. They are completely peaceful and have a negligible bioload, though they are highly vulnerable to predation by almost any fish with a mouth large enough to eat them.
Yellow Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi var. yellow
A bright yellow color morph of the extremely popular and hardy Neocaridina dwarf shrimp. They are completely peaceful scavengers that excel at cleaning up uneaten food and biofilm. They reproduce readily in freshwater aquariums but are highly vulnerable to predation by most fish. They thrive in colonies and should be kept in groups.
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
Caridina cantonensis
A sensitive, highly prized dwarf shrimp species known for its vivid red/white or black/white banding. Unlike the hardy Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina), Bee Shrimp require cool, soft, acidic water and typically require active buffering soil to thrive. They are peaceful grazers perfect for specific biotope setups.
Bee Shrimp
Caridina logemanni
A highly prized dwarf freshwater shrimp known for its striking opaque color bands. Native to streams in Southern China, they require specific parameters to thrive: cool, highly oxygenated, acidic, and very soft water. This is usually achieved using RO (Reverse Osmosis) water remineralized with specific shrimp salts and active buffering soil. They are highly sensitive to nitrogen spikes and copper, and are extremely vulnerable to fish predation.
Malaya Shrimp
Caridina sp. "Malaya"
A unique and highly variable dwarf shrimp native to Southeast Asia. Unlike most dwarf shrimp, Malaya Shrimp are a low-order species, meaning their eggs hatch into tiny larvae rather than fully-formed shrimplets. However, unlike Amano Shrimp, these larvae do not require saltwater or brackish conditions; they metamorphose completely in freshwater. They are peaceful, active scavengers and excellent algae eaters that come in a wide array of colors including red, blue, green, brown, and clear.
Tiger Shrimp
Caridina mariae
A highly popular dwarf shrimp species known for the distinct dark striping across its back. Originally from Southern China, they have been selectively bred into several striking color morphs. They are peaceful algae-eaters and detritivores, but like most Caridina species, they require stable water parameters, mature tanks, and no predatory fish.