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.
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Blue Pearl Shrimp Water Parameters
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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.
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
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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.
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 MatesDainty Cory (Salt and Pepper Cory)
Corydoras habrosus
Ideal Tank MatesMacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish)
Melanotaenia maccullochi
Ideal Tank MatesExquisite Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia exquisita
Ideal Tank MatesEastern Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia splendida
Ideal Tank MatesDelicate Blue-Eye
Pseudomugil tenellus
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.
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.
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
A peaceful to semi-aggressive labyrinth fish native to South Asia. Famous for their brilliant metallic blue and red stripes. While generally suitable for community tanks, males are territorial toward each other and similar-looking fish. They are sensitive to water quality and prone to Iridovirus if stressed. Requires access to the surface to breathe.
Brown Camo Shrimp
Caridina babaulti var. Brown
The Brown Camo Shrimp (Caridina babaulti) is a fascinating dwarf shrimp known for its ability to rapidly change color to match its surroundings, much like a chameleon. They are excellent scavengers and algae grazers. Unlike some highly sensitive Caridina species (like Crystal Reds), Babaulti are relatively hardy and can adapt to a wider range of water parameters, making them a great choice for planted nano tanks.
Honey Gourami
Trichogaster chuna
The smallest and most peaceful member of the Trichogaster genus. Ideally suited for planted nano aquariums. Unlike the aggressive Dwarf Gourami (*T. lalius*), Honey Gouramis are timid and gentle. True Honey Gouramis rarely exceed 5cm. Note: Many bright red fish sold as 'Red Honey' or 'Red Robin' are actually Thick-lipped Gouramis (*T. labiosa*), which grow larger.