Green Jade Shrimp (Grade A) - Neocaridina Davidi var. Green

Green Jade Shrimp (Grade A) | Neocaridina davidi var. Green

Grade A Green Jade Shrimp are the pick of the tank — selected for solid, opaque green colouration with no translucency, no patchy coverage, and a clean, consistent body colour that holds up under any lighting. Where lower grade specimens can look washed out or uneven, Grade A individuals display the rich, even jade green that makes this colour morph so striking in a well-planted aquarium — particularly against dark substrate and lush green planting where the colour contrast is at its most vivid.

A Neocaridina davidi colour variant, Green Jade Shrimp share the same hardy, adaptable nature that makes this species the most popular freshwater shrimp in the hobby. Active, peaceful, and endlessly entertaining to watch as they graze their way around the tank, they are an excellent choice for aquarists at any experience level.

All of our Neocaridina shrimp are raised in remineralised RO water. Drip acclimation over a minimum of 2–3 hours is always recommended when introducing new shrimp to your tank.

Grade A — What It Means

Grade A specimens are selected for full, opaque body coverage with consistent, solid colouration throughout. Females — typically larger and more intensely coloured than males — will display the richest green, making them the showpiece individuals of any colony.

Green Jade Shrimp Care Guide

Care at a Glance

• Scientific name: Neocaridina davidi var. Green
• Also known as: Green Jade Shrimp, Green Neocaridina, Jade Shrimp
• Adult size: 1–1.5 inches (2.5–3.5 cm) — females larger and more intensely coloured
• Minimum tank size: 10 gallons recommended for a colony
• Temperature: 68–78°F (20–26°C)
• pH: 6.5–8.0 — stable, neutral to slightly alkaline water ideal
• GH: 6–12 dGH
• KH: 2–8 dKH
• TDS: 150–250 ppm
• Best kept in groups of 10 or more
• Lifespan: 1–2 years

Tank Setup

A well-planted aquarium with gentle filtration, plenty of hiding spots, and dark substrate will bring out the very best in Grade A Green Jade Shrimp. Java Moss, Anubias, Bucephalandra, and floating plants provide grazing surfaces, cover for moulting shrimp, and shelter for shrimplets. A sponge filter is strongly recommended — no risk to juveniles and an additional biofilm grazing surface. If using a hang-on-back or canister filter, cover the intake with a pre-filter sponge.

Stability is key — consistent water parameters matter far more than chasing perfect numbers. Avoid large, sudden water changes and always use a quality water conditioner.

A Note on Colour

Dark substrate makes a significant difference to how vivid these shrimp appear. On light-coloured substrate their green colouration can look washed out. For the most striking display, use black or dark brown substrate in a well-established tank with plenty of biofilm growth.

A Critical Warning — Copper Toxicity

Neocaridina shrimp are extremely sensitive to copper, which is lethal even in trace amounts. Always check the ingredients of any fish medications, fertilisers, or water treatments before use. When in doubt, remove shrimp to a separate container before treating the main tank.

Feeding

Omnivorous scavengers that graze continuously throughout the day. In a well-established planted tank, biofilm and algae will provide a significant portion of their diet naturally. Supplement with high quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, and kale. Feed sparingly — overfeeding is one of the most common mistakes in shrimp keeping and quickly leads to water quality issues.

Breeding

Green Jade Shrimp breed readily in stable water conditions. Females release pheromones after moulting that trigger an energetic swimming response from males. Eggs gestate for 2–3 weeks before hatching into miniature, fully formed shrimplets. Dense planting and moss give shrimplets the best chance of survival in a community setting.

Important — Colour Line Purity

All Neocaridina davidi colour variants will interbreed freely if housed together. Keeping Green Jade Shrimp with other Neocaridina colour morphs will result in offspring gradually reverting toward wild-type brown colouration over several generations. Keep colour lines separate to maintain their vivid green.

Tank Mates

• Other peaceful nano fish such as small tetras, rasboras, danios, and endlers
• Corydoras and other small, peaceful bottom dwellers
• Snails — excellent tank mates
• Avoid Bettas, Gouramis, and any fish with a mouth large enough to eat shrimp
• Do not house with other Neocaridina colour morphs if maintaining colour purity