Green Hulk Shrimp - Neocaridina Davidi var. Green

Green Hulk Shrimp | A Bold and Vivid Neocaridina for Planted Aquariums

The Green Hulk Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. Green) is one of the most striking and eye-catching colour morphs in the Neocaridina family. Selectively bred for an intense, opaque green colouration that pops brilliantly against dark substrate and lush planting, high-grade specimens display a vivid, solid emerald body that genuinely earns the "Hulk" name. Like all Neocaridina davidi varieties, they share the same hardy, beginner-friendly nature that has made this species the most popular freshwater shrimp in the hobby — but with a colour that is far less common and far more of a showstopper.

Active, peaceful, and endlessly entertaining to watch, Green Hulk Shrimp spend their days grazing on biofilm, algae, and detritus, making them a hardworking and attractive addition to any nano tank or planted aquascape.

Green Hulk Shrimp Care Guide

Care at a Glance

• Scientific name: Neocaridina davidi var. Green
• Also known as: Green Jade Shrimp, Green Neocaridina
• Adult size: 1–1.5 inches (2.5–3.5 cm) — females slightly larger and more intensely coloured than males
• Minimum tank size: 10 gallons recommended for a colony — longer tanks preferred for stability
• Temperature: 68–78°F (20–26°C)
• pH: 6.5–8.0 — stable, neutral to slightly alkaline water is 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

Green Hulk Shrimp Tank Setup

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

Stability is key with all Neocaridina shrimp — 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 and keep the tank well-established with plenty of biofilm.

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. Many common aquarium products contain copper — when in doubt, remove shrimp to a separate container before treating the main tank.

Feeding Your Green Hulk Shrimp

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 — uneaten food fouls the water quickly, and overfeeding is one of the most common mistakes in shrimp keeping.

Breeding Green Hulk Shrimp

Green Hulk Shrimp breed readily and prolifically in stable water conditions, making them a rewarding species for aquarists interested in building a colony. Females release pheromones after moulting, triggering a frantic swimming response from males. Eggs gestate for 2–3 weeks before hatching into miniature, fully formed shrimp. Fry are tiny and require dense planting and moss to survive in a community setting — a dedicated shrimp-only tank gives the best breeding results.

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

Green Hulk Shrimp 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
• Avoid any fish known to be shrimp predators
• Do not house with other Neocaridina colour morphs if maintaining colour purity