Neocaridina davidi

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Neocaridina davidi, also called Black Fire, is a freshwater shrimp valued for its intense black coloration and active behavior. This variety belongs to the species Neocaridina davidi and comes from selectively bred aquarium lines. Its small size, relatively easy breeding and habit of grazing on biofilm make it an excellent choice for a planted aquarium. The Black Fire form remains less common than red varieties and deserves careful selection when purchasing, with attention to opaque coloration, good health and proper acclimation.

General species description

Neocaridina davidi is a small, hardy, social freshwater shrimp suited to calm community aquariums. The Black Fire form is a captive color selection, not a separate wild population. It spends much of its time exploring surfaces, grazing on microalgae and collecting food particles. It benefits from a mature aquarium containing mosses, plants and hiding places. As with other Neocaridina, stable water conditions are more important than pursuing perfectly precise values.

Geographic origin and biotope

Reference countries: Taiwan and mainland China. The species is associated with small freshwater streams, ditches, canals and shallow areas with limited current. Its natural surroundings generally include stones, branches, accumulated leaves and abundant biological film. In an aquarium, this structural richness can be reproduced with plants, moss and driftwood. The Black Fire form is produced through selective breeding, so it is not treated as a wild form in the aquarium trade.

Precise location and local name

Natural populations of Neocaridina davidi are reported in East Asia, particularly Taiwan and parts of China. No single local name is established for the Black Fire variety, which is an international trade name. Aquarium stores and hobbyist groups may also use Black Fire Shrimp or black shrimp. Names such as Sakura, Painted Fire or Bloody Mary generally refer to other red color selections and should not automatically be applied to this variety.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body is compact, slightly arched and covered by a dark shell. In the best specimens, the black coloration is dense and fairly uniform, although the legs and antennae may remain more translucent. Adult females are usually larger and more robust than males. They may carry eggs beneath the abdomen, where the pleopods hold them until hatching. Adult size remains small, but coloration often becomes stronger when the shrimp is well fed and kept over a background that provides contrast.

General diet

This shrimp is an omnivore that continuously grazes on biofilm found on leaves, glass, stones and aquarium decorations. Its diet can be supplemented with small portions of shrimp food, blanched vegetables and suitable dried leaves. Food should be consumed quickly to prevent water pollution. Young shrimp benefit especially from a mature aquarium rich in microorganisms and biofilm. A varied but moderate diet supports good growth, regular molting and stable coloration.

Essential data

• Name of the river of origin: Freshwater streams in Taiwan and China; no single river name is used here.
• Local name used: No single local name for the Black Fire variety.
• Origin of the scientific name: Neocaridina is the genus name; davidi is the specific epithet.
• Etymology of the full name: Neo means new, Caridina refers to a related shrimp genus, and davidi honors Armand David.
• Common/vernacular names: Black Fire, Black Fire Shrimp, black shrimp.
• Family: Atyidae.
• Subfamily: Atyinae.
• Name pronunciation: nee-oh-kar-ih-DEE-nah dah-VEE-dee
• Discovery: Eugène Louis Bouvier, 1904.
• Maximum adult size: About 3 cm.
• Water temperature and pH: About 18 to 28 °C; pH approximately 6.5 to 8.0.
• Appearance of the watercourse and surrounding vegetation: Small, calm freshwater habitats rich in stones, leaves, wood, mosses and vegetation along the banks.
• Typical tank mates: Boraras brigittae, Microdevario kubotai, Otocinclus affinis.
• Temperament and behavior: Peaceful, active, social and mainly occupied with grazing on surfaces.
• Water depth: Generally shallow to moderate in small streams and calm areas.
• Sexual dimorphism: Females are larger and stockier; males are slimmer. Females may carry eggs beneath the abdomen.
• Bottom structure and flow: Bottoms with stones, sand, leaves and plant debris; low to moderate flow.

In your aquarium

To succeed with Neocaridina davidi, keep it in a mature, well-filtered and heavily planted aquarium. Stable water, regular maintenance and avoiding copper in treatments are essential. Provide moss and hiding places for juveniles, since fish may eat them. Avoid predatory tank mates and sudden changes in temperature or pH. Light feeding combined with natural biofilm supports a lasting colony and healthy molting. The priority should be stable parameters, rather than overfeeding in an attempt to intensify the color.