Palmata shrimp (Neocaridina palmata) care guide

Group
Shrimp
Other names
Caridina palmata, Neocaridina palmata palmata
Family
Atyidae
Origin
Southern China and northern Vietnam: rivers, streams and ponds
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
2.5 cm
Temperature
18–26°C
pH
6.5–7.8
Hardness
6–12 dGH, 3–8 dKH
Minimum tank
20 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
peaceful
Lifespan
1–2 years

Care

Neocaridina palmata is a small dwarf shrimp of the family Atyidae, a close relative of the cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi). It was first described as Caridina palmata and several subspecies are recognised (bosensis, luodianica, meridionalis and the nominate palmata). Wild-type animals are mostly clear to brownish with darker markings; it is occasionally offered under its scientific name as a wild-type Neocaridina. In the wild it lives in rivers, streams and ponds in China and Vietnam, favouring slow-flowing, densely planted water, and it is assessed as Least Concern because it is abundant and breeds quickly. In the aquarium treat it like any other Neocaridina: a mature, planted tank of 20 litres or more, a sponge-covered filter intake, moss and leaf litter for grazing, and a group of ten or more. Water figures given here are general hobby guidance rather than taken from our sources. Our sources give no size or water figures for this species, so the numbers here follow those used for other Neocaridina. It is peaceful and spends the day grazing biofilm, algae and detritus, making it a useful clean-up animal in a planted nano tank. Do not keep it with other Neocaridina if you want to keep the line pure, as Neocaridina species and colour forms can interbreed. Copper: copper-based medicines and some plant fertilisers are toxic to shrimp, snails and most other invertebrates. Never dose them in a tank holding this animal, and check the label of any treatment or fertiliser before use. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neocaridinapalmata). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Grazes biofilm, soft algae and detritus on plants, wood and leaf litter for most of the day. Add small amounts of shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables (courgette, spinach) and dried leaves such as Indian almond; remove uneaten food after a few hours. A mature tank with plenty of surfaces feeds them between meals.

Breeding

Breeds readily in fresh water with direct development: there is no larval stage, so the young hatch as tiny copies of the adults. Females are larger and deeper-bodied and carry yellowish to greenish eggs under the tail for about three to four weeks. Moss and a mature, fish-free tank give the most young. Fast breeding is noted even in the wild.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful; keep with small, peaceful fish (small rasboras, otocinclus, pygmy corydoras) or in a species tank. Most fish will eat the young, and larger fish eat adults. Safe with plants and snails. May interbreed with other Neocaridina, including cherry shrimp, so keep species and colour lines apart.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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