Black Sakura Shrimp

13 October 2026

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Black Sakura Shrimp is a selectively bred dark color form commonly sold under the Neocaridina davidi trade group. The name is commercial rather than a formal taxonomic rank, so exact lineage and grading may vary between suppliers. These small freshwater shrimp graze on biofilm, are generally peaceful, and can reproduce readily in a mature planted aquarium when water conditions are stable.

Identification and taxonomy

Black Sakura is a selectively bred ornamental color form, not a separately recognized species. It is commonly associated with Neocaridina davidi, a species in the family Atyidae and order Decapoda. Trade names such as Black Sakura, Black Rose, and related grades are not always used consistently, so the exact strain cannot be confirmed from appearance or the supplied source label alone. Individuals are typically small, solidly dark shrimp with visible segmentation and may show brown, blue, or translucent areas depending on genetics, age, lighting, and background.

Natural habitat and aquarium setup

Neocaridina davidi is associated with freshwater streams, pools, and vegetated margins in East Asia. In aquaria, provide a fully cycled tank with gentle filtration, low to moderate flow, plants, wood, rock, and other surfaces for grazing. Mosses and fine-leaved plants offer shelter for juveniles. Cover filter intakes with a sponge or fine pre-filter, and avoid sudden changes in temperature, hardness, or dissolved minerals.

Water parameters

A practical range is 18–26 °C and pH 6.5–8.0, with stable conditions more important than pursuing a single exact value. Moderate general hardness and carbonate hardness are usually suitable because calcium and other minerals are needed for the exoskeleton. Ammonia and nitrite should remain undetectable, and nitrate should be kept low through regular maintenance. Use dechlorinated water and match replacement water closely to the aquarium.

Feeding

These shrimp spend much of the day grazing on biofilm, algae, microorganisms, and decaying plant material. Supplement a mature aquarium with small portions of a quality shrimp food, algae-based wafer, blanched vegetable, or other appropriate prepared food. Feed sparingly and remove uneaten food before it decomposes. Mineral-rich foods can be useful, but excessive feeding is a common cause of poor water quality.

Tank mates

The safest companions are other peaceful dwarf shrimp and small, non-predatory invertebrates such as snails. Some very small, calm fish may coexist with adult shrimp, but most fish can eat newly hatched or juvenile shrimp. Avoid large, predatory, highly boisterous, or fin-nipping fish. A species-only setup gives the highest survival rate for young shrimp and helps preserve the dark color line.

Molting and health

Shrimp periodically shed the entire exoskeleton to grow. A recently molted individual is soft and vulnerable, so dense cover and stable water are important. Do not remove a normal shed exoskeleton immediately; shrimp often consume it and recover minerals from it. Sudden deaths, failed molts, or a white ring between body sections can indicate stress, unsuitable mineral balance, contamination, or rapid changes in water chemistry. Copper-based medications are dangerous to shrimp.

Breeding

This is a freshwater-breeding shrimp when the stock is healthy and mature. Females are usually larger and deeper-bodied than males and may develop a saddle of developing eggs behind the head. After mating, the female carries eggs beneath the abdomen and fans them until they hatch as miniature shrimp rather than free-swimming larvae. Provide moss, biofilm, hiding places, and gentle filtration for the young. Mixed Neocaridina color lines may produce less predictable colors, and offspring can gradually show wild-type or lower-grade coloration.

Shrimp info

Size: 2–3 cm
Difficulty level: Beginner
Temperature : 18–26 °C
pH: 6.5–8.0

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