About Black Rose Shrimp
Black Rose Shrimp are the darkest members of the Neocaridina davidi family, displaying a stunning near-black coloration that creates an elegant, dramatic presence in any aquarium. They were developed from the Chocolate shrimp line and share genetics with both Chocolate and Bloody Mary varieties, representing the darkest expression of that genetic line. When kept on light-colored substrate, their deep black coloration creates a striking visual contrast. The Black Rose variety gets its name from the dark, luxurious appearance reminiscent of a black rose flower. Their coloration comes from heavily concentrated pigment in their body tissue - the same type of tissue-based coloration seen in Bloody Mary Shrimp, just expressed as dark brown/black instead of red. High-grade specimens appear almost jet black, though most will show some subtle dark brown or burgundy undertones when viewed in bright light. One important consideration with Black Rose Shrimp is substrate choice. While they can certainly be kept on dark substrates, using light or white substrate dramatically showcases their dark coloration and creates a beautiful high-contrast display. They're also particularly striking against bright green plants. Like all Neocaridina, they're hardy and beginner-friendly, making them accessible even for new shrimp keepers who want a more sophisticated color palette.
Quick Facts
Water Parameters for Black Rose Shrimp
Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for the health and coloration of Black Rose Shrimp. As a Neocaridina species, they are relatively hardy and can tolerate a wider range of parameters than Caridina species.
| Parameter | Range | Optimal |
|---|---|---|
| TDS | 150-300 ppm | 180-250 ppm |
| GH | 4-14 dGH | 6-8 dGH |
| KH | 2-8 dKH | 2-5 dKH |
| pH | 6.5-8 | 6.8-7.5 |
| Temperature | 64-82°F (18-28°C) | 68-75°F |
Tank Setup for Black Rose Shrimp
- Minimum 5 gallon tank recommended
- White or light sand substrate creates stunning contrast
- Dense green plants complement their dark coloration beautifully
- Good lighting showcases their color depth
- Sponge filter is ideal for shrimp safety
Care Tips for Black Rose Shrimp
- Keep in groups of at least 10 for natural behavior
- Light-colored substrate dramatically showcases their dark coloration
- Maintain stable water parameters for optimal health
- Provide plants and hiding spots - they're visible on light substrates so appreciate cover
- Good lighting helps display the depth of their black coloration
- Avoid copper-based medications
- Small weekly water changes of 10-15% are recommended
Feeding Black Rose Shrimp
- Feed high-quality shrimp foods 2-3 times weekly
- Biofilm is essential and should be primary food source
- Spirulina and algae-based foods support good coloration
- Blanched vegetables provide excellent nutrition variety
- Remove uneaten food within 2-3 hours
Breeding Black Rose Shrimp
- May produce offspring with varying darkness levels
- Occasionally produces Chocolate (brown) or reddish offspring due to genetics
- Selective breeding for darkest individuals helps maintain line quality
- Females carry dark eggs for approximately 30 days
- Keep separate from other Neocaridina to preserve black genetics
Black Rose Shrimp Grading System
Black Rose Shrimp are commonly graded based on color intensity, coverage, and pattern quality. Higher grades typically command higher prices and are the result of selective breeding.
Standard Black Rose
Dark brown to black coloration with possible lighter undertones.
Characteristics
- Dark brown to black color
- May show brown undertones
- Some variation in shade
- Good overall darkness
High Grade Black Rose
Deep, nearly jet black coloration throughout the entire body.
Characteristics
- Near jet-black coloration
- Consistent darkness
- Minimal brown undertones
- Black throughout legs
Grades listed from lowest to highest quality
Common Problems with Black Rose Shrimp
- Offspring may vary in darkness - select breeding maintains quality
- May occasionally produce brown or reddish babies due to genetics
- Can be harder to see on dark substrates - consider light substrate
- Strong lighting may reveal brown undertones - this is normal
- Mixing with other Neocaridina produces unpredictable offspring colors
Troubleshooting Black Rose Shrimp
Neocaridina are hardy but still sensitive to sudden parameter changes. Here are common problems to watch for:
Failed Molt: Shrimp Stuck in Shell
Understanding failed molts where shrimp cannot escape their old exoskeleton. Learn why it happens, why affected shrimp cannot be saved, and how to prevent future molt failures.
Why Are My Shrimp Dying?
Comprehensive triage guide for unexplained shrimp deaths. Learn to identify the cause and take immediate action to save your remaining colony.
White Ring of Death in Shrimp
Understanding the dreaded white ring or white line that appears around a shrimp's body, signaling a fatal molting problem that cannot be reversed once visible.
Baby Shrimp (Shrimplets) Dying
Why newborn shrimp disappear or die when adult shrimp seem healthy. Covers filter intake, predation, starvation, and sensitivity issues specific to shrimplets.
Bacterial Infection in Shrimp
Identifying and treating bacterial infections in aquarium shrimp. Learn to recognize symptoms and understand why prevention through water quality is more effective than treatment.
Planaria in Shrimp Tank
Identifying and eliminating planaria flatworms that prey on shrimp, especially shrimplets. Learn safe treatment methods that won't harm your colony.
Black Rose Shrimp FAQ
They all share the same genetic lineage. Black Rose represents the darkest expression of the Chocolate line genetics. When breeding Black Rose Shrimp, you may occasionally get Chocolate (brown) or Bloody Mary (red) offspring because they carry genes for these colorations.
While they can be kept on any substrate, light or white sand creates the most stunning visual contrast and really showcases their dark coloration. On dark substrate, they can be hard to see and their dramatic coloration is less impactful.
This is normal. Most Black Rose Shrimp have subtle dark brown or burgundy undertones that become visible under strong lighting. Only the highest grade specimens appear truly jet black from all angles. The brown undertones relate to their Chocolate shrimp ancestry.
No, they have identical care requirements to Cherry Shrimp and all other Neocaridina. They're just as hardy and beginner-friendly. The main consideration is substrate choice for visual impact.
Due to their genetic relationship with Chocolate and Bloody Mary shrimp, Black Rose can produce offspring with these colorations. If you want to maintain pure black genetics, selectively remove non-black individuals from your breeding colony over time.
Select your darkest individuals for breeding and remove lighter offspring from the breeding population. Over generations, this selective breeding will produce increasingly dark shrimp. Also ensure good diet and stable parameters for optimal color expression.
Yes, they can interbreed with any Neocaridina davidi variety. However, offspring will have unpredictable coloration due to mixed genetics. Keep them isolated to maintain the black line, or expect a varied colony if mixing with other colors.
Track Your Black Rose Shrimp Parameters
Stop guessing. Start tracking. ShrimpKeeper gives you species-specific parameter ranges, instant diagnostics, and historical graphs for your Black Rose Shrimp colony.