About Chocolate Shrimp
Chocolate Shrimp are a fascinating variety of Neocaridina davidi known for their rich, warm brown coloration that resembles milk or dark chocolate. They occupy an important position in the Neocaridina family tree as the ancestral line from which both Bloody Mary and Black Rose shrimp were developed. This makes them genetically interesting as well as visually appealing, with their sophisticated brown tones offering something different from the more common bright colors. The Chocolate line emerged from selective breeding of wild-type Neocaridina, isolating and intensifying the brown pigmentation. What's particularly interesting about Chocolate Shrimp is that their coloration, like Bloody Mary Shrimp, comes from pigment in their body tissue rather than their shell. This tissue-based coloration gives them a unique quality and explains the genetic relationship with Bloody Mary shrimp - breeding Chocolate Shrimp can occasionally produce red offspring that become the Bloody Mary variety. Chocolate Shrimp serve as a fascinating genetic crossroads. Depending on the specific genetics of your colony, breeding Chocolate Shrimp can produce offspring ranging from chocolate brown to deep red (Bloody Mary) to nearly black (Black Rose). This genetic diversity makes them interesting for hobbyists who enjoy line breeding, though it also means you need to selectively breed to maintain consistent chocolate coloration if that's your goal.
Quick Facts
Water Parameters for Chocolate Shrimp
Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for the health and coloration of Chocolate 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 Chocolate Shrimp
- Minimum 5 gallon tank recommended
- Light or sandy substrate provides good contrast
- Dense planting creates a natural environment
- Good lighting helps display their chocolate tones
- Sponge filter is ideal for shrimp safety
Care Tips for Chocolate Shrimp
- Keep in groups of at least 10 for natural behavior
- Maintain stable water parameters for optimal health
- Light or sandy substrates can help display their brown coloration
- Provide plenty of plants and hiding spots
- Their brown color makes them harder to spot - be careful during maintenance
- Avoid copper-based medications
- Small weekly water changes of 10-15% are recommended
Feeding Chocolate Shrimp
- Feed high-quality shrimp foods 2-3 times weekly
- Biofilm is essential and should be primary food source
- Blanched vegetables provide excellent nutrition
- Varied diet helps maintain good coloration
- Remove uneaten food within 2-3 hours
Breeding Chocolate Shrimp
- Offspring may include Chocolate, Bloody Mary (red), and Black Rose (black) varieties
- This genetic diversity requires selective culling to maintain pure chocolate coloration
- Females carry brownish eggs for approximately 30 days
- Shrimplets are fully independent at birth
- Keep separate from other Neocaridina colors to avoid wild-type offspring
Chocolate Shrimp Grading System
Chocolate 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 Chocolate
Light to medium brown coloration with possible lighter patches.
Characteristics
- Milk chocolate coloring
- Some variation in shade
- May have lighter areas
- Brown undertones
Dark Chocolate
Deep, rich chocolate brown coloration throughout the body.
Characteristics
- Deep chocolate brown
- Consistent coloration
- Minimal light patches
- Rich, warm undertones
Grades listed from lowest to highest quality
Common Problems with Chocolate Shrimp
- Offspring color varies due to complex genetics - select breeding stock carefully
- May produce red or black offspring unexpectedly
- Brown coloration makes them harder to see in some setups
- Parameter swings can cause stress and color fading
- Mixing with other Neocaridina complicates genetics further
Troubleshooting Chocolate 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.
Chocolate Shrimp FAQ
They all come from the same genetic lineage. Chocolate Shrimp were the original variety, and through selective breeding, Bloody Mary (intense red) and Black Rose (deep black) were developed from Chocolate stock. Breeding Chocolate Shrimp can sometimes produce offspring with these other colorations.
This is normal due to their complex genetics. Chocolate Shrimp carry genes for multiple color expressions. Red offspring are Bloody Mary type, and black offspring are Black Rose type. If you want to maintain pure Chocolate coloration, selectively remove non-brown offspring from the breeding population.
Yes! They have the same hardy, easy-care requirements as all Neocaridina. The only added complexity is managing their diverse genetics if you want to maintain a specific color. If you're happy with a mixed-color colony, they're as easy as any other variety.
Light-colored substrates like white sand or light gravel provide the best contrast for displaying their brown coloration. Unlike Caridina, they don't require buffering substrates and do well with any inert substrate.
Select breeding stock with the deepest chocolate brown coloration and remove lighter individuals from the breeding population. Over generations, you can intensify the color. Good diet and stable parameters also help shrimp display their best coloration.
Yes, they can interbreed since both are Neocaridina davidi. However, the offspring will have unpredictable coloration due to the mixed genetics. Keep them separate if you want to maintain either pure line.
Their brown coloration provides natural camouflage, especially against wood, soil substrates, or in heavily planted tanks. Using a light-colored substrate or sand makes them much easier to spot. Be extra careful during tank maintenance to avoid harming hidden shrimp.
Track Your Chocolate Shrimp Parameters
Stop guessing. Start tracking. ShrimpKeeper gives you species-specific parameter ranges, instant diagnostics, and historical graphs for your Chocolate Shrimp colony.