Neocaridina sp. black algae - Aquarium Shrimp for Sale UK

Contrast does the heavy lifting in aquascaping, and few invertebrates supply it like a black shrimp against bright planting or pale substrate. Neocaridina sp. black algae is exactly that: a deep-black dwarf shrimp, around 2.5cm grown, that earns its name grazing algae across the bottom of the tank while standing out against every backdrop a planted aquarium can offer. It is striking, useful and entirely peaceful — a rare combination in any livestock list.

This is Neocaridina-grade Easy care. Temperatures anywhere from 18–26°C work, meaning unheated rooms and standard tropical tanks both qualify; aim for pH 6.5–7.5 and hardness of 4–12 dGH, and provide at least 20 litres. An omnivore, it combines algae grazing with general scavenging, and a colony will work surfaces continuously through each shrimp’s roughly two-year lifespan. Because the shrimp threatens nothing, the stocking question is purely about its own safety. Sound companions include other peaceful dwarf shrimp, small snails and peaceful nano fish with tiny mouths and a low predation risk. Keep it away from large or predatory fish, cichlids, nippy barbs, loaches, crayfish and anything else with the gape to swallow a shrimp whole.

That 18–26°C tolerance is the quiet star of the spec sheet: a colony can run in an unheated room as readily as in a heated community tank. Combine it with the 20-litre minimum and the modest 4–12 dGH hardness target, and the black algae shrimp slots into almost any peaceful setup you already own — provided the predator screen above comes back clean.

Black algae shrimp care guide

• Care level: Easy — a good first shrimp
• Temperature: 18–26°C
• pH 6.5–7.5; hardness 4–12 dGH
• From 20 litres; bottom-dwelling
• Size: ~2.5cm; lifespan around 2 years
• Peaceful omnivore and algae grazer

Getting a colony started

Order a small group rather than singles — confidence and visible activity both improve in numbers, and the algae-grazing benefit scales with the colony. Double-check the tank holds nothing from the avoid list before they arrive; from there the colony largely manages itself, growing into the job as the aquarium matures. Neocaridina sp. black algae travels UK-wide with a licensed live-animal courier and is backed by our live arrival guarantee.