Black Rose Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) – Care guide & profile
At a glance
Deep black
Red undertones
High opacity
Good contrast
Description
Black Rose is a striking colour morph of Neocaridina davidi with a deep near-black body and subtle rose-red undertones. It provides strong contrast in planted aquascapes and can read as almost solid black at a glance. Colour intensity depends on genetics and tank conditions, so steady water chemistry and diet help maintain depth. Selective grading focuses on even coverage and minimal mottling.
General species parameters and care follow standard Neocaridina davidi recommendations. See main Cherry Shrimp/Neocaridina Davidi profile for detailed setup.
What makes Black Rose Shrimp unique
Black Rose stands out because its body combines a very dark, near-black base with delicate rose-red undertones rather than a pure monochrome black. Opacity and even coverage are key selection points, so cleaner, high-grade individuals appear uniformly dark. Colour can shift slightly with diet, mineral levels and light, so environment and genetics both influence the final look. Grading focuses on depth, minimal mottling and stable expression across successive molts.
Quick overview
Black Rose, Black Shrimp
Black
Neocaridina davidi
~2–3 cm
Peaceful
Middle and bottom
5 gallons (19 L)
Freshwater
Beginner
Ideal aquarium setup
They act as a dark focal point in planted tanks and look particularly dramatic against simple green carpets and bright foreground plants. A light substrate will make the dark body pop while a dark soil softens the look, keep lighting balanced as too-bright light can wash out subtle red tones, and pair with mosses, ferns, driftwood for grazing and shelter.
Behavior and temperament
Calm, active grazers that spend most of their time on plants, wood and the substrate. They are visible when feeding but will hide when stressed and do best in groups where they display confident, communal grazing.
Molting, health and color quality
Colour quality is closely tied to overall health and stable water chemistry; frequent parameter swings or low minerals will cause dulling and poor moults. Provide a mineral-rich diet, maintain consistent GH and avoid large changes to keep adults vivid and moulting regularly. Juvenile colour develops over several molts, so young shrimp often appear paler until they mature; good nutrition and steady conditions support stronger pigmentation and reliable development.
Diet and feeding
They graze on biofilm all day and should be supplemented with food 2–3 times per week. Exceptionally clean tanks may need slightly more feeding to support juvenile growth.
- Spirulina or spirulina-based flakes
- Chlorella supplements
- Commercial colour foods rich in carotenoids
- Biofilm support foods and algae wafers
Tankmates
Suitable tankmates include small, peaceful species such as tiny rasboras, small tetras, Otocinclus, friendly Corydoras, and various snails; avoid larger or aggressive fish that will stress or eat shrimp. Juveniles are vulnerable to predation, so if you plan to breed heavily consider a shrimp-only tank or well-planted refuges to protect young.
Breeding Black Rose Shrimp
Breeding Black Rose shrimp is relatively easy in a stable tank with plenty of hiding places and steady feeding; females will carry eggs frequently under good conditions. Maintaining line quality requires selecting the deepest-coloured breeders, removing weak throwbacks and avoiding outcrossing if you want to keep the specific dark phenotype intact.
- Keep water chemistry stable with regular small water changes
- Select the best-coloured adults as breeders each generation
- Provide abundant hiding cover and varied foods to support juveniles
Poor colouration
Dull or washed-out colour often stems from low minerals, inconsistent water or lack of colour-enhancing foods; steady parameters and occasional colour foods will bring intensity back.
Molting problems
Erratic molts are usually related to unstable water chemistry or missing minerals; keep parameters stable and offer mineral supplements and biofilm to support healthy moulting.
Predation risk
Young shrimp are at risk from larger or opportunistic fish, which reduces survival and visible population; use peaceful small tankmates or a shrimp-only tank to protect juveniles.
Stress from light
Very bright lighting can make shrimp hide and reduce visible red undertones; lower light levels or shaded areas with plants help them feel secure and display better colour.
Similar color variants (and how they compare)
Black King Kong
Black King Kong tends to be uniformly jet black with higher overall opacity, often lacking the warm rose undertones seen in Black Rose.
Black Sakura
Black Sakura shows more red saturation and can present clearer red highlights on the abdomen, giving a warmer finish compared with the cooler deep tone of Black Rose.
Dark Rose
Dark Rose sits between pure black and red varieties, offering more visible red/magenta hints and slightly less absolute opacity than the deepest Black Rose specimens.
Short summary
Black Rose is a deep, high-contrast Neocaridina davidi morph that suits planted aquascapes and beginner keepers alike. It benefits from stable water, occasional colour foods and plenty of grazing surfaces. With simple care it breeds readily and rewards you with striking dark adults.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How dark do they get?
How dark do they get?
Adults can reach a near-black appearance with visible red undertones depending on genetics and tank conditions. Breeding and selection improve depth over generations.
Do they need special water parameters?
Do they need special water parameters?
They do well in stable freshwater with a moderate GH and pH around 6.5–7.5; no specialised water is required but stability is key. Small, regular water changes and steady mineral levels help colour and health.
How often should I feed them?
How often should I feed them?
Feed 2–3 times per week and let them graze biofilm the rest of the time. Increase feeding slightly in very clean tanks so juveniles and less competitive individuals get enough food.
Will fry keep the parents' colour?
Will fry keep the parents' colour?
Juveniles often show paler colour initially and some throwbacks are possible; selective culling and breeding over several generations yields more uniform adults. Expect a range of intensity among newborns.
Is breeding difficult?
Is breeding difficult?
Breeding is straightforward in a stable, well-planted tank with hiding spots and a steady diet. Females carry multiple clutches a year under good conditions.
Can lighting change their colour?
Can lighting change their colour?
Yes, lighting affects how the red undertones and opacity appear; balanced, moderate light shows subtle hues best while excessive light can wash out colour or increase hiding.
Mette Tulin
Mette Tulin is the creator of Aquascapedia, with more than 15 years of hands-on experience in aquascaping, planted aquariums, and freshwater fish, shrimp, crayfish, and snails. She shares practical insights, curated aquatic life profiles, and inspiration to help others build thriving underwater landscapes.
