Blue Velvet Shrimp vs Blue Jelly Shrimp: Which Neocaridina should you choose?
The Blue Velvet Shrimp and Blue Jelly Shrimp are both popular color morphs of Neocaridina davidi. While they share species characteristics, their appearance and how they impact a tank’s look can be quite different. This article compares these two shrimp to help you decide which one suits your aquascape better based on color, breeding, and care needs.
Want to make the right choice? Learn more about Blue Velvet Shrimp care and Blue Jelly Shrimp requirements.
Table of contents
Quick comparison guide
Feature
Red Cherry Shrimp
Blue Jelly Shrimp
Color tone
Deep, rich blue with a cool tone.
Bright, translucent blue with a cooler, lighter tone.
Visual effect
Has a velvety, opaque appearance with a solid color pop.
Gives a glowing, jelly-like translucent effect in tanks.
Pigmentation
Higher grades show full body coverage and intense, uniform blue color.
Moderate pigmentation with less opacity; higher grades have stronger, more even blue coverage.
Color stability
Breeds mostly true when properly separated; crossbreeding or poor care can cause fading or muddier colors.
Color can fade faster if crossed or kept with less stable lines; pure lines breed mostly true with care.
Price
Medium
High
Best for
Ideal for aquascapers wanting a strong, solid color and hobbyists aiming for stable lines.
Best for aquascapers wanting a vivid, glowing effect that contrasts with dense plants.
Breeding
Breeds reliably true if kept as a line; watch for fading if mixed with other Neocaridina morphs or stressed.
Breeds true with consistent care but requires more selective breeding to maintain intensity.
Mixing together
Mixing with other lines can risk reversion to wild-type or diluted colors over generations.
Mixing with other Neocaridina morphs causes increased likelihood of muddier coloration and fading.
Beginner friendly?
Beginner-friendly due to hardy nature and color stability when cared for properly.
Moderate, since color stability is a bit more sensitive and requires careful line maintenance.
Color variations and grading: What sets Blue Velvet Shrimp and Blue Jelly Shrimp apart?
Neocaridina lines like Blue Velvet and Blue Jelly come in different grades that reflect color strength and coverage. Higher grades have deeper, more uniform color, while lower grades show more transparency or faded patches. Selective breeding improves grade consistency and helps maintain pure color lines through generations.
Blue Velvet shrimp color characteristics
Blue Velvet Shrimp have a richer, more opaque blue tone that covers the whole body evenly, giving them a solid velvety look. This depth and saturation make them stand out more strongly in many aquascapes.
- Selective breeding focuses on mid to high grades
- Low grades exist but are less marketed
- Few standard grade names due to breeder consistency
Blue Jelly shrimp color characteristics
Blue Jelly Shrimp are prized for their translucent, glowing blue with lighter tone and jelly-like appearance, giving a vibrant but softer pop. Achieving consistent color takes more selective breeding.
- Grades vary more visibly between translucent and solid
- Higher grades valued for color depth
- Selective culling needed for line purity
What you should consider in your aquascape when choosing color
Choose Blue Velvet Shrimp if you want strong color contrast and a solid blue presence that works well with darker substrates and open spaces. Opt for Blue Jelly Shrimp if you prefer a glowing, translucent effect that contrasts nicely with dense green plants. Your choice also depends on whether you want a pure color line for breeding or a mixed display with multiple morphs.
1. Substrate color
- Blue Velvet Shrimp stand out best on dark-colored substrates like black or dark brown soil, which enhance their deep blue tones without stressing them.
- Blue Jelly Shrimp look most striking on medium to light substrates, where their translucent glow contrasts well and is less muted.
2. Plant density
- Blue Velvet Shrimp maintain strong color contrast in planted tanks and stand out especially well where leaves and moss are less dense.
- Blue Jelly Shrimp blend softly into lush plant backgrounds but their glow creates a beautiful contrast among dense green leaves.
3. Lighting intensity
- Under typical aquascape lighting (6,000–7,000K), Blue Velvet Shrimp appear vibrant with deep, saturated color and a subtle velvet texture.
- Blue Jelly Shrimp glow under the same lighting, showing off their translucent blue sheen and bright reflections.
4. Colony consistency
Colony consistency refers to how closely offspring match the parent shrimp's color and traits, which depends heavily on selective breeding. Maintaining pure lines ensures stable color traits over generations.
- Remove weaker or faded color shrimp regularly
- Breed from the strongest, most color-rich individuals
- Keep color lines separate to avoid diluting pigmentation
Care requirements
Both shrimp are Neocaridina davidi and share similar care needs focused on water stability rather than exact parameters. Providing steady conditions keeps colors vibrant and shrimp healthy.
- Temperature: 20–26°C (68–79°F)
- pH: 6.5–8.0
- GH: 6–12 dGH
- KH: 2–8 dKH
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: Below 20 ppm
Price and availability for both shrimp
Blue Velvet Shrimp are generally more affordable due to more widespread breeding and stronger line stability. Blue Jelly Shrimp tend to cost more because they are rarer and require more effort to maintain strong colors. Availability depends on your region and local breeders.
Factor
Red Cherry Shrimp
Blue Jelly Shrimp
Price
Blue Velvet Shrimp usually come at a medium price point because they are popular and bred widely, making them more accessible and stable.
Blue Jelly Shrimp command a higher price since their glowing translucent coloration requires careful selective breeding and is less common.
Availability
Fairly common, thanks to many breeders focusing on this reliable color line.
Uncommon, as fewer breeders maintain pure Blue Jelly lines and demand remains steady.
Breeding Blue Velvet Shrimp vs Blue Jelly Shrimp
Both shrimp breed fairly easily under stable water conditions and proper feeding. Blue Velvet Shrimp tend to breed true more consistently, making them slightly less work to maintain. Blue Jelly Shrimp require more selective breeding to keep their translucent blue from fading or mixing with other traits. Separating color lines and culling weak individuals strongly influences outcomes.
Can I mix Blue Velvet Shrimp and Blue Jelly Shrimp?
Mixing Blue Velvet and Blue Jelly shrimp can lead to muddier colors in the offspring because they share the same species but differ in specific color genes. Over generations, crossbreeding often results in more wild-type colors and loss of vibrancy. For clear, stable colors, it's best to keep these lines separate.
General advice:
- Keep Blue Velvet and Blue Jelly shrimp in separate tanks if you want to preserve color purity.
- Avoid mixing with wild-type or other Neocaridina morphs to prevent diluted colors.
- If mixing, expect some loss of color intensity over generations and be prepared to select carefully.
Which shrimp is easier for beginners?
Blue Velvet Shrimp are generally easier to maintain for beginners and those wanting stable, consistent colors due to their hardiness and popularity. Blue Jelly Shrimp require more attention in breeding to maintain their unique translucent look, making them better suited for intermediate hobbyists. Price and availability also favor Blue Velvet, as Blue Jelly shrimp tend to be pricier and less available locally. However, care requirements are nearly identical, so ease mainly comes down to breeding stability and line purity.
My personal advice
"I recommend starting with Blue Velvet Shrimp if you’re new to Neocaridina or want a low-maintenance vibrant blue. Focus on keeping your water parameters stable and substrate dark to make their color pop. If you love a softer, glowing effect and don’t mind selective breeding efforts, try Blue Jelly Shrimp next. Avoid mixing them unless you’re ready to manage color fading. Happy shrimp keeping!" – M
So, which one should you choose for your aquarium?
Both Blue Velvet and Blue Jelly Shrimp can thrive in similar aquascape setups. The best choice depends on your tank style, desired color impact, and breeding goals.
Choose Blue Velvet Shrimp for bold color
Pick Blue Velvet Shrimp if you want a deep, opaque blue that stands out clearly against dark substrates or open aquascapes. They are easier to breed true and widely available, making them a solid choice for both beginners and focused breeders.
Choose Blue Jelly Shrimp for glowing translucence
Choose Blue Jelly Shrimp if you prefer a delicate, glowing blue look that contrasts beautifully among dense plants. They require more careful breeding to maintain color, so they're great if you enjoy refining shrimp lines and want a unique visual effect.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How do Blue Velvet and Blue Jelly differ in color intensity?
How do Blue Velvet and Blue Jelly differ in color intensity?
Blue Velvet Shrimp have a richer, more opaque blue, while Blue Jelly Shrimp show a lighter, translucent glow with less color density.
Which shrimp breeds more reliably with true color offspring?
Which shrimp breeds more reliably with true color offspring?
Blue Velvet Shrimp generally breed more true with less fading, whereas Blue Jelly require more selective breeding to maintain their color quality.
Can I keep Blue Velvet and Blue Jelly Shrimp together without color loss?
Can I keep Blue Velvet and Blue Jelly Shrimp together without color loss?
No, mixing them often leads to muddier colors and fading over generations, so keep them separated for color purity.
Does substrate color affect the shrimp’s appearance?
Does substrate color affect the shrimp’s appearance?
Yes, Blue Velvet Shrimp pop more on dark substrates, while Blue Jelly Shrimp look best on lighter ones where their translucence is highlighted.
Which shrimp is better for beginners in terms of care and stability?
Which shrimp is better for beginners in terms of care and stability?
Blue Velvet Shrimp are generally more beginner-friendly due to their hardy nature and more stable coloration.
What water parameters suit both Blue Velvet and Blue Jelly Shrimp?
What water parameters suit both Blue Velvet and Blue Jelly Shrimp?
Both thrive with stable temperatures around 20–26°C, pH 6.5–8.0, GH 6–12 dGH, and low ammonia and nitrites.
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.
