Shrimp - Purple Metallic

Purple Metallic Shrimp

The Purple Metallic Shrimp is a premium ornamental freshwater Neocaridina variety admired for its vivid iridescent purple sheen and shimmering metallic finish. This selectively bred shrimp stands out in planted aquariums due to its reflective colouration, which shifts subtly under different lighting conditions. Hardy, active, and visually striking, the Purple Metallic Shrimp is an excellent choice for aquarists looking to add rare colour depth to nano tanks and aquascaped environments.

Features of Purple Metallic Shrimp

• Iridescent purple body with a metallic reflective sheen

• Selectively bred Neocaridina davidi colour variant

• Small adult size of approximately 2.5–3 cm

• Peaceful and highly social in colonies

• Constant algae and biofilm grazer

• Ideal for planted nano and display aquariums

• Hardy and adaptable freshwater shrimp

The best aquarium size for Purple Metallic Shrimp

The Purple Metallic Shrimp thrives in stable freshwater aquariums with a minimum volume of 20–30 litres. Larger setups are preferred for breeding colonies, as they provide more stable water parameters and increased surface area for natural grazing.

Maintain water temperatures between 20–26 °C, a pH range of 6.5–7.8, and moderate hardness. Stability is essential to maintain strong colour expression and healthy moulting cycles.

Tank Mate Compatibility for Purple Metallic Shrimp

The Purple Metallic Shrimp is best kept with peaceful, shrimp-safe species that will not disturb or prey on them, including:

• Chili Rasbora

• Ember Tetra

• Otocinclus Catfish

• Endler’s Livebearer

• Pygmy Corydoras

Avoid all aggressive fish, larger cichlids, and any species known for hunting shrimp, as they will quickly reduce colony numbers.

Diet for Purple Metallic Shrimp

The Purple Metallic Shrimp is a continuous grazer that feeds on algae, biofilm, and organic detritus. Supplement their diet with high-quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, and kale.

A mineral-rich diet is important to support strong exoskeleton development and successful moulting. Feed sparingly to maintain excellent water quality and encourage natural grazing behaviour.

Aquarium Setup Purple Metallic Shrimp

Aquarium Filtration

Gentle sponge filtration or low-flow filtration systems are ideal, providing safe water movement and strong biological filtration for sensitive shrimp colonies.

Aquarium Plants

Dense planting with mosses, Bucephalandra, and Anubias offers essential grazing surfaces, shelter, and breeding zones for juveniles.

Aquarium Lighting

Low to moderate lighting enhances the shrimp’s metallic purple sheen while supporting healthy biofilm and plant growth.

Aquarium Heating

A stable heater should maintain temperatures between 20–26 °C, ensuring consistent conditions for moulting and reproduction.

Aquarium Substrate

Dark or neutral substrates are preferred, as they enhance the visibility of the purple metallic coloration and support aquascape contrast.

Aquarium Decorations

Incorporate driftwood, leaf litter, and fine-textured hardscape such as lava rock to maximise biofilm growth and provide natural hiding areas for colony development.