organism
Neocaridina vs Caridina
The two dwarf shrimp genera in the hobby. Can they share a tank?
Short answer
They will not interbreed, so hybridisation is not the concern. The problem is water: Neocaridina want moderately hard, neutral to alkaline water and Caridina want soft, acidic, near-zero-KH water. One tank cannot suit both properly.
Side by side
| Dimension | Neocaridina (cherry shrimp) | Caridina (crystal and bee shrimp) | Favours |
|---|---|---|---|
| GH | 6–15 °dGH | 3–6 °dGH | Neither |
| KH | 2–10 °dKH | 0–2 °dKH | Neither |
| pH | 6.5–8.0 | 5.5–6.8 | Neither |
| Substrate | Any inert substrate | Usually active buffering soil | Neocaridina (cherry shrimp) |
| Water preparation | Tap water often adequate | Usually remineralised RO | Neocaridina (cherry shrimp) |
| Hardiness | High | Lower | Neocaridina (cherry shrimp) |
| Interbreeds with the other genus | No | No | Neither |
Which to choose
Neocaridina (cherry shrimp)
Start with Neocaridina. It tolerates ordinary tap water and forgives mistakes.
Caridina (crystal and bee shrimp)
Move to Caridina once you are comfortable preparing remineralised RO water and holding it stable.
One caveat
Keeping both in one tank is possible in a compromise mid-range, and both will persist rather than thrive. Separate tanks is the honest answer.