Best Aquarium Plants for Neocaridina Shrimp

When setting up a Neocaridina tank (Cherry, Blue Dream, Green Jade, Yellow Back, etc.), choosing live plants isn't just about making the tank look good—it is directly tied to the health, breeding success, and survival rate of your colony.

Neocaridina thrive in low-maintenance setups with plants that grow well in standard UK tap water without needing heavy liquid carbon or CO2 injection.

Why Live Plants are Essential for Shrimp

Biofilm Production: Plant leaves, stems, and roots accumulate a microscopic film of bacteria and algae—the primary natural food source for adult shrimp and newly hatched shrimplets.
Shrimplet Survival: Dense plant cover gives tiny juveniles places to hide, graze, and shelter during vulnerable moulting periods.
Water Quality & Nitrate Control: Plants act as natural biological filters, absorbing excess nitrates and waste products to keep your water chemistry stable.

1. Mosses (The #1 Choice for Shrimp Tanks)

Mosses are the absolute gold standard for shrimp breeding. Their fine, dense growth catches floating food particles and offers maximum surface area for grazing.

Java Moss (Vesicularia dubyana): Indestructible, fast-growing, and perfect for beginners. Ties easily to wood or rock.
Christmas Moss & Flame Moss: Tighter, upright growth habits that add excellent texture and shelter to an aquascape.
Phoenix Moss (Fissidens fontanus): A delicate, feathery moss that provides a premium look while remaining easy to maintain.

2. Floating Plants

Floating plants are fantastic for nitrate removal and shade. Their long, hanging roots create an overhead jungle where shrimp love to hang upside down and forage.

Amazon Frogbit: Large, thick leaves with long, feathery root systems that absorb nitrates rapidly.
Red Root Floaters (Phyllanthus fluitans): Creates striking red roots under decent lighting and provides great canopy cover.
Salvinia: Fast-spreading surface plant that provides steady shade to keep shrimp feeling secure and showing their boldest colours.

3. Epiphytes (Attach to Hardscape)

Epiphytes are slow-growing, low-light plants that must not be buried in substrate—their rhizomes need to be exposed to prevent rotting. Simply attach them to driftwood or rock using thread or plant glue.

Anubias (Anubias barteri var. nana / Nana Petite): Broad, sturdy leaves that act as landing pads and heavy detritus collectors.
Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus): Extremely hardy background plant that tolerates a wide range of water parameters.
Bucephalandra: Low-maintenance plants with unique leaf shapes and iridescent colouration.

4. Fast-Growing Stem & Background Plants

Hornwort & Guppy Grass: Rapid growers that don't even require root anchoring. They can be left floating or tucked into inert gravel to absorb excess nutrients.
Cryptocoryne (e.g., Cryptocoryne wendtii): A classic rooted plant that thrives in inert gravel setups without demanding special soils or heavy feeding.

Important Care Tips for Planted Shrimp Tanks

Avoid Liquid "Carbon" Additives: Products sold as "liquid carbon" or glutaraldehyde-based algae removers can be toxic to delicate invertebrates.
Use Shrimp-Safe Fertilisers: If dosing fertilisers, use a lean, copper-free micro/macro blend and dose lightly to avoid mineral spikes.
Rinse New Plants: Always thoroughly rinse newly purchased plants to ensure they are clean and safe before adding them to your display tank.