Do Neocaridinas Breed True?
Breeding Neocaridina shrimp to maintain a consistent color strain is an intricate process that requires careful selection and ongoing maintenance. Despite their popularity in the aquarium hobby for their vibrant hues and relatively easy care, achieving true-breeding lines where offspring consistently exhibit the same color as their parents is challenging. This article explores the reasons behind this complexity and offers insights into the nuances of Neocaridina genetics and breeding.

Genetic Diversity and Color Variability

Neocaridina shrimp, including popular varieties like the Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi), are known for their impressive range of colors, including red, blue, yellow, orange, green, and more. These colors are the result of selective breeding from a common ancestor. Due to this shared genetic background, Neocaridina shrimp can produce offspring of various colors, even if the parents are of a high-grade and seemingly stable color strain.

For instance, a blue shrimp might produce offspring that are not only blue but also exhibit other colors like red or green. This variability occurs because the genes responsible for color in Neocaridina shrimp are broad and less specific compared to their Caridina counterparts. This genetic diversity is both a strength and a challenge; it allows for the creation of new and vibrant color strains but makes achieving a stable, true-breeding line more difficult.

Selection and Grading

Achieving a stable color strain in Neocaridina shrimp requires rigorous selection. Breeders must continuously cull shrimp that do not meet the desired color standards. For example, if a breeder aims to maintain an orange shrimp line, they must selectively breed only those individuals that exhibit the most consistent and vivid orange coloration. Any shrimp that display other colors or patterns must be removed from the breeding pool.

The concept of "high grade" in Neocaridina shrimp refers primarily to the color intensity and uniformity of the shrimp. High-grade shrimp have more vibrant and consistent coloration, while low-grade shrimp may exhibit more variation in color and patterns. However, it's important to note that high grades and low grades can produce similar results in terms of color variability in their offspring. The grade indicates the quality of the individual shrimp's appearance rather than the stability of its color genes.

Comparison with Caridina Shrimp

In contrast to Neocaridina shrimp, Caridina shrimp tend to breed more true to color. For example, breeding two Black King Kong Caridina shrimp is likely to produce offspring that are also black, with variations such as Black Panda or Extreme Black King Kong. The genes responsible for color in Caridina shrimp are more specific and less broad, leading to more predictable breeding outcomes.

Price and Stability

The price of Neocaridina shrimp often reflects their grade rather than the stability of their color genes. High-grade shrimp are more expensive because of their superior appearance, but this does not necessarily mean their offspring will breed true. Stability in color strain is achieved through diligent and ongoing selective breeding rather than the initial purchase price.

Conclusion

Breeding true Neocaridina shrimp is a labor-intensive process that demands patience and precision. The genetic diversity that makes Neocaridina shrimp so colorful and appealing also means that breeders must constantly select and cull to maintain a consistent color strain. Understanding the complexities of Neocaridina genetics and the importance of selective breeding can help hobbyists achieve their desired results. While it may be challenging, the reward of maintaining a vibrant, true-breeding shrimp colony is well worth the effort.