Neocaridina davidi — biofilm as a demonstrated staple resource
A 2020 controlled culture study used biofilm composed mainly of microalgae, diatoms, cyanobacteria and ciliates as the sole diet. Juvenile survival, biomass and biochemical reserves were significantly higher on substrates that supported stronger biofilm, while ovarian maturation and egg incubation also occurred. The authors concluded that N. davidi could complete its life cycle in the tested biofilm-based system.
Claim class: EVIDENCE-BACKED for the tested biofilm system; not proof that every aquarium should receive no supplemental feed.
Neocaridina davidi — dietary carotenoids affect body coloration
A 90-day comparison of five commercial ornamental diets reported >80% survival across treatments. Shrimp fed the diet with the highest carotenoid level had higher tissue carotenoids and brighter coloration, while spermatophore quality did not differ detectably among diets.
Claim class: EVIDENCE-BACKED for carotenoid/color response in the tested diets; no single commercial brand is promoted as universally best.
Neocaridina davidi — broodstock diet can affect egg/offspring traits
A controlled three-diet study found similar relative realized fecundity and egg size among treatments, but egg carotenoid content tracked dietary carotenoid content. Juvenile weight at 32 days was lower in offspring from brooders receiving the diet with the lowest n-3 PUFA content. Apparent embryo-survival differences were not statistically significant and remain qualified.
Claim class: EVIDENCE-BACKED, ENDPOINT-SPECIFIC.
Neocaridina davidi — insect-meal protein can work within a balanced formulated diet
A 2025 trial tested five isonitrogenous diets (42% protein) with 0–100% black soldier fly larvae meal substitution. Growth and molting outcomes were strongest at 50% inclusion in the reported trial, while reproductive performance and pigmentation were not significantly worsened across diets.
Claim class: EVIDENCE-BACKED FOR THE TESTED FORMULATIONS; not evidence that unformulated insect meal should be fed directly or that 50% is a universal ornamental optimum.
Caridina / Crystal–Taiwan Bee commercial-feed evidence
MK-Breed/Larmax's BLACK DIAMOND page positions the feed for black/blue Crystal shrimp and lists vegetable protein extract, Spirulina, spinach, kelp, chitosan, minerals, vitamins and lecithin. The stated feeding direction is 2 sticks (3–4 cm) per 150 Crystal shrimp once or twice daily, with uneaten food removed after 6–12 hours.
Claim class: MANUFACTURER/BREEDER CLAIM ONLY. This is useful Taiwan regional product-practice evidence but is not controlled proof of superiority, disease prevention, color enhancement or an optimal ration.
Germany — manufacturer-primary prepared-feed records
Dennerle describes Shrimp King Complete as a sinking complete feed for freshwater dwarf shrimp. The current German manufacturer declaration lists defatted Hermetia illucens insect meal, nettle, dandelion leaves, pumpkin, plantain leaves, mulberry leaves, spinach, Spirulina, seaweed meal, Chlorella, calcium bentonite, yeast products/MOS/β-glucans, moringa, rosemary and pollen.
Guaranteed/analytical values: crude protein 31.0%, crude fat 3.9%, crude fibre 9.3%, crude ash 13.5%. Manufacturer feeding direction: about 5 mm of stick per 20 shrimp every 1–2 days; remove remains after 24 hours.
Claim class: MANUFACTURER CLAIM ONLY / GERMANY REGIONAL PRODUCT PRACTICE. The ingredient/analysis/ration fields are primary product-label evidence; growth, colour, reproduction and digestion benefits stated by the manufacturer are not upgraded to controlled biological evidence.
Public research references
Listed research leads are not automatically supporting evidence for every individual claim.