Neocaridina

Neocaridina denticulata

Neocaridina is a genus of freshwater shrimp. The species of the group were separated because of their different external genitalia of the genus Caridina.

Features

Male members of the genus bear outwardly widening, pear-shaped Endopoden ( paddle-like branches of the swimming legs ). Any existing appendix interna ( provided with tick attachment to the inside of the Endopoden ) attaches to the base of the Endopoden. In contrast, the Endopoden are generally in sheet form rather Caridina species and distal narrow appendix of the internal sitting at their outer end. All Neocaridina belong to so-called specialized reproduction type, ie the larval development takes place within the relatively large eggs for the most part. The hatching larvae are already equipped with walking legs, adapted to a ground- oriented lifestyle and can reach the juvenile stage within one to a few molts.

Species

Currently 20 species and nine subspecies are summarized in Neocaridina.

Some members of this genus, such as the Rückenstrichgarnele ( Neocaridina heteropoda ) and occurring in a variety of colors Neocaridina palmata have as pets gained a significant importance in the aquarium hobby. Other species are grown in their areas of origin as fish food.

As with Caridina some species of this genus are traded and grown commercially, their systematic status is unclear. This includes, for example, the widespread under the name Weißperlengarnele white cultured form of a gray-blue Neocaridina kind that was formerly known as Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis, but is today counted among Neocaridina palmata.