Black Rili Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Also known as Black Rili, Black Sakura Rili Shrimp, Black Sakura Rili Neocaridina

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Atyidae

Black Rili Shrimp are a striking color morph of Neocaridina davidi, featuring a bold contrast between jet-black and translucent/white banding on the body and legs. This selective breeding creates a distinctive striped or 'rili' pattern that makes them highly sought after by aquarists. They are hardy, peaceful, and excellent for planted tanks and community setups.

Where it's from

Recorded as introduced in Brazil, Germany, Norway and Poland

At a glance

Size: 1.5 in; 4 cm
Min tank: 5 gal; 19 L
Group: 10+
Temp: 64–82°F; 18–28°C
pH: 6.5-8.0
GH: 107–214 ppm; 6–12 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Bottom
Lifespan: 1-2 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

Diet

Black Rili Shrimp are detritivores that graze constantly on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter. Supplement with high-quality shrimp pellets (Shirakura, Mosura) 2-3 times weekly, and offer blanched vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or cucumber weekly. They thrive in established tanks with ample biofilm.

Behavior

These shrimp are active grazers, spending most of their time foraging on substrate and plants. They molt regularly as they grow, and females will berth (carry eggs) when conditions are stable. Colony dynamics are peaceful; they gather in groups but do not school in the traditional sense.

Breeding

Black Rili Shrimp breed readily in neutral to slightly alkaline water (pH 6.5-8.0) without special conditioning. Females produce 20-30 shrimplets per cycle, which are born fully-formed and immediately independent. No parental care is needed; simply maintain stable parameters and adequate food sources for high survival rates.

Tank mates

See all 6

Ember Tetra

Small, peaceful fish that ignore shrimp and share similar water parameters

excellent

Otocinclus

Algae-eating fish that coexist peacefully with shrimp colonies

excellent

Chili Rasbora

Tiny, non-aggressive fish that pose no threat to adult or juvenile shrimp

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp species that coexist peacefully; may compete for food

good

Red Cherry Shrimp

Compatible Neocaridina variety; may interbreed, producing mixed color offspring

good

Beginner-friendly

No state or federal restrictions on record.

Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.

The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil (CC BY 4.0); Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species (CC BY 4.0); Global Register of Invasive and Introduced Species (CC BY 4.0).