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Bloody Mary Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi 'Bloody Mary'
Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Atyidae
Variety of Red Cherry Shrimp · bloody mary
📍 Taiwan (captive developed)
Bloody Mary Shrimp are a deeply coloured Neocaridina davidi morph with an intense, translucent blood-red coloration that differs from the opaque red of Painted Fire Red or regular Cherry Shrimp — the red pigmentation is visible through the body, giving them a vivid, glowing quality. They are as hardy and easy to breed as other Neocaridina morphs, making them accessible for beginners seeking a striking red shrimp variety.
Care Guide
Diet
Bloody Mary Shrimp are omnivores that primarily feed on biofilm and algae naturally present in the tank, supplemented with high-quality shrimp pellets 2-3 times weekly. Offer blanched vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and carrots weekly to ensure balanced nutrition and promote vibrant coloration. Avoid overfeeding, as uneaten food degrades water quality quickly in small tanks.
Behavior
These shrimp are peaceful, sedentary grazers that spend most of their time foraging on surfaces and plants for biofilm and algae. They are most active during dawn and dusk, remaining relatively hidden during bright daylight hours. Bloody Mary Shrimp are social and do best in groups of 6 or more, where they exhibit natural schooling behavior and reduced stress.
Breeding
Bloody Mary Shrimp are prolific breeders in captivity and will breed readily in established tanks without special conditioning. Females produce 20-30 shrimplets every 4-5 weeks; fry are miniature versions of adults and require no special care beyond stable water parameters and abundant biofilm. Keep Bloody Mary Shrimp isolated from other Neocaridina morphs to maintain their distinctive deep red coloration, as hybridization will dilute color intensity.
Tank Mates
Similar water requirements and peaceful temperament; may compete for biofilm but generally coexist well
Small, peaceful fish that won't predate on adult shrimp; compatible temperature and pH ranges
Algae-eating fish with identical water parameters; peaceful and non-aggressive toward shrimp
Peaceful algae eater with overlapping habitat preferences; no predation risk
Provides shelter, grazing surfaces, and biofilm production; essential for shrimp colonies
Creates natural habitat structure and supports biofilm growth for grazing
Common Diseases
Bacterial Infection
Discoloration, lethargy, visible lesions or fuzzy growth on body, loss of appetite
Perform 25% water changes every 2-3 days; ensure ammonia and nitrite remain at 0 ppm; increase aeration; consider adding Indian almond leaves for tannins
Molting Problems
Inability to shed exoskeleton, stuck between old and new shell, lethargy after molting
Ensure adequate calcium and minerals via quality shrimp pellets or mineral supplements; maintain stable water parameters; provide hiding places during vulnerable molting periods
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching against surfaces, visible parasites on body, reduced feeding, color fading
Perform frequent water changes; quarantine affected shrimp if possible; maintain pristine water quality; avoid introducing infected plants or equipment
Sudden Death Syndrome
Rapid death without visible symptoms, often affecting entire colony, triggered by water parameter swings
Maintain stable pH (6.5-7.5), temperature (18-26°C), and hardness (6-20 dGH); avoid sudden water changes; acclimate new shrimp slowly over 1-2 hours
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore – biofilm, algae, shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables
- breeding
- Prolific; keep separate from other Neocaridina morphs to maintain colour
- lifespan
- 1–2 years
- max size
- 4 cm (1.5 in)
- tank size
- 5 gallons minimum
- temperament
- Peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.5–7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 6–20 dGH
- temperature
- 64–79°F (18–26°C)