Blue Rili Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Also known as Blue Rili, Rili Shrimp Blue

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Atyidae

Blue Rili Shrimp are a striking color morph of Neocaridina davidi, featuring vibrant blue coloration with red/orange striping along their bodies. These hardy, peaceful shrimp are excellent for planted freshwater aquariums and are prolific breeders that thrive in established tanks with biofilm and algae. They are ideal for beginners and community setups due to their low bioload and non-aggressive nature.

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: 71–143 ppm; 4–8 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Bottom
Lifespan: 1-3 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

Diet

Blue Rili Shrimp are primarily detritivores that feed on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter. Supplement with high-quality shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini, cucumber), and algae wafers 2-3 times weekly. A mature, established tank with plenty of plants and wood provides natural food sources; avoid overfeeding as uneaten food degrades water quality.

Behavior

Blue Rili Shrimp are active foragers that spend most of their time grazing on surfaces and exploring the substrate. They are social and do best in groups of 10 or more, where they exhibit natural schooling and breeding behaviors. They molt regularly (every 4-8 weeks); provide plenty of hiding spots and plants to help them feel secure during vulnerable post-molt periods.

Breeding

Blue Rili Shrimp breed readily in freshwater without any special intervention, making them excellent for hobbyists interested in shrimp propagation. Females produce 20-30 shrimplets every 4-6 weeks; juveniles are miniature versions of adults and require no special care beyond the main tank. Overpopulation can occur quickly, so plan accordingly or perform regular water changes to manage bioload.

Tank mates

See all 6

Amano Shrimp

Similar size and peaceful; both are detritivores that coexist well

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Same species group; compatible and may interbreed, creating color variants

excellent

Otocinclus

Small, peaceful algae-eater; shares similar biofilm-grazing niche

excellent

Ember Tetra

Small, non-aggressive fish; avoid larger-mouthed tetras that may predate shrimplets

good

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful dwarf species; larger gouramis may harass or eat shrimp

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).