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Blue Rili Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
📍 Taiwan (captive-bred color variant of wild Chinese species)
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.
Care Guide
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
Similar size and peaceful; both are detritivores that coexist well
Same species group; compatible and may interbreed, creating color variants
Small, peaceful algae-eater; shares similar biofilm-grazing niche
Small, non-aggressive fish; avoid larger-mouthed tetras that may predate shrimplets
Peaceful dwarf species; larger gouramis may harass or eat shrimp
Peaceful bottom-dweller; shares substrate without competing or predating
Common Diseases
Molting Stress / Failed Molt
Shrimp unable to shed exoskeleton, lethargy, loss of appetite, death if severe
Ensure adequate calcium and minerals via GH Booster or mineral supplements; maintain stable water parameters; provide plenty of hiding spots; avoid sudden water changes
Copper Toxicity
Lethargy, loss of color, rapid death, particularly in soft water
Use only copper-free medications and fertilizers; avoid tap water with high copper content; perform large water changes; use activated carbon or reverse osmosis water if copper contamination is suspected
Bacterial Infection / Septicemia
White spots or patches on body, cloudy appearance, lethargy, death
Perform 25-50% water changes daily; increase aeration; remove dead/decaying matter; maintain pristine water quality; antibiotics rarely effective in shrimp; focus on prevention through good husbandry
Parasitic Infection (Vorticella / Epistylis)
White fuzzy coating on body and appendages, difficulty molting, lethargy
Increase water changes and aeration; salt baths (1-2 tsp per gallon for 10-15 minutes) may help; ensure adequate nutrition and stable water parameters; remove severely affected individuals; avoid copper-based treatments
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore/detritivore - primarily grazes on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter
- lifespan
- 1-3 years
- max size
- 4 cm (1.5 in)
- tank size
- 5 gallons minimum
- temperament
- peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.5-8.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 4-8 dGH
- temperature
- 64–82°F (18–28°C)