Carbon Rili Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Atyidae

Variety of Red Cherry Shrimp · carbon rili

📍 Taiwan (captive developed)

Dark grey-to-black rili pattern with a transparent midsection. The monochrome equivalent of the popular red and orange rili variants. Intriguing patterning and fully Neocaridina-hardy.

Size1.2"

Min Tank5g

School6+

peaceful

Zoneall

Care Guide

Diet

Carbon Rili Shrimp are primarily algae and biofilm grazers that constantly forage on tank surfaces. Supplement their natural grazing with blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini, cucumber) 2-3 times weekly and high-quality sinking pellets or algae wafers. Occasional treats of frozen foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp can be offered but are not necessary for their survival.

Behavior

These shrimp are peaceful, active foragers that spend most of their time exploring the substrate and plants searching for food. They exhibit the characteristic rili pattern with dark coloration on head and tail separated by a transparent midsection, making them visually striking in planted tanks. They are social and do best in groups of 6 or more, where they display natural schooling behavior and reduced stress.

Breeding

Carbon Rili Shrimp breed readily in established tanks with adequate food and stable water parameters, though fry survival depends heavily on having plenty of plants and biofilm. Females produce small clutches of 20-30 shrimplets every 4-6 weeks under good conditions. Breeding is relatively easy compared to more sensitive species, but selective breeding for color intensity requires culling and patience.

Tank Mates

Amano Shrimp

Same water requirements and peaceful temperament; excellent algae control partners

excellent

Otocinclus

Peaceful bottom dweller that won't prey on shrimp; shares similar water parameters

excellent

Ember Tetra

Small, peaceful fish that won't eat adult shrimp; prefers similar warm water conditions

good

Dwarf Gourami

Generally peaceful but may occasionally nip at shrimp; monitor behavior closely

caution

Nerite Snail

Peaceful algae grazer with identical water needs; no competition or predation risk

excellent

Java Moss

Provides essential shelter, biofilm growth, and fry refuge; creates ideal shrimp habitat

excellent

Common Diseases

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

White spots or patches on body, cloudy appearance, lethargy, loss of appetite

Treatment

Perform 25% water changes every 2-3 days; improve water quality and tank cleanliness; remove affected individuals if severely infected; antibacterial treatments are rarely necessary in established tanks

Molting Problems

Symptoms

Difficulty shedding exoskeleton, incomplete molts, death shortly after molting

Treatment

Ensure adequate calcium and minerals through quality food and mineral supplements; maintain stable pH (6.8-7.5) and GH; avoid sudden water parameter changes; provide stress-free environment

Parasitic Infection

Symptoms

Visible parasites on body, excessive scratching against surfaces, lethargy, reduced feeding

Treatment

Quarantine affected shrimp; perform frequent water changes; maintain excellent water quality; avoid introducing infected plants or equipment; salt baths are not recommended for freshwater shrimp

Ammonia/Nitrite Poisoning

Symptoms

Erratic swimming, color fading, lethargy, sudden death in newly established tanks

Treatment

Perform immediate 50% water change; test and monitor ammonia and nitrite levels; ensure adequate biological filtration; avoid overstocking and overfeeding; cycle tank fully before adding shrimp