Chocolate Rili Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Atyidae

Chocolate Rili Shrimp are a striking color morph of Neocaridina davidi, featuring a rich chocolate-brown body with bright red or orange banding along the legs and antennae. This distinctive two-tone pattern 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

Chocolate Rili Shrimp are primarily detritivores that graze on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter throughout the day. Supplement with high-quality shrimp pellets (Shirakura, Mosura), blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, kale), and occasional protein sources like dried seaweed or bloodworm powder. Feed small amounts 2-3 times weekly; they will forage naturally between feedings.

Behavior

These shrimp are active grazers that spend most of their time foraging on substrate and plants. They are social and thrive in groups, displaying natural colony dynamics with minimal aggression. Molting occurs every 4-6 weeks; provide plenty of hiding spots and mineral-rich water to support successful shell hardening.

Breeding

Chocolate Rili Shrimp breed readily in standard freshwater conditions without requiring acidic or soft water, making them ideal for beginners. Females produce 20-30 shrimplets per cycle, which are born fully-formed and immediately independent. High survival rates occur in established planted tanks with minimal predation.

Tank mates

See all 6

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae eater that shares bottom-dwelling niche without competing or preying on shrimp

excellent

Ember Tetra

Small, non-aggressive fish that occupy mid-water column and ignore shrimp

excellent

Chili Rasbora

Tiny, peaceful fish that pose no threat to adult or juvenile shrimp

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Compatible congener; may interbreed producing varied color morphs

good

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp species; generally peaceful but may compete for food

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Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date.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).