ShrimpeasyFreshwater

Red Rili Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Also known as Red Rili Neocaridina

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Atyidae

Red Rili Shrimp are a striking color morph of Neocaridina davidi, featuring bold red and white banding that makes them popular in planted and community tanks. These hardy, peaceful shrimp are excellent for beginners and thrive in established freshwater aquariums with plenty of biofilm and vegetation. They are prolific breeders in freshwater and will quickly establish a thriving colony.

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

Red Rili Shrimp are detritivores that primarily feed on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter in an established tank. Supplement with high-quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, carrot) 2-3 times weekly. A mature, well-planted tank with adequate biofilm is essential for their long-term health.

Behavior

Red Rili Shrimp are active foragers that spend most of their time on the substrate and plants searching for food and biofilm. They are social and do best in groups of 10 or more, where they exhibit natural grazing and molting behaviors. Molting occurs every 4-6 weeks; provide plenty of hiding spots and do not disturb them during this vulnerable period.

Breeding

Red Rili Shrimp breed readily in freshwater without any special conditions, making them ideal for colony establishment. Females produce 20-30 shrimplets every 4-6 weeks that are fully-formed miniatures, requiring no larval stage. In a stable, mature tank with adequate food and hiding spaces, populations will naturally increase.

Tank mates

See all 6

Amano Shrimp

Same peaceful temperament; compatible colony mates

excellent

Ghost Shrimp

Non-aggressive; can cohabitate without issues

excellent

Otocinclus

Small, peaceful algae eater; no predatory threat

excellent

Ember Tetra

Tiny, non-aggressive fish; may eat shrimplets if present

good

Dwarf Gourami

Generally peaceful but monitor for aggression toward shrimp

good

Beginner-friendly

Member photos

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Photos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.

by @KyWillums

Common diseases 4Molting Issues / Stuck Molt, Copper Toxicity, Bacterial Infection / Shell Rot, Parasitic Infection (Vorticella / Fungus)

Molting Issues / Stuck Molt

Symptoms

Shrimp unable to shed exoskeleton; appears lethargic; may die if unable to escape old shell

Treatment

Ensure adequate calcium and minerals (GH 4-8); provide soft plants and moss for assistance; maintain stable water parameters; do not disturb molting shrimp

Copper Toxicity

Symptoms

Lethargy, loss of color, gasping, sudden death in colony

Treatment

Copper is highly toxic to shrimp; avoid all copper-based medications and fertilizers; use only shrimp-safe products; perform water change if exposure suspected

Bacterial Infection / Shell Rot

Symptoms

Discoloration or pitting on shell; soft spots; cloudy appearance

Treatment

Improve water quality and tank maintenance; increase water changes; ensure adequate calcium; remove affected individuals if severely compromised

Parasitic Infection (Vorticella / Fungus)

Symptoms

White fuzzy coating on body or appendages; lethargy; difficulty molting

Treatment

Improve water quality and oxygenation; increase water changes; use salt baths (1 tsp per gallon for 10-15 minutes) as a last resort; ensure tank is well-established with biofilm

Legality

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).