Sakura Rili Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Also known as Sakura Rili

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Atyidae

Sakura Rili Shrimp are a striking color morph of Neocaridina davidi, featuring a distinctive two-tone pattern with bright red coloration on the head and tail contrasting against a translucent or pale body. This selectively bred variety is highly prized by aquarists for its vibrant appearance and hardiness, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced shrimp keepers.

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

Sakura Rili Shrimp are primarily detritivores that graze on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter throughout the day. Supplement their diet with high-quality shrimp pellets (Shirakura, Mosura, or similar brands), blanched vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, and carrots, and occasional protein sources like dried seaweed or bloodworms. Feed small amounts 2-3 times per week, removing uneaten food after 24 hours.

Behavior

These shrimp are active grazers that spend most of their time foraging on surfaces and substrate, particularly during dawn and dusk hours. They are social creatures that thrive in groups and exhibit natural molting cycles every 4-6 weeks; provide plenty of plants and hiding spots to support successful molts. Colony dynamics remain peaceful, with minimal aggression between individuals.

Breeding

Sakura Rili Shrimp breed readily in standard freshwater conditions without requiring special acidic water, making them ideal for community tanks. Females produce small clutches of 20-30 shrimplets every 4-6 weeks; the fry are miniature versions of adults and require no special care beyond the standard colony setup. High survival rates occur in established tanks with abundant biofilm and plant cover.

Tank mates

See all 6

Ember Tetra

Small, peaceful fish that do not predate on shrimp; excellent community tank mate

excellent

Otocinclus

Algae-eating fish that shares similar peaceful grazing behavior and water parameters

excellent

Chili Rasbora

Tiny, non-aggressive fish that coexist peacefully with shrimp colonies

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp species that can cohabitate; may occasionally compete for food but generally compatible

good

Red Cherry Shrimp

Same species complex; can interbreed but coexist peacefully in mixed colonies

excellent

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).