Sakura Rili Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

📍 Taiwan / Germany selective breeding

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.

Size1.5"

Min Tank5g

School10+

peaceful

Zonebottom

Care Guide

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

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

Nerite Snail

Algae-eating snail that shares similar peaceful temperament and does not compete aggressively

excellent

Common Diseases

Molting Failure / Incomplete Molt

Symptoms

Shrimp unable to fully shed exoskeleton; pieces of old shell remaining attached; lethargy and reduced feeding

Treatment

Increase water hardness (GH 6-12) through mineral supplementation; ensure adequate calcium and magnesium; maintain stable water parameters; provide rough surfaces (plants, wood) for shrimp to grip during molt

Bacterial Infection / Muscular Necrosis

Symptoms

White or opaque patches on body or appendages; discoloration; lethargy; loss of appetite; death within days

Treatment

Perform 25-30% water changes every 2-3 days; maintain pristine water quality with ammonia and nitrite at 0 ppm; remove affected individuals to prevent spread; avoid copper-based treatments (lethal to shrimp)

Vorticella / Fungal Infection

Symptoms

White fuzzy coating on body or appendages; cloudy appearance; reduced movement; difficulty molting

Treatment

Increase water changes to 30% every other day; improve water flow and aeration; add Indian almond leaves or tannins to acidify water slightly; maintain optimal water parameters; remove severely affected individuals

Copper Toxicity

Symptoms

Sudden death or lethargy; loss of color; erratic swimming; paralysis

Treatment

Perform immediate 50% water change; never use copper-based medications or fertilizers in shrimp tanks; verify all equipment and decorations are copper-free; use only shrimp-safe plant fertilizers