Red Rili Shrimp

Species Overview

Common Name:  Red Rili Shrimp
Scientific Name:  Neocaridina Davidi 
Genus:  Neocaridina
Wild Origin:  Asia
Adult Size:  1.25in

**Note:  All livestock orders will come carefully packaged with solid wall Styrofoam insulation and shipped via 1-day shipping only. No additional insulation is needed for your livestock.

The Red Rili Shrimp is prized for its high-contrast red and translucent white coloration. These freshwater shrimp are a stable color morph of the Fire Red Shrimp, which itself was selectively bred from the standard Red Cherry line. Breeders isolated a specific mutation that "breaks up" the solid red pigment, resulting in the iconic Rili pattern: typically a bold red head and tail with a clear, translucent mid-section. Because of this unique look, they stand out beautifully against dark substrates and lush green aquascapes.

Red Rilis are exceptionally active and low-maintenance aquatic pets. They function as a natural clean-up crew, tirelessly scavenging the shrimp aquarium for biofilm, algae, and waste. They are highly adaptable and can withstand a wide range of water parameters, making them an ideal choice for beginners.

Key Features & Important Notes

• Tank-raised specimen
• Unique, eye-catching striped pattern
• To increase survival rates, please allow 2-3 business days after placing an order to properly prepare live animal shipments

Recommended Water Parameters

Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. We encourage you to do thorough research before committing to keeping any livestock.

• Temperature Range: 65°–80°F
• pH:   7.2-7.6
• TDS:   250-300
• GH: 6–8 dGH
• KH: 3–8 dKH

Recommended Tank Size

5+ gallons, minimum. Tank size is relative and various factors should be considered when determining tank size. Factors include maintenance schedules, tank mates, desired colony size and more.

Diet

Omnivorous. Shrimp are natural scavengers that constantly consume detritus, diatoms, and organic waste. Supplement their diet with high-quality vegetable-based shrimp pellets, spirulina wafers, and blanched vegetables. Adding textured hardscape like lava rock to your shrimp aquarium is highly recommended to maximize the surface area available for beneficial biofilm growth.

Breeding

Red Rili Shrimp are eager and prolific breeders when provided with stable water parameters and an abundance of food. Once mature, males are visibly smaller, while females feature a larger underbelly and a "saddle" behind the head where unfertilized eggs are held. We recommend starting with 8–10 specimens to guarantee a proper mix of sexes.

The breeding cycle triggers when a fertile female molts and releases pheromones. After mating, she becomes "berried," carrying the eggs through a 2-week gestation period. The resulting fry are fully self-sufficient, consuming the same biofilm and algae as adults. Be sure to leave molted shells in the tank so the fry can ingest the calcium and minerals needed to fuel their frequent growth molts.

Note that keeping shrimp with fish or aggressive tankmates can hinder reproduction; providing plenty of hiding spots and mosses is essential to make them feel secure enough to breed.

Team Buce Plant Tips

If you're new to the hobby, learn the fundamentals with our Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp Care Guide . Before introducing your new livestock into a new tank, learn about the perfect drip rate and timing in 7 Easy Steps to Drip Acclimate Shrimp and Fish . Whether you need active soil or inert sand, you can find the perfect fit to stabilize your parameters in our Best Substrate for Shrimp Guide . When your tank is balanced and your colony is thriving, check out our step-by-step breakdown on How to Breed Freshwater Shrimp.