Bloody Mary Shrimp

Common Name: Bloody Mary Shrimp
Scientific Name: Neocaridina davidi "Bloody Mary"
Genus: Neocaridina
Wild Origin: Asia (Selective Breed)
Adult Size: 1.25 inches

**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 Bloody Mary Shrimp is the ultimate expression of red! While they are often compared to high-grade Fire Red Cherry Shrimp, they are genetically and physically distinct. In most red varieties, the color is concentrated in the shell; however, Bloody Marys feature deep red tissue (flesh) beneath a clear shell, resulting in an intense, liquid-like crimson glow. Physically, they can be identified by a noticeably shorter rostrum (nose) compared to standard Cherry Shrimp. This combination of deep color and unique profile makes them a premium addition to any shrimp tank.

Bloody Marys are just as hardy and active as their freshwater shrimp cousins. They are prolific scavengers, spending their days cleaning the shrimp aquarium by grazing on biofilm and algae. Their brilliant red hue provides an incredible contrast against dark substrates and lush green aquascapes. 

Check out our guide on the different substrates that can help achieve ideal water parameters for these shrimp: Best Substrate for Shrimp

Key Features & Important Notes

• Tank raised specimen
• Unsexed juveniles
• Intense crimson color that radiates from within the tissue.
• Highly adaptable and resilient to a wide range of water parameters.
• To increase survival rates, please allow 2-3 business days after an order is placed to properly prepare live animal shipments.

Recommended Water Parameters:

• Temperature Range: 68–76°F
• pH: 6.8-7.6
• TDS: 150–300 ppm
• GH: 4-8 dGH
• KH: 2–5 dKH

Recommended Tank Size
5+ gallons, minimum. These shrimp are social and thrive in colonies. A 10-gallon tank or larger is ideal for maintaining the stable water conditions needed for high-grade color.

Diet
Omnivorous. Bloody Mary Shrimp are natural foragers, feeding on biofilm, diatoms, and decaying plant matter. Supplement their diet with plant-based pellets, spirulina powder, and blanched vegetables

Breeding
Bloody Mary Shrimp are eager and prolific breeders. Sexing is simple once they reach maturity; females are notably larger and possess a broader underbelly for carrying eggs. They also display a visible "saddle" behind the head where eggs are stored before fertilization. To ensure a thriving colony, we recommend starting with 8–10 specimens to guarantee a mix of males and females.

The breeding cycle begins when a fertile female molts and releases pheromones, triggering a "mating dance" among the males. Once "berried," she carries the eggs for approximately 2–3 weeks. The fry hatch as self-sufficient, miniature versions of the adults. Always leave molted shells in the tank so the colony can recycle the calcium and minerals essential for their development.

Check out our blog article to learn how to breed freshwater shrimp.