Bloody Mary Shrimp
Species Profile
The Bloody Mary Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) is the ultimate expression of red, and no, you do not have to chant their name into a mirror three times to see them appear in your shrimp tank. While often compared to high-grade Fire Red Cherry Shrimp, these freshwater aquarium shrimp are genetically and physically distinct. In most red varieties, the pigmentation is concentrated in the shell; however, Bloody Marys feature deep red tissue beneath a crystal-clear shell, resulting in an intense, liquid-like crimson glow. You can also spot these tiny critters by their noticeably shorter rostrum (nose) compared to standard cherries. Spooky name aside, these active freshwater shrimp spend their days haunting hardscape and foliage to graze on biofilm and soft algae without damaging delicate plant tissue, popping vividly against dark aquarium soil and lush green mosses.
**Note: All livestock orders will come carefully packaged with solid wall Styrofoam insulation and shipped via 1-day shipping only. No extra insulation needs to be added to your cart for your livestock.
Key Features & Notes
- Translucent outer shell over deep red tissue creates a liquid crimson glow unlike standard shell-pigmented cherry shrimp.
- Active, plant-safe grazer that continuously scours biofilm and soft algae without uprooting delicate carpet runners.
- Hardy Neocaridina strain with a distinctive short rostrum that adapts smoothly to conditioned tap water.
Care Specifications
- Maintain clean, well-filtered water with stable GH and KH levels to ensure problem-free molting cycles.
- Keep water parameters strictly free of copper-based medications or heavy metals.
- Supplement their diet with plant-based shrimp pellets, spirulina, and blanched vegetables to ensure proper minerals for molting when natural algae is low.
- Provide textured hardscape like lava rock or mosses to maximize surface area for beneficial biofilm growth and shrimplet shelter.
- Leave molted shells in the tank so fry and adults can ingest essential minerals for growth.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy livestock!
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neocaridina davidi "Bloody Mary" |
| Common Name(s) | Bloody Mary Shrimp, Short-Nose Red Shrimp |
| Family | Atyidae |
| Care Difficulty | Easy |
| Diet | Omnivore (Biofilm, soft algae, sinking micro pellets, blanched vegetables) |
| Plant Safe | Yes (Safe with delicate mosses, stems, and foreground carpets) |
| Temperament | Peaceful bottom and hardscape grazer |
| Adult Size | 1.0"–1.25" (2.5–3.2 cm) |
| Minimum Tank Size | 5+ Gallons (10+ Gallons recommended for stable breeding) |
| Water Parameters | pH 6.8–7.8 | GH 6–10 | KH 3–8 | 65°F–80°F (18°C–27°C) | TDS 180–300 ppm |
| Freshwater Breeding | Yes (Prolific live shrimplet producer) |
| Origin | Taiwan (Tank-bred domestic strain) |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I properly acclimate my new freshwater shrimp to prevent shock?
Dwarf shrimp are sensitive to sudden shifts in water parameters and TDS. Drip acclimate new arrivals slowly over 1 to 2 hours using airline tubing. Follow our step-by-step tutorial in 7 Easy Steps to Drip Acclimate Shrimp and Fish.
2. What substrate is best for keeping dwarf shrimp healthy?
Neocaridina do best on inert substrates like sand or gravel that do not alter pH. Caridina species require active buffering aquarium soil. Learn how to choose the right foundation in our Best Substrate for Shrimp Guide.
3. How do I get my colony to start breeding?
Keep water parameters stable, feed a balanced diet, and maintain temperatures around 70°F to 76°F. Females carry fertilized eggs beneath their tails until miniature shrimplets hatch. Read our complete guide on How to Breed Freshwater Shrimp.
4. Are dwarf shrimp easy to care for if I am a beginner?
Yes. Bloody Mary Shrimp are hardy, adapt well to dechlorinated tap water, and thrive in cycled planted tanks. Explore our complete guide on Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp Care Guide.