The Bloody Mary Shrimp is the ultimate expression of red, and no, you don't 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 shrimp are genetically and physically distinct. In most red varieties, the pigmentation is concentrated in the shell; however, Bloody Marys feature deep red tissue (flesh) beneath a crystal-clear shell, resulting in an intense, liquid-like crimson glow. Physically, you can spot them by a noticeably shorter rostrum (nose) compared to standard Cherry Shrimp!
Spooky name aside, Bloody Marys are just as hardy and active as their cousins. They are prolific scavengers, spending their days haunting the shrimp aquarium to graze on biofilm and algae. Their brilliant red hue provides a jaw-dropping contrast against dark substrates and lush green aquascapes.
**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.
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to maintain stable parameters to ensure a healthy, thriving colony!
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neocaridina davidi "Bloody Mary" |
| Common Name(s) | Bloody Mary Shrimp, Red Cherry Shrimp Variant |
| Care Difficulty | Easy |
| Adult Size | 1.25" (3.0 cm) |
| Diet | Omnivore / Biofilm & Algae Scavenger |
| Minimum Tank Size | 5 Gallons (10+ Gallons Recommended) |
| Temperature Range | 68°F–76°F (20°C–24°C) |
| pH Range | 6.8–7.6 |
| General Hardness (GH) | 4–8 dGH |
| Carbonate Hardness (KH) | 2–5 dKH |
| Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) | 150–300 ppm |
| Lifespan | 1–2 Years |
1. How do I properly acclimate my new freshwater shrimp to prevent shock?
Dwarf shrimp are sensitive to sudden shifts in water parameters and total dissolved solids (TDS). Always drip acclimate new arrivals over 1 to 2 hours before releasing them into your tank. Follow our step-by-step tutorial in 7 Easy Steps to Drip Acclimate Shrimp and Fish for the perfect drip rate setup.
2. What substrate is best for keeping dwarf shrimp healthy?
It depends on the species! Neocaridina species like Bloody Mary Shrimp thrive in inert substrates like gravel, sand, or dark volcanic soil, while Caridina species prefer active aquasoils that buffer pH down. Learn how to select the right foundation for your aquarium shrimp in our Best Substrate for Shrimp Guide.
3. How do I get my colony to start breeding?
As long as water parameters remain stable, temperatures stay in the low 70s, and adequate food is present, dwarf shrimp will breed naturally. To maximize baby shrimplet survival rates and learn how to support berried females, read our complete guide on How to Breed Freshwater Shrimp.
4. Are dwarf shrimp easy to care for if I am a beginner?
Yes, Neocaridina species like Bloody Mary Shrimp are exceptionally hardy, adaptable to standard tap water conditions, and ideal for beginners. Get a complete overview of parameters, diet, and setup requirements in our Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp Care Guide.
Overall rating: 4.4680853 / 5 from 47 reviews.
Bloody Mary Shrimp are vibrant freshwater creatures with bright, bold colors. Customers appreciate their beauty, though some experienced mixed results with survival rates. Proper care and separate housing are recommended to maintain their health and color.
Review topics: [size, color, shipping, shrimp, quality, looks, plants, order].
"All the shrimp arrived healthy and very colorful. They were delayed by a day, which had me worried but they all are still alive from my 20 pack. And yes they look as red in real life as they do in the pictures."
"The shrimp arrived in excellent condition. The color was vibrant, they were very active and acclimated to the tank very well. I can see myself ordering shrimp from here again!"
"Better looking in person!"
"Evey year or so i buy some from different retailers to bolster the genetics in my tank. They all died within a few days. Happens; but also killed my whole colony that was stable."
"All my shrimp arrived quickly, alive, and looking great! Very happy with my purchase and would buy more once I get a larger set up ready."
"They forfilled my request which i had ask for. When the shrimps arrived, there was 4 dead. I sent the company the pictures and they responded very quickly and gave me a store credit for future use. The rest of the shrimp are healthy and thriving."
"I ordered these shipped to nebraska in january. . . bad plan on my part. I planned on getting the shipment on a Saturday, but it showed up the day after ordering on a Friday! Problem was i was working. So I got the delivery notification and skipped out on work, in a 14 degree day, with shrimp and plants on my doorstep for over an hour. Every shrimp survived, and the plants were still amazing. Legit work from team buce on the health of their plants and stock. In hindsight, I should have looked at the weather better before ordering, but buce plants made sure my mistake, wasn't theirs."
"Excellent shipping! Ordered 20 Bloody Marys shrimp. Some were bright red and some more muted due to stress from the journey, but overall they seem to be adapting well."
"They’re doing excellent, after doing a proper acclimatizing they're getting along pretty well with the amano shrimp and the other nano fishes in the tank"
"I ordered 10 Bloody Mary shrimps and they all made it safe and sound to cold Minnesota. After their quarantine period they look healthy and happy. Thank you Buce Plant!"
