Bloody Mary Shrimp
Species Overview
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, 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.
Key Features & Important Notes
- Tank raised specimen
- Unsexed juveniles
- Intense crimson color that radiates from within the tissue.
- 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 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
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.
Keep in mind that if you are keeping shrimp with other species of fish, or possibly aggressive shrimp species, this may affect reproduction. If the shrimp feel threatened or don’t have places in your tank to hide they may not 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.