Red Rili Shrimp - Neocaridina davidi var : Complete Shrimp Profile & Care Guide

Introduction

Red Rili Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var) are charming and sociable creatures that make for an excellent addition to any freshwater aquarium. These hardy and peaceful shrimp are an ideal choice for both beginner and advanced hobbyists alike. One of the best things about Red Rili Shrimp is their remarkable adaptability to various water parameters. In addition, these shrimp will tirelessly work to keep your aquarium clean of waste and algae, making them valuable members of any aquarium community.

Various species of snails, including Ramshorn and Nerite snails, are compatible tankmates for Red Rili shrimp and can coexist harmoniously. These snails share a preference for water with elevated hardness, ensuring their access to essential minerals necessary for the development of robust and healthy shells. A popular choice for companionship with Red Rili shrimp is the Amano shrimp. Amano shrimp have the advantage of growing considerably larger than Red Rili shrimp and exhibit distinctive colours and patterns that distinguish them from other members of the Neocaridina genus within the tank. Importantly, there is no risk of interbreeding between Red Rili and Amano shrimp, as they belong to different species and require brackish water for the well-being of their offspring.

In some cases, smaller fish, such as Neon Tetras, can be introduced to a shrimp tank. However, it is important to exercise caution, as these fish may potentially mistake the shrimp for food. If you decide to include fish in the tank, it is advisable to provide ample hiding places for the Red Rili shrimp, particularly when they are young and more vulnerable to predation. Nonetheless, it is generally recommended to avoid introducing fish to the tank if the primary objective is to cultivate and expand the Red Rili shrimp population, as the presence of fish increases the likelihood of shrimp predation.

It is essential to be mindful of the potential consequences of introducing different colour morphs of the Neocaridina species within the same tank. Mixing various colour morphs can lead to the production of "wild type" offspring, which typically exhibit a translucent appearance with brown spots or stripes. To maintain the vibrant and consistent colouration of your shrimp, it is advisable to house only a single colour variant together at any given time. This approach will help preserve the distinct characteristics and visual appeal of your Red Rili shrimp population.

The Red Rili Shrimp typically boasts a life expectancy ranging from 1 to 2 years when kept within a well-maintained aquarium environment. Their inherent resilience enables them to thrive across a diverse spectrum of water compositions and conditions. Optimal husbandry dictates that these shrimp inhabit tanks with a minimum volume of 20 litres, though larger aquariums, preferably around 40 litres, are recommended due to their capacity to facilitate more precise water parameter management. 

In regions characterized by temperate climates, the utilization of a heater is often unnecessary, as Red Rili Shrimp can thrive within ambient room temperatures ranging from 15-30 °C (59-86 °F) throughout the year. To ensure the contentment and prosperity of these shrimp, it is advisable to furnish the habitat with an abundance of shelter options and aesthetically enriching elements, such as rocks, driftwood, and aquatic flora, fostering an environment that promotes their sense of security.

Red Rili Shrimp of a superior grade are characterized by a distinctly deep red pigmentation in both their head and tail regions, accompanied by uniformly coloured legs. The hallmark of their quality is the presence of a transparent section situated precisely in the middle of their bodies. This transparency constitutes the sole aspect of their anatomy that exhibits any semblance of translucency, as the red portions remain virtually opaque. Moreover, the transition between the transparent midsection and the red shell is sharply demarcated, lacking any indistinct or blurred boundaries.

Conversely, lower-grade specimens tend to exhibit irregularities in their colouration, with either sporadic pigmentation, a less vibrant red hue, or a diminutive transparent area on their bodies. In some instances, the transparent section may be excessively large, resulting in scenarios where only the tail tip displays red while the rest of the shrimp's body remains predominantly translucent.