Bloody Mary Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) Shrimp Species Profile
Bloody Marys are very social and peaceful and can be kept with different shrimp and fish species in the same tank.
This species will thrive in densely planted setups with lots of hiding spots and shelter.
They boast the deepest red colouration of all the Neo caradinas, its intense, even and smooth. They are translucent with bright red tissue, and their noses are rounded and shortened compared to regular Cherry Shrimp.
Neocaridina Shrimp are very adaptable and easy to keep.
These shrimp are scavengers which make them very useful in planted aquariums as they will work diligently to clean up the leftover waste in any aquarium.
| Scientific Name | Neocaridina davidi |
|---|---|
| Other Names | Cherry Shrimp |
| Family | Atyidae |
| Genus | Neocaridina |
| Origins | Taiwan |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Shoaling | No |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | livebearer |
| Lifespan | 1 - 2 years |
| Maximum Size | 3.8 cm |
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 64 - 84 ℉ (17.8 - 28.9 ℃) |
| PH | 6.0 - 7.8 |
| GH | 4 - 12 |
| KH | 3 - 5 |
| TDS | 150 - 300 |
Bloody Mary Shrimp
Distribution & Origins
Bloody Mary shrimp formerly come from Taiwan.
They live in ponds and streams, usually with plenty of plants and often with wood and rocks as a natural substrate.
The stunning red colouration and variety of this shrimp were developed and bred in Taiwan and did not occur naturally in the wild.
Dietary Requirements
Bloody Mary shrimp will happily accept most types of fish food from flake food, frozen food or sinking pellets. They particularly enjoy algae wafers.
You will need to feed your shrimp quite often just like you would any aquarium species.
They will only eat minimal algae and will need a balanced diet, so adding green vegetables to it will also be required and will also help to maintain their lovely vibrant red colouration.
Sexing the Bloody Mary Shrimp
The male cherry shrimp is smaller and less vibrant than the female cherry shrimp; his tail is also narrower, and his belly is straight.
In contrast, the female is larger and displays a deeper red colouration, her stomach is rounder, and her back legs are more prominent.
Breeding the Bloody Mary Shrimp
Red cherry shrimp are one of the most simple of freshwater shrimp species to breed, and they reach sexual maturity around 4 - 6 months old.
When it comes to producing only one sexed pair of shrimp are required, and as long as the water parameters are just right and they have plenty of food source, it should be a breeze.
When the females are ready, they will release pheromones into the water to signal her availability to the males.
The male shrimp in the aquarium will then go crazy darting about very active as they search for the source of the pheromones.
Once they have successfully found what they are looking for the mating process will take place, during which the male will deposit sperm onto the female's body.
After this, the female will lay her eggs and affix them to her swimmerets.
The eggs will not become fertilised until they pass from her ovaries to the outside of her body.
The female Cherry shrimp will have 20-30 eggs each, and they will take around 2-3 weeks to hatch.
Make sure your aquarium has plenty of plant coverage as this will make the shrimp feel more safe, comfortable and at peace to enable her to breed sufficiently.