Blue Diamond Rili Shrimp (Neocaridina Heteropoda Var) Species Profile & Care Guide
Blue Rili Shrimp make an appealing and functional addition to any freshwater aquarium as they are scavengers and graze on naturally occurring algae as well as debris. They are peaceful and highly adaptable to different aquariums as long as there is proper filtration, and the water quality is right.
It is not advisable to house them with larger fish as they may get eaten.
Blue Rili Shrimp will thrive in planted aquariums where food and shelter are abundant.
Its unique colouring adds a lovely ornamental quality with its dark shades of blue on the shrimps head and tail, while the abdomen and legs boast brilliant lighter blue colouring.
| Quick Facts | |
| Scientific Name | Neocaridina Heteropoda Var |
| Other Names | Blue Rili |
| Family | Atyidae |
| Genus | Neocaridina |
| Origins | Taiwan |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom - Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Groups 5+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | livebearer |
| Lifespan | 1 - 2 years |
| Water Conditions | |
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| Temperature | 64 - 80 ℉ (17.8 - 26.7 ℃) |
| PH | 6.4 - 7.5 |
| GH | 5 - 12 |
| KH | 1 - 5 |
| TDS | 100 - 300 |
Blue Diamond Rili Shrimp (Neocaridina shrimp)
Natural Habitat of the Blue Diamond Rili Shrimp
Breeders originally bred Rili shrimp in Taiwan in 2010, and since then they have been universally taken on by aquarium keepers. They are an attractive newer addition to the freshwater Shrimp hobby.
They live in streams and ponds, usually with plenty of plants and often with rocks and wood as a natural substrate.
Other Neocaridina of interest
Diet
Rili shrimp are mainly algae and biofilm eaters. They will happily eat any food intended for aquarium use, but some will prefer algae wafers, frozen food and blanched vegetables.
Sexing the Blue Diamond Rili Shrimp
The male is smaller than the female. The male's tail, not being needed to carry eggs, is narrower, and the female is larger and displays a more vibrant colouration.
Breeding the Blue Diamond Rili Shrimp
If there are males and females in your aquarium, Blue Rili Shrimp will most definitely breed and will be able to do so once reached sexual maturity, which is around 4–6 months old.
The female will carry a clutch of yellowish eggs under her tail until they hatch in about 30 days. The newly born Shrimp will look like miniature adult shrimp and will eat the same thing as the adults. If breeding these Shrimp, it is essential to keep them in an aquarium with a sponge filter. This added precaution helps maximise the survival of young Shrimp.
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