Description
🌟 Bloody Mary Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. Bloody Mary)
📌 Basic Info
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Scientific Name: Neocaridina davidi (Bloody Mary variant)
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Common Name: Bloody Mary Shrimp
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Size: ~1 – 1.2 inches (2.5 – 3 cm)
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Lifespan: 1.5 – 2 years
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Tank Zone: Bottom to mid (always grazing on surfaces, plants, and moss)
🌊 Water Parameters
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TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): 100 – 250 ppm
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pH: 6.5 – 7.5
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Temperature: 20°C – 26°C (68°F – 79°F)
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Water Type: Freshwater, stable and cycled tank
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Hardness: Soft to medium hard
🐟 Characteristics
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Deep, rich blood-red coloration (more solid than Cherry Shrimp)
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Transparent red shell with visible inner body (unique feature vs. Cherry Shrimp)
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Peaceful and active cleaner shrimp
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Hardy and beginner-friendly but show best color in planted aquariums
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Easy to breed → females carry eggs and release tiny shrimplets
🍽️ Food
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Type: Omnivorous scavenger
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Diet: Algae, biofilm, shrimp pellets, spirulina, blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini, cucumber), specialized shrimp food
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Feeding Frequency: 3–4 times per week (tiny portions, avoid overfeeding)
🛠️ Maintenance
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Weekly water change: 15–20%
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Provide moss, driftwood, and live plants (best for grazing & hiding)
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Sponge filter is recommended (safe for babies)
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Stable water quality is critical → avoid copper and sudden changes
👥 Social Behavior
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Minimum Group Size: 10+ (best in colonies for natural behavior & breeding)
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Tank Mates: Peaceful nano fish (rasboras, ember tetras, guppies, otocinclus), snails, other Neocaridina shrimp
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Avoid: Large/aggressive fish (cichlids, bettas, barbs, goldfish) → may prey on shrimp
✅ Do’s
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Keep in well-planted tanks with moss (Java moss is best)
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Provide hiding spaces (rocks, caves, driftwood)
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Acclimate slowly to prevent stress
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Keep a colony for stable breeding population
❌ Don’ts
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Don’t mix with aggressive or large fish
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Don’t keep in unstable or brand-new tanks
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Don’t overfeed → causes pollution and kills shrimp
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Don’t use copper-based meds or fertilizers
⭐ Quick Tips
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A striking, solid-red shrimp that stands out in planted aquariums
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Hardy and easy to keep, perfect for both beginners & advanced hobbyists
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Breed easily if water is stable and food is available
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Great algae eaters and natural tank cleaners
