Description
🌟 Black Rili Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. Black Rili)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Neocaridina davidi (Black Rili variant)
Common Name: Black Rili Shrimp
Size: ~1 – 1.2 inches (2.5 – 3 cm)
Lifespan: 1.5 – 2 years
Tank Zone: Bottom to mid (grazes on plants, rocks, glass, and substrate)
🌊 Water Parameters
TDS: 100 – 250 ppm
pH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 20°C – 26°C (68°F – 79°F)
Water Type: Freshwater, soft to moderately hard
Hardness: GH 4–8, KH 3–6
🐟 Characteristics
Attractive black coloration with transparent body sections → gives a unique rili patterned look.
Peaceful, hardy, and great for community aquariums.
Constant grazers → eat algae and leftover food, keeping the tank clean.
Easy to breed if conditions are stable.
Females are bigger and usually show deeper color than males.
🍽️ Food
Type: Omnivorous scavenger.
Diet: Algae, biofilm, shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables (spinach, cucumber, zucchini), spirulina, quality shrimp food.
Feeding Frequency: 3–4 times per week, only small portions.
🛠️ Maintenance
Weekly 15–20% water changes.
Use a sponge filter to protect baby shrimp.
Provide plants, moss, and driftwood → for grazing and hiding.
Avoid copper in meds/fertilizers (toxic to shrimp).
Stability of water is more important than perfect parameters.
👥 Social Behavior
Minimum Group Size: 10+ (thrive in colonies).
Tank Mates: Peaceful small fish – rasboras, ember tetras, endlers, guppies, otocinclus, snails.
Avoid: Predatory/aggressive fish (bettas, cichlids, barbs, goldfish).
✅ Do’s
Keep in planted tanks with moss and hiding spots.
Acclimate slowly when introducing to a new tank.
Maintain stable, cycled aquariums.
Keep them in groups/colonies for best health and breeding.
❌ Don’ts
Don’t keep with big/aggressive fish.
Don’t overfeed → can cause ammonia spikes.
Don’t use copper-based medicines.
Don’t add to new or uncycled tanks.
⭐ Quick Tips
Popular for their stylish black + transparent pattern.
Hardy, peaceful, and beginner-friendly shrimp.
Great for algae cleaning and maintaining tank balance.
Adds a classy black-and-clear contrast to planted aquariums
