Red Onyx Shrimp Care Guide

The Red Onyx Shrimp is a striking ornamental colour form of Neocaridina davidi, displaying rich red pigmentation that can range from translucent crimson to a deep, jewel-like onyx red. Its compact body, fan-shaped tail and delicate walking legs make it an appealing focal point for planted aquariums and nano aquatic displays.These shrimp are peaceful, unobtrusive animals that spend much of their time grazing across surfaces with their tiny claws and mouthparts. They constantly pick over leaves, wood, rocks and substrate for microscopic films of algae, bacteria and other edible organic material, creating an engaging pattern of quiet, purposeful activity.Neocaridina davidi is native to freshwater habitats in East Asia, including streams, pools and slow-moving waters associated with vegetation and submerged debris. In these environments, the shrimp use their small size and mottled ancestral coloration to remain inconspicuous while searching for food and shelter.Red Onyx Shrimp are selectively bred rather than a distinct wild species, and their colour may vary between individuals and generations. Females are generally larger and more strongly coloured than males, and mature females may show eggs or a yellowish saddle visible through the body.Like other Neocaridina colour varieties, Red Onyx Shrimp are popular because they combine fascinating natural behaviour with prolific reproduction under suitable conditions. Their widespread availability has made them one of the best-known freshwater ornamental shrimp in the aquarium hobby.