Rili shrimp Care Guide
Neocaridina davidi
Stocking Calculator
Bioload Score
80
- Max Size
- 3.0 cm / 1.2"
- Temperature
- 18–30°C (64–78°F)
- pH Range
- 6.5 – 8.0
- Min Tank Size
- 19L (5 gal)
- Min Group Size
- 5 fish
- Tank Level
- Bottom
- Origin
- Asia
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Breeding Difficulty
- Easy
Diet
Rili shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) are omnivorous scavengers that graze on biofilm and algae, eat decaying plant matter and detritus and microorganisms, and readily accept prepared foods like shrimp pellets, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables.
Community Compatibility
A peaceful, shrimp-safe community of small, non‑predatory fish that won’t hunt juveniles: e.g. ember tetras, chili/harlequin rasboras, celestial pearl danios, small neon-type tetras, pygmy corydoras and otocinclus. Include plenty of dense planting, mosses, leaf litter and caves so shrimp can hide and molt safely. Avoid larger, territorial or fin‑nipping species (cichlids, larger barbs, many loaches, puffers) and cautious with bettas and gouramis, which may nip or eat shrimplets. For breeding success, a species-only shrimp tank or very small, peaceful tankmates is best.
Good to Know
Rili shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) are a selectively bred color morph prized in aquaria for their distinctive alternating translucent-and-colored Rili pattern and efficient algae-eating behavior.
Gender Differences
Size/shape: females are generally larger and more robust with a broader, rounder abdomen; males are slimmer and more streamlined. Abdomen/tail: females have a fuller, more curved underside to carry eggs; males’ abdomens are narrower. Saddle/eggs: mature females often show an ovarian "saddle" (a patch of developing eggs/ovarian tissue visible behind the head) and when berried carry eggs under the abdomen on the pleopods; males never show a saddle or carry eggs. Color/intensity: in many Neocaridina strains (including Rili) females tend to display stronger, more extensive coloration, but this varies by strain and individual—Rili patterning can make color-based sexing less reliable. Behavior: males are typically more active and swim/chase more when seeking mates; females move less when berried. Sexing tips: look for the saddle behind the head, check abdomen shape (broader in females), observe for eggs under the tail, and compare overall body width—juveniles and freshly molted shrimp are difficult to sex. Note: Rili are a color/marking morph of Neocaridina davidi, so morphological sex differences match typical Neocaridina patterns, but exact visibility can vary by strain and individual.
About the Rili shrimp
Half-hidden and half-bold, Rili shrimp look like tiny works of art scuttling across leaves and rockwork. Rili are a selectively bred color morph of Neocaridina davidi, prized for a distinctive bi-color pattern in which the dorsal portion of the body carries vivid pigmentation while the lower half remains translucent. They come in a range of hues—reds, blues, yellows and more—with some varieties showing solid bands and others speckled or patterned markings.
Neocaridina davidi is native to parts of East Asia, including Taiwan and nearby regions, where wild populations inhabit slow-moving freshwater systems, ditches and small streams. In nature they are most often found among submerged vegetation, leaf litter, and around roots and stones—microhabitats rich in biofilm and decaying plant matter that form their primary food sources.
Calm, social and active, Rili shrimp spend much of their time grazing on biofilm, algae and detritus, making them a favorite for hobbyists who appreciate small, low-profile inhabitants that add color and movement. They breed readily in captivity and are commonly kept in planted aquaria, where their contrasting coloration and peaceful behavior make them both decorative and engaging to watch.
Stock Rili shrimp in Your Tank
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