Bloody Mary Shrimp ( Neocaridina Davidi )

Rich, velvety, and absolutely stunning — the Bloody Mary Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var.) is one of the most prized colour variants in the Neocaridina family. Named for its deep, wine-red to blood-red colouration, this shrimp is a showstopper in any planted aquarium. Hardy, easy to breed, and endlessly fascinating to watch, the Bloody Mary is a favourite among shrimp enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Overview

Appearance

The Bloody Mary Shrimp is distinguished by its deep, translucent red colouration — richer and more wine-toned than the standard Red Cherry Shrimp. The body has a beautiful see-through quality, with the red pigment saturating the entire shrimp including the legs and antennae. Higher-grade individuals display a more intense, opaque red that is truly breathtaking against a dark substrate or lush green plants.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 18 – 26°C (64 – 80°F)
• pH: 6.6 – 7.6
• General Hardness (GH): 6 – 15
• Carbonate Hardness (KH): 1 – 5
• TDS: 150 – 300
• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons; nano tanks work well for a colony

Tank Setup

Bloody Mary Shrimp thrive in well-established, heavily planted aquariums. They love grazing on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter. Ideal setup includes:

• Dense planting with mosses (Java moss, Christmas moss) for grazing and hiding
• Dark substrate to enhance their red colouration
• Gentle filtration — a sponge filter is ideal to prevent shrimp from being sucked in
• Driftwood and leaf litter (Indian almond leaves) for biofilm and tannins

Diet & Feeding

Bloody Mary Shrimp are omnivores and excellent scavengers:

• Staple: High-quality shrimp pellets or wafers
• Treats: Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, cucumber), algae wafers
• Natural grazing: Biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter in a mature tank

Feed small amounts every 1–2 days; remove uneaten food within 24 hours.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Best kept in a species-only tank or with very peaceful, small tank mates:

• Other Neocaridina shrimp varieties
• Small nano fish (Chili Rasboras, Ember Tetras, Pygmy Corydoras)
• Snails (Nerite, Mystery, Ramshorn)

Avoid any fish large enough to eat them. Even peaceful fish may snack on shrimp if given the opportunity.

Breeding

Bloody Mary Shrimp are easy to breed in a well-maintained aquarium. Females carry a clutch of 20–30 eggs under their tail for approximately 3–4 weeks until the miniature shrimp hatch fully formed. No special setup is needed — a stable, mature tank with good water quality is all it takes. Colonies grow quickly and are a joy to watch develop.

The Bloody Mary Shrimp is a gem of the planted aquarium world — vibrant, easy to keep, and endlessly rewarding. Whether you're building your first shrimp colony or adding a splash of deep red to an established tank, this is a shrimp you won't want to be without.