Blue Rili Shrimp

Appearance:

• Size: Blue Rili Shrimp grow to about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) in length.
• Coloration: The Blue Rili has a unique color pattern, typically featuring a solid blue head and tail, while the midsection of the body is transparent or translucent. The contrast between the blue and transparent portions gives them an eye-catching appearance in the tank.
• Variation: The intensity of the blue and the transparency of the midsection can vary based on genetics, diet, and environmental conditions. Some shrimp will display a darker, more vivid blue, while others may have a lighter, more pastel shade.

Natural Habitat:

• Origin: Blue Rili Shrimp are a selectively bred variant of the common Neocaridina davidi species, which originates from Taiwan's freshwater streams and rivers. However, Blue Rili Shrimp have been developed and bred in captivity for their unique coloration.
• Environment: In their natural habitat, these shrimp live in densely planted, slow-moving waters with lots of leaf litter and biofilm to graze on.

Water Conditions:

• Temperature: Blue Rili Shrimp are very adaptable and thrive in water temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C), with an ideal range of 72-78°F (22-26°C).
• pH: They prefer slightly alkaline to neutral water, with a pH range of 6.5-8.0.
• Water Hardness: Moderate water hardness (GH 6-8 and KH 3-6) is ideal for their health and molting.
• Water Quality: Keeping the water clean is essential for their well-being. They are sensitive to poor water quality, so regular water changes and a well-maintained, cycled tank are necessary. Ensure ammonia and nitrite levels are at 0, and nitrates should be kept below 20 ppm.

Tank Setup:

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 5 gallons is recommended for a small colony of Blue Rili Shrimp. Larger tanks (10 gallons or more) are ideal if you want to keep a larger group or mix them with other species.
• Substrate: Any inert substrate such as sand or fine gravel is suitable for Blue Rili Shrimp. Darker substrates tend to enhance their coloration, making the blue more vibrant.
• Plants & Decorations: Heavily planted tanks provide both shelter and surfaces for biofilm growth, which is a natural food source for shrimp. Plants like Java Moss, Anubias, and Java Fern are great for shrimp tanks. Driftwood and rocks also offer hiding spots and surfaces for algae and biofilm to grow.
• Filtration: A gentle sponge filter or a filter with an intake guard is ideal, as it won't suck up small shrimp or their offspring. The filter also provides surfaces for biofilm to develop.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient, especially if live plants are present. Blue Rili Shrimp are not particularly sensitive to lighting conditions.

Behavior:

• Peaceful: Blue Rili Shrimp are non-aggressive and peaceful, making them great for community tanks with other peaceful species.
• Active Grazers: They spend most of their time grazing on algae, biofilm, and detritus. They are active throughout the day and often visible foraging in the aquarium.
• Social: Blue Rili Shrimp thrive in groups and should be kept in colonies of at least 10 individuals. A larger group will lead to more natural behavior and increased activity in the tank.

Tank Mates:

• Suitable Tank Mates: Blue Rili Shrimp can coexist with small, peaceful fish like tetras, rasboras, and guppies. Snails, such as Nerite Snails, are also good tank mates.
• Shrimp-Only Tanks: Many shrimp keepers prefer shrimp-only tanks to reduce the risk of predation and stress, especially if they plan to breed them.
• Avoid Predatory Fish: Avoid keeping them with large or aggressive fish, such as cichlids, as they may see the shrimp as prey.

Feeding:

• Omnivores: Blue Rili Shrimp are omnivorous and will eat algae, biofilm, detritus, and decaying plant matter.
• Diet: In addition to grazing, they should be fed a balanced diet that includes high-quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers, blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini, or kale), and occasional protein sources like frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp. Avoid overfeeding to maintain water quality.
• Algae Control: While they do graze on algae, they are not as effective at controlling algae as other species like Amano Shrimp. Their role in the tank is more about scavenging and cleaning up organic debris.

Breeding:

• Ease of Breeding: Blue Rili Shrimp are prolific breeders under the right conditions. They require no special setup for breeding, and in a well-maintained tank, females will carry eggs under their abdomen for about 3-4 weeks.
• Breeding Setup: Females can be identified by their larger size and the presence of eggs (berried) under their abdomen. Once the eggs hatch, the baby shrimp are fully formed miniature versions of the adults, ready to fend for themselves.
• Selective Breeding: If you're interested in enhancing the blue coloration, selective breeding can help refine the intensity and distribution of blue in the offspring.

Lifespan:

• Lifespan: Blue Rili Shrimp typically live for 1-2 years, though with excellent care, they may live slightly longer.

Special Considerations:

• Copper Sensitivity: Like all shrimp, Blue Rili Shrimp are extremely sensitive to copper, which is often found in medications and fertilizers. Ensure no copper is present in the tank, as it can be lethal to shrimp even in small amounts.
• Acclimation: When introducing Blue Rili Shrimp to a new tank, it's important to acclimate them slowly using the drip acclimation method to avoid shock due to differences in water parameters.
• Water Changes: Regular water changes of 10-20% weekly are recommended, but make sure the new water is dechlorinated and similar in temperature and pH to avoid stressing the shrimp.