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Difficulty: Easy • Origin: Taiwan • Tank Size: 5+ gallons recommended
The Dark Blue Rili Shrimp is a striking freshwater dwarf shrimp variety that brings a splash of cool-toned elegance to any planted aquarium. With translucent midsections framed by deep, inky blue or navy-blue head and tail patterns, these shrimp are a unique and visually dynamic alternative to classic red rili or cherry shrimp.
Hardy, peaceful, and beginner-friendly, Blue Rilis are perfect for shrimp hobbyists at any level.
Blue Rili Shrimp are easy to keep and well-suited for small aquariums (minimum 2.5 gallons, 5+ gallons preferred). They thrive in well-established, cycled tanks with stable water parameters. Sponge filters or shrimp-safe filter guards are recommended to prevent accidents, and plenty of hiding places should be provided using plants, mosses, driftwood, or shrimp tubes.
Dark substrates (like black sand or gravel) help enhance their coloration and make the shrimp visually pop.
Temperature: 18–29 °C
pH: 6.2–8.0
GH: 4–8
KH: 3–15
TDS: 150–200 ppm
Perform regular 10–20% weekly water changes with dechlorinated water. Always avoid ammonia and nitrite; nitrates should be kept below 10 ppm.
While Blue Rili Shrimp are peaceful and social, they are best kept in species-only or invert-only tanks for optimal breeding and survival of the young. Tiny, non-aggressive fish (like microrasboras or ember tetras) may be possible, but even the smallest fish may snack on shrimp fry.
Safer tankmates include:
Nerite snails (e.g., red racer, zebra nerite)
Caridina shrimp (e.g., Crystal Red Shrimp
Avoid mixing with other Neocaridina varieties unless selective breeding isn’t a concern.
Blue Rili Shrimp are omnivores and excellent scavengers. In the wild, they graze on biofilm and detritus. In captivity, offer a variety of foods such as:
High-quality shrimp pellets or granules
Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, kale)
Algae wafers
Snowflake food or leaf litter (catappa, oak, or Indian almond)
Protein-rich treats (sparingly)
Feed small amounts daily and remove uneaten food to maintain water quality.
Breeding Blue Rili Shrimp is simple and occurs readily in stable aquariums. Females carry 20–40 eggs under their swimmerets for about 3–4 weeks before hatching. The baby shrimp are miniature versions of the adults and require no special care beyond what the parents receive. Ensure both males and females are present, and provide a stress-free, well-fed environment.
The Blue Rili Shrimp is a show-stopping addition to nano tanks and shrimp colonies, combining ease of care with bold coloration. Ideal for beginner aquarists looking to explore dwarf shrimp breeding, or for veterans seeking a visually impressive new variety.