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About the Bloody Mary Shrimp
The Bloody Mary Shrimp is one of the most desirable freshwater shrimp in the aquarium hobby, celebrated for its deep, translucent ruby-red colouration that sets it apart from standard Red Cherry Shrimp. Unlike other red Neocaridina varieties, Bloody Mary Shrimp display an intense wine-red body with a glossy appearance, as their colour extends through the shell rather than sitting on the surface. This creates an incredible depth of colour that is especially striking in planted aquariums.
A selectively bred variety of Neocaridina davidi, Bloody Mary Shrimp are both hardy and peaceful, making them suitable for beginners while still being highly prized by experienced shrimp keepers. They spend their day grazing on algae, biofilm, and organic matter, helping to naturally maintain a clean and healthy aquarium.
Bloody Mary Shrimp thrive in mature planted aquariums with mosses, driftwood, botanicals, and plenty of hiding places. Stable water conditions and a biofilm-rich environment are essential for healthy moulting and breeding. Their peaceful nature makes them ideal companions for Ember Tetras, Chili Rasboras, Celestial Pearl Danios, Pygmy Corydoras, Otocinclus, Medaka, and Blue-eye Rainbowfish.
A varied diet of premium shrimp pellets, algae wafers, spirulina, blanched vegetables, Indian Almond Leaves, mulberry leaves, and occasional protein-rich foods such as baby brine shrimp will promote vibrant colouration, healthy moulting, and successful breeding.
Richly coloured, hardy, and easy to care for, the Bloody Mary Shrimp is an exceptional choice for planted aquariums, aquascapes, and dedicated shrimp colonies.
Quick Care Guide
Scientific Name
Neocaridina davidi
Common Name
Bloody Mary Shrimp
Origin
Captive-bred colour variety of a species native to Taiwan
Adult Size
2.5–3 cm
Temperament
Peaceful
Diet
Omnivore
Minimum Tank Size
20 Litres
Temperature
20–26°C
pH
6.5–7.8
Water Hardness
6–12 dGH
Difficulty
Beginner
Lifespan
1.5–2 Years
Suitable For
Shrimp aquariums, planted tanks, nano aquariums, and peaceful community aquariums
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Bloody Mary Shrimp and Red Cherry Shrimp?
Bloody Mary Shrimp have a deeper, richer ruby-red colour that extends through the shell, creating a glossy, translucent appearance. Red Cherry Shrimp generally have a more opaque red shell with varying colour intensity depending on grade.
Are Bloody Mary Shrimp good for beginners?
Yes. Like other Neocaridina varieties, Bloody Mary Shrimp are hardy, adaptable, and an excellent choice for beginner shrimp keepers.
What do Bloody Mary Shrimp eat?
They feed on biofilm, algae, premium shrimp pellets, algae wafers, spirulina, blanched vegetables, Indian Almond Leaves, mulberry leaves, and occasional protein-rich foods.
Can Bloody Mary Shrimp live with fish?
Yes. They are best kept with peaceful nano fish such as Ember Tetras, Rasboras, Pygmy Corydoras, Otocinclus, Medaka, and Blue-eyes. Avoid larger or predatory fish that may prey on shrimp.
Do Bloody Mary Shrimp breed easily?
Yes. They breed readily in freshwater aquariums with stable water conditions. Females carry eggs beneath their abdomen until miniature shrimp hatch after approximately 3–4 weeks.
Common Mistakes
Mixing colour varieties
Bloody Mary Shrimp will interbreed with other Neocaridina davidi colour morphs. Over time, this can result in wild-type brown offspring and a loss of the rich red colour line.
Adding them to immature aquariums
Always introduce shrimp to a mature, fully cycled aquarium with abundant natural biofilm.
Sudden water parameter changes
Rapid changes in pH, temperature, or hardness can cause stress and moulting issues. Slow acclimation is essential.
Not providing enough hiding places
Mosses, shrimp caves, driftwood, and dense planting provide shelter during moulting and improve the survival of young shrimp.
Overfeeding
Feed sparingly and allow shrimp to graze naturally between meals. Excess food can quickly reduce water quality.
