Bloody Mary Neocaridina shrimp are a striking variety of Neocaridina davidi, a species of freshwater dwarf shrimp popular in the aquarium hobby.
Appearance
Color: Deep, vibrant red — even more translucent and uniform than Cherry or Fire Red shrimp.
Carapace: Their rich color is due to the pigmentation in the actual tissue, not just the shell, giving them a more vivid, glassy red appearance.
Size: Typically grow to about 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm).
Genetics
Lineage: Selectively bred from Red Cherry Shrimp lines, but the Bloody Mary shrimp are distinct due to their different layering of pigment (tissue-based vs shell-based).
Water Parameters (Ideal)
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Temp | 68–78°F (20–26°C) |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| GH (Hardness) | 6–8 dGH |
| KH (Alkalinity) | 3–6 dKH |
| TDS | 180–250 ppm |
Diet
Omnivorous scavengers
Feed on biofilm, algae, and commercial shrimp foods (blanched veggies, pellets, wafers)
Breeding
Easy to breed in stable conditions
Females carry bright greenish/yellow eggs under their tail (berried)
Young are miniature versions of adults — no larval stage
Tank Setup
Heavily planted tanks are ideal (mosses, java fern, etc.)
Avoid copper in medication or plant fertilizer — toxic to shrimp
Peaceful tank mates only (nano fish, snails)