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Blue Carbon Rili Shrimp

Blue Carbon Rili Shrimp

Posted by Max Gandara on on 9th Jul 2025

Blue Carbon Rili Shrimp: Striking Contrast, Low-Maintenance Beauty

(Neocaridina davidi – Blue Carbon Rili Variant)

If you're looking to add stunning color and contrast to your shrimp tank or planted aquarium, the Blue Carbon Rili Shrimp is an eye-catching and hardy option. With its deep blue-to-black carbon coloration accented by translucent “rili” sections, this Neocaridina variety offers the best of both worlds—bold patterning and beginner-friendly care.

Quick Facts

  • Common Name: Blue Carbon Rili Shrimp

  • Scientific Name: Neocaridina davidi

  • Color Pattern: Dark blue to black body with translucent midsection (Rili pattern)

  • Adult Size: Around 1–1.25 inches

  • Lifespan: 1–2 years

  • Temperament: Peaceful, social

  • Care Level: Easy

What Is a “Blue Carbon Rili”?

The Rili pattern refers to a shrimp that has bold coloration on its head and tail, but a translucent or clear midsection. The Blue Carbon strain combines this pattern with the rich, dark coloration of Carbon Rili or Blue Velvet shrimp—resulting in a shrimp that seems to glow and shimmer under aquarium lighting.

Each individual looks slightly different, giving your shrimp colony variety and visual interest.

Ideal Aquarium Setup

? Tank Size:

While they can live in nano tanks as small as 5 gallons, a 10+ gallon planted tank is ideal for stability and colony growth.

? Tank Features:

  • Fine substrate or sand

  • Live plants like mosses, Java Fern, or Anubias

  • Driftwood and hiding spots for molting and shelter

  • Gentle filtration (sponge filters are ideal)

  • No copper-based medications (toxic to shrimp)

? Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 68–78°F

  • pH: 6.5–7.5

  • Hardness: 4–12 dGH

  • TDS: 150–250 ppm

Stability is key—avoid sudden fluctuations in water chemistry.

Diet & Feeding

Blue Carbon Rili Shrimp are omnivorous scavengers that graze on biofilm, algae, and detritus. A well-established tank provides natural food sources, but supplemental feeding ensures good health and coloration.

Best foods include:

  • Algae wafers

  • Shrimp-specific pellets

  • Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach)

  • Leaf litter (e.g., Indian almond leaves for natural tannins)

  • Occasional protein-based treats (once a week)

Feed sparingly—overfeeding can foul the water quickly.

Behavior & Tankmates

These shrimp are peaceful and do best in groups of 6 or more. They’re active grazers that spend most of their day exploring plants, rocks, and surfaces.

Compatible tankmates include:

  • Other Neocaridina shrimp

  • Snails (Nerite, Mystery, Ramshorn)

  • Small, peaceful fish like Ember Tetras, Celestial Pearl Danios, or Chili Rasboras

Avoid any predatory or aggressive fish, especially those that may see shrimp as food.

Breeding Blue Carbon Rili Shrimp

Like other Neocaridina, these shrimp breed readily in freshwater aquariums. A berried (egg-carrying) female will hold green to yellow eggs under her tail for about 3–4 weeks before releasing miniature versions of the adults.

To encourage breeding:

  • Keep water parameters stable

  • Provide plenty of hiding spots

  • Avoid predators that may eat baby shrimp

  • Feed a varied, balanced diet

Selective breeding can help enhance color intensity and pattern consistency over time.

Final Thoughts

The Blue Carbon Rili Shrimp is a stunning, beginner-friendly shrimp that adds motion, contrast, and elegance to any planted or nano tank. Whether you're building a peaceful shrimp colony or just want an eye-catching addition to your aquascape, this unique variety offers both function and beauty.

Ready to start your own shrimp colony? The Blue Carbon Rili is a bold and brilliant choice.