Bring rare, high-contrast color to your nano or planted aquarium with Green Rili Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi). Known for their distinctive rili pattern (colored head/tail with a lighter or translucent midsection), these peaceful freshwater dwarf shrimp are active grazers and a standout choice for aquascapes.
Common Names (SEO-rich)
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Green Rili Shrimp
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Green Rili Neocaridina
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Green Rili Cherry Shrimp
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Rili Shrimp
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Rili Neocaridina Shrimp
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Green Neocaridina Shrimp
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Freshwater Dwarf Shrimp (Green Rili)
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(Sometimes listed historically under older trade naming like Neocaridina heteropoda / Neocaridina denticulata sinensis in legacy references)
Scientific / Latin Name: Neocaridina davidi
Color/Strain: Green Rili (Selective-bred color morph)
Long Description
Green Rili Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) are a selectively bred “rili” pattern strain prized for their unusual green coloration and eye-catching contrast. Like other Neocaridina, they spend the day grazing on biofilm, soft algae, and micro-organisms, helping keep surfaces tidy while adding constant motion to your tank.
Because “green” strains can vary in shade and pattern from shrimp to shrimp, you’ll see a range from lighter jade tones to deeper mossy greens, often influenced by genetics, diet, lighting, and substrate color.
Key Features & Benefits
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Rare green color morph with classic rili pattern
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Hardy freshwater shrimp (great for beginner-to-intermediate keepers)
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Excellent biofilm/algae grazers for planted tanks
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Peaceful & nano-friendly
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Can breed in freshwater when stable and well-fed
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Adds contrast and movement to aquascapes
Aquarium Care Level
Easy–Moderate (easy care, but best results with stable parameters and careful tankmate selection)
Specifications
Common Name: Green Rili Shrimp
Scientific Name: Neocaridina davidi
Type: Freshwater dwarf shrimp (Neocaridina)
Adult Size: ~0.75–1.25 in (2–3 cm)
Lifespan: ~1–2 years (varies by care/temperature)
Temperament: Peaceful
Recommended Tank Size: 5+ gallons (larger is more stable)
Ideal Water Parameters (general targets)
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Temperature: 68–78°F (20–26°C)
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pH: ~6.8–8.0
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GH: ~6–12 dGH
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KH: ~2–8 dKH
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Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm (cycled aquarium required)
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Nitrate: keep low (commonly <20 ppm)
Shrimp do best with consistency—avoid rapid swings in pH, temp, or hardness.
Compatibility
Best with shrimp-safe tankmates:
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Snails, small peaceful nano fish (note: many fish will eat baby shrimp)
Avoid: -
Cichlids, goldfish, aggressive/large fish, and known shrimp hunters (often bettas)
For best survival/breeding: dense plants + moss (Java moss, Christmas moss) + hiding spots (cholla wood, rock piles, shrimp tubes) + shrimp-safe filter intake.
Feeding
They graze naturally but thrive with supplemental feeding:
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Quality shrimp pellets/granules (staple)
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Blanched veggies (zucchini, spinach, green beans)
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Algae wafers (sparingly)
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Occasional protein treats (helps breeding—avoid overfeeding)
Plant-Safe
Planted tank safe: Yes
Will not harm healthy plants—primarily grazers/cleaners.
Important Note on Color & Breeding
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Color/pattern varies by individual and line.
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If kept with other Neocaridina color strains, offspring may revert toward wild-type/browner coloration over generations.
For maintaining a strong Green Rili line, keep them species-only / strain-only.
