Bloody Mary Shrimp
Posted by Max Gandara on on 27th Jul 2025
Bloody Mary Shrimp – Bold Color, Easy Care
If you're looking to add a vibrant splash of red and some lively personality to your freshwater tank, look no further than the Bloody Mary Neocaridina Shrimp. These stunning dwarf shrimp are beloved for their deep, translucent crimson coloration and their active, peaceful nature—making them a standout choice for both beginners and experienced aquascapers.
? What Are Bloody Mary Shrimp?
The Bloody Mary Shrimp is a selectively bred variant of Neocaridina davidi, known for its intense red coloration. Unlike Cherry Shrimp, which have a red pigment that can appear blotchy or opaque, Bloody Marys boast a deep, clear red hue that comes from pigmentation in the shell itself, not just the tissue underneath. This gives them a glowing, almost glass-like appearance under aquarium lighting.
They’re not only eye-catching but also hardy and easy to breed, making them a favorite in the freshwater shrimp hobby.
? Ideal Aquarium Setup
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Tank Size: 5 gallons or more for a small colony
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Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 68–78°F
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pH: 6.8–7.8
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GH: 4–8
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KH: 3–10
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TDS: 150–250 ppm
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Substrate: Inert or shrimp-safe active substrate; dark substrate enhances their red color
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Filtration: Sponge filters are ideal—gentle and fry-safe
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Aquascape: Mosses, fine-leaved plants, driftwood, and hiding spots help shrimp feel safe and encourage breeding
Consistent water conditions and avoiding ammonia or nitrite spikes are key to a healthy shrimp tank.
?️ Diet and Feeding
Bloody Mary Shrimp are omnivores and scavengers. They will graze all day on biofilm, algae, and leftover food. For a balanced diet, supplement with:
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High-quality shrimp pellets or wafers
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Blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini)
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Shrimp-specific foods with added minerals
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Occasional protein-rich treats like frozen bloodworms or daphnia
Be careful not to overfeed—leftover food can foul the water quickly in shrimp tanks.
? Breeding Bloody Mary Shrimp
These shrimp breed readily in well-maintained aquariums:
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Females carry eggs ("berried") under their tails for about 3–4 weeks
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Hatchlings emerge as miniature versions of adults—no larval stage
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Provide moss and hiding places to increase fry survival rates
Bloody Marys can interbreed with other Neocaridina color variants, so keep them in a species-only tank to preserve their stunning red lineage.
? Tank Mates
Because of their small size and peaceful nature, Bloody Mary Shrimp do best with:
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Other peaceful nano shrimp (of the same type/color)
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Small, non-aggressive fish like Chili Rasboras, Ember Tetras, or Endler's Livebearers
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Nerite snails or other non-predatory invertebrates
Avoid housing them with larger or predatory fish like cichlids or bettas, as shrimp may be seen as food.
❤️ Why Choose Bloody Mary Shrimp?
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Brilliant deep red coloration for visual impact
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Hardy and beginner-friendly—great entry into shrimp keeping
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Active algae grazers and scavengers
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Easy to breed in stable conditions
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Perfect for planted and nano aquariums
Add vivid color and endless activity to your tank with Bloody Mary Neocaridina Shrimp—available now at Petzonesd.com!
Whether you're building a peaceful shrimp-only setup or adding pops of red to your aquascape, these beauties are sure to impress.