Blue Carbon Rili Shrimp: A Colorful Neocaridina Variety

The Blue Carbon Rili Shrimp is a striking freshwater dwarf shrimp variety within the Neocaridina family. Known for its unique mix of deep blue, black, and transparent body patterns, this shrimp adds vibrant contrast and movement to any aquarium. Its hardiness and adaptability make it an excellent choice for both beginner and advanced shrimp keepers.

Appearance
Blue Carbon Rili Shrimp feature a beautiful combination of translucent midsections, dark carbon-like black markings, and a shimmering blue hue. Each shrimp’s pattern is unique, with varying amounts of color intensity and transparency. Their dynamic look makes them especially eye-catching in planted aquariums with green plants and dark substrates.

Care Requirements
Like other Neocaridina shrimp, Blue Carbon Rilis are relatively easy to care for and thrive in a wide range of water conditions.

* Tank Size: 5 gallons or more is recommended, with larger tanks supporting stable water conditions.
* Water Parameters: pH 6.5–7.8, GH 6–12, KH 2–8.
* Temperature: 68–78°F is ideal.
* Filtration: Sponge filters or gentle filtration systems work best to maintain water quality without harming delicate shrimp.
* Substrate: Inert substrate or gravel works fine, though planted tanks enhance their natural beauty and stability.

Diet
Blue Carbon Rili Shrimp are omnivores and excellent scavengers. They graze on biofilm, algae, and leftover fish food. To ensure balanced nutrition and vibrant coloration, their diet can be supplemented with:

* High-quality shrimp pellets or wafers
* Blanched vegetables like zucchini, cucumber, or spinach
* Occasional protein sources such as shrimp-specific foods or frozen daphnia

Tankmates
These shrimp are peaceful and should be housed with non-aggressive species. They do best in shrimp-only tanks or with small, community-safe fish. Compatible tankmates include:

* Small tetras, rasboras, and livebearers
* Otocinclus catfish
* Other Neocaridina varieties (though crossbreeding may affect color lines)
* Peaceful snails such as Nerite or Mystery Snails

Breeding
Breeding Blue Carbon Rili Shrimp is relatively easy compared to Caridina shrimp. They breed readily in freshwater, with females carrying eggs for about 3–4 weeks before releasing fully developed shrimplets. A well-planted tank with mosses and hiding spots increases survival rates of the young.

Why Keep Blue Carbon Rili Shrimp?
Blue Carbon Rilis bring a unique blend of color, activity, and personality to aquariums. Their striking appearance, hardy nature, and ease of breeding make them a rewarding choice for hobbyists of all levels. They not only enhance the beauty of aquascapes but also serve as part of the clean-up crew by consuming algae and detritus.

If you’re looking to add a lively and visually stunning shrimp to your aquarium, the Blue Carbon Rili is a fantastic option that will quickly become a centerpiece of your tank.