Breeding rili shrimp, a striking variety of the Neocaridina davidi species, is an exciting and rewarding aspect of aquarium keeping. With their vibrant colours and translucent midsections, these shrimp add a unique flair to any tank. Thankfully, Rili shrimp are relatively easy to care for and breed. Here’s a practical guide to help you successfully breed them at home, with insights into their distinctive colouring and the challenges of maintaining their unique traits.
What Are Rili Shrimp?
Rili shrimp are a selectively bred variant of the popular Cherry shrimp. Their signature look features a vibrant red head and tail, contrasted with a transparent or white middle section. These small shrimp grow to about 3 cm in length and live for 1–2 years in well-maintained aquariums.
Origins of Their Unique Colouration
The rili pattern was developed through selective breeding in the early 2010s. Breeders worked with Red Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi), native to Taiwan and China, to create this interesting colour morph. By carefully selecting shrimp with the desired red-and-clear traits, the rili shrimp’s genetic characteristics became stable. Today, they are a favourite among aquarium keepers for their eye-catching appearance and ease of care.
Do Rili Shrimp Always Breed True?
While Rili shrimp often pass their traits to their offspring, there’s no guarantee if your tank contains different Neocaridina variants. Mixed colour morphs may crossbreed, producing offspring that revert to a dull, wild-type appearance, often brown and translucent. To preserve the distinctive rili pattern, have only one neocaridina shrimp variety in your tank at a time.
Preparing Your Aquarium
Creating a suitable environment is essential for breeding success.
Tank Setup
- Size: Start with at least 19 litres (5 gallons), but larger tanks (38 litres or more) offer greater stability.
- Substrate: Use a fine substrate to mimic their natural foraging habits. Add plants like Java moss for grazing and hiding.
- Hiding Spots: Include rocks, driftwood, and dense vegetation to provide shelter, especially after molting.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 15°C to 30°C
- pH: 6.5 to 8.0
- GH: 4–10
- KH: 1–8
- TDS: 100–180 ppm
Cycle your tank fully before introducing shrimp, ensuring beneficial bacteria can break down waste and prevent ammonia or nitrite spikes.
Encouraging Breeding
Rili shrimp breed year-round when kept in stable, optimal conditions.
Key Tips:
- Male-to-Female Ratio: Have at least one male for every two females.
- Water Stability: Avoid sudden changes in water conditions, as stress inhibits breeding.
- Nutrition: Feed a varied diet, including algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and specialized shrimp foods. Overfeeding can harm water quality, so offer only small amounts every few days.
The Breeding Process
- Mating: Females release pheromones after molting, signaling males. Mating occurs shortly afterward.
- Egg Carrying: Females carry fertilized eggs under their abdomen for about 30 days, fanning them with their swimmerets to keep them clean and oxygenated.
- Hatching: After a month, tiny shrimplets hatch, resembling miniature adults.
Caring for Shrimplets
Young shrimp need a safe, well-maintained environment to thrive.
- Food: Shrimplets feed on biofilm, so ensure your tank has ample surfaces for its growth.
- Predator-Free Zone: If your tank includes larger fish, consider removing them temporarily or providing additional hiding spaces for shrimplets.
- Water Quality: Perform weekly water changes (10–20%) to maintain optimal conditions without stressing the shrimp.
Challenges
Crossbreeding: Mixing colour variants can lead to less desirable offspring. To maintain high-quality rili shrimp, keep them separate from other Neocaridina varieties.
Health Concerns: Monitor your shrimp for signs of stress or disease. Regular water changes, stable parameters, and proper feeding help mitigate these risks.
Final Thoughts
Breeding rili shrimp is a delightful journey that enhances your tank’s ecosystem and visual appeal. By creating a suitable habitat, maintaining consistent water quality, and ensuring proper care, you’ll enjoy a thriving population of these captivating shrimp.