About Blue Rili Shrimp
Blue Rili Shrimp combine two of the most distinctive traits in Neocaridina breeding: the beautiful blue coloration and the striking Rili pattern. The result is a shrimp with intense blue or blue-purple coloring on its head and tail, separated by a clear, transparent midsection. This creates an almost otherworldly appearance, as if the shrimp is wearing blue armor with a window in the middle. The Blue Rili variety emerged from crossing blue Neocaridina lines with Rili-patterned shrimp, or from selecting Rili-patterned individuals that appeared in blue breeding lines. The genetics can be complex, as both the blue coloration and the Rili pattern are inherited traits that can express in various combinations. This means Blue Rili colonies often produce a diverse range of offspring with varying patterns and color intensities. Blue Rili Shrimp are particularly popular among aquascapers for their unique appearance. The combination of bold blue coloring with the transparent midsection creates visual interest that solid-colored varieties can't match. They're also excellent conversation starters, as even non-hobbyists are often fascinated by their unusual patterning. Like all Neocaridina, they're hardy and beginner-friendly, requiring no special care beyond stable water conditions.
Quick Facts
Water Parameters for Blue Rili Shrimp
Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for the health and coloration of Blue Rili Shrimp. As a Neocaridina species, they are relatively hardy and can tolerate a wider range of parameters than Caridina species.
| Parameter | Range | Optimal |
|---|---|---|
| TDS | 150-300 ppm | 180-250 ppm |
| GH | 4-14 dGH | 6-8 dGH |
| KH | 2-8 dKH | 2-5 dKH |
| pH | 6.5-8 | 6.8-7.5 |
| Temperature | 64-82°F (18-28°C) | 68-75°F |
Tank Setup for Blue Rili Shrimp
- Minimum 5 gallon tank recommended
- Light or white substrate highlights both blue and clear sections
- Dense planting provides security and grazing surfaces
- Good lighting showcases their unique patterning
- Sponge filter is ideal for shrimp safety
Care Tips for Blue Rili Shrimp
- Keep in groups of at least 10 for natural behavior
- Maintain stable water parameters - same requirements as other Neocaridina
- Provide plenty of plants and hiding spots
- Light substrate can highlight their blue coloring and clear sections
- Their transparent sections make health monitoring easy
- Avoid copper-based medications
- Small weekly water changes of 10-15% are recommended
Feeding Blue Rili Shrimp
- Feed high-quality shrimp foods 2-3 times weekly
- Biofilm is essential and should be primary food source
- Spirulina foods may help enhance blue coloration
- Blanched vegetables provide excellent nutrition
- Transparent middle lets you observe digestion
Breeding Blue Rili Shrimp
- Offspring show varying degrees of Rili pattern and blue intensity
- May produce solid blue, full Rili, or intermediate patterns
- Carries genetics from both blue and Rili lineages
- Select for best pattern/color combination to improve line
- Keep separate from other colors to maintain blue Rili genetics
Blue Rili Shrimp Grading System
Blue Rili Shrimp are commonly graded based on color intensity, coverage, and pattern quality. Higher grades typically command higher prices and are the result of selective breeding.
Standard Blue Rili
Clear midsection with light to medium blue on head and tail.
Characteristics
- Clear transparent middle
- Blue coloring on extremities
- Distinct Rili pattern
- Blue intensity varies
High Grade Blue Rili
Crisp clear midsection with deep blue or purple coloring on head and tail.
Characteristics
- Very clear transparent middle
- Deep blue/purple extremities
- Sharp color boundaries
- Consistent intense color
Grades listed from lowest to highest quality
Common Problems with Blue Rili Shrimp
- Pattern and color expression varies significantly among offspring
- Some offspring may appear more Carbon Rili or solid blue
- Blue coloration can fade without proper diet
- Clear sections can make counting population difficult
- Genetics can be unpredictable across generations
Troubleshooting Blue Rili Shrimp
Neocaridina are hardy but still sensitive to sudden parameter changes. Here are common problems to watch for:
Failed Molt: Shrimp Stuck in Shell
Understanding failed molts where shrimp cannot escape their old exoskeleton. Learn why it happens, why affected shrimp cannot be saved, and how to prevent future molt failures.
Why Are My Shrimp Dying?
Comprehensive triage guide for unexplained shrimp deaths. Learn to identify the cause and take immediate action to save your remaining colony.
White Ring of Death in Shrimp
Understanding the dreaded white ring or white line that appears around a shrimp's body, signaling a fatal molting problem that cannot be reversed once visible.
Baby Shrimp (Shrimplets) Dying
Why newborn shrimp disappear or die when adult shrimp seem healthy. Covers filter intake, predation, starvation, and sensitivity issues specific to shrimplets.
Bacterial Infection in Shrimp
Identifying and treating bacterial infections in aquarium shrimp. Learn to recognize symptoms and understand why prevention through water quality is more effective than treatment.
Planaria in Shrimp Tank
Identifying and eliminating planaria flatworms that prey on shrimp, especially shrimplets. Learn safe treatment methods that won't harm your colony.
Blue Rili Shrimp FAQ
Blue Rili Shrimp have blue or blue-purple coloring on their head and tail with a clear midsection. Carbon Rili have darker, almost black coloring on the extremities. Carbon Rili were actually the ancestors of many blue varieties including Blue Dream, while Blue Rili combines blue coloration with the Rili pattern.
Yes, they can interbreed since both are Neocaridina davidi. Offspring will show various combinations of solid blue and Rili patterns. Some may be solid, some Rili, and some in between. The Rili genetics can remain hidden for generations.
The Rili pattern and blue coloration are separate genetic traits that combine in various ways. Offspring can range from solid blue to full Rili pattern to various intermediate expressions. This genetic diversity is normal for Blue Rili colonies.
No, they have identical care requirements to Cherry Shrimp and other Neocaridina varieties. They're just as hardy and beginner-friendly. The only complexity is managing the genetic diversity if you want consistent offspring patterns.
Select breeding stock with the best combination of clear midsection and intense blue extremities. Remove offspring that are solid-colored or have weak patterns from the breeding population. Over generations, this selective breeding will improve pattern consistency.
Blue Rili Shrimp can express various shades from steel blue to purple. The exact shade depends on genetics, diet, and environmental factors. Some lines lean more toward purple tones, and this is a normal variation rather than a separate variety.
Light-colored or white substrate creates the best visual effect, highlighting both the blue extremities and the transparent midsection. However, any substrate works for their health - the choice is purely aesthetic.
Track Your Blue Rili Shrimp Parameters
Stop guessing. Start tracking. ShrimpKeeper gives you species-specific parameter ranges, instant diagnostics, and historical graphs for your Blue Rili Shrimp colony.