About Red Rili Shrimp
Red Rili Shrimp were the original Rili variety and one of the most distinctive pattern mutations in Neocaridina history. First discovered in Taiwan, the Rili pattern features colored head and tail sections separated by a clear, transparent midsection - as if someone took a Cherry Shrimp and made the middle invisible. This unique appearance quickly gained popularity and spawned an entire family of Rili variants in different colors. The name 'Rili' (sometimes spelled 'Rilli') comes from the Taiwanese hobbyist or breeder who first isolated and stabilized this pattern mutation. The genetics behind the Rili pattern cause pigmentation to express only in certain body segments while leaving others transparent. In Red Rili, the red coloration appears on the head (including rostrum and eyes) and the tail/back end, while the midsection remains clear enough to see the shrimp's internal organs. Red Rili Shrimp are historically significant as they became the foundation for other important varieties. Blue Velvet Shrimp were developed from the Red Rili line, and Carbon Rili (which led to Blue Dream) also traces its ancestry to Rili genetics. Understanding this helps explain why crossing different Neocaridina colors often produces unexpected Rili-patterned offspring - the genetics are present in many modern lines.
Quick Facts
Water Parameters for Red Rili Shrimp
Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for the health and coloration of Red 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 Red Rili Shrimp
- Minimum 5 gallon tank recommended
- Both light and dark substrates showcase Rili pattern differently
- Dense planting provides security and grazing surfaces
- Good lighting shows off their unique patterning
- Sponge filter is ideal for shrimp safety
Care Tips for Red Rili Shrimp
- Keep in groups of at least 10 for natural behavior
- Maintain stable water parameters - same requirements as Cherry Shrimp
- Provide plenty of plants and hiding spots
- Any substrate works - they look interesting on both light and dark
- Their transparent sections make health monitoring easy
- Avoid copper-based medications
- Small weekly water changes of 10-15% are recommended
Feeding Red Rili Shrimp
- Feed high-quality shrimp foods 2-3 times weekly
- Biofilm is essential and should be primary food source
- Foods with astaxanthin enhance red coloration in colored sections
- Blanched vegetables provide excellent nutrition
- Their transparent middle lets you watch food being digested
Breeding Red Rili Shrimp
- Offspring mostly show Rili pattern but solid colors can appear
- The Rili gene can be passed to offspring when crossed with other colors
- Foundation variety for Blue Velvet Shrimp development
- Females carry eggs visible through their clear midsection
- Select for crisp pattern boundaries to maintain quality
Red Rili Shrimp Grading System
Red 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 Red Rili
Clear midsection with light to medium red on head and tail.
Characteristics
- Clear transparent middle
- Red coloring on head/tail
- Distinct Rili pattern
- Color intensity varies
High Grade Red Rili
Crisp clear midsection with intense, deep red coloring on head and tail.
Characteristics
- Very clear transparent middle
- Deep red head and tail
- Sharp color boundaries
- Consistent Rili pattern
Grades listed from lowest to highest quality
Common Problems with Red Rili Shrimp
- Pattern consistency varies - some offspring may be solid colored
- Crossing with solid Neocaridina can introduce Rili genes
- Red intensity in colored sections can fade without proper diet
- Clear sections can make them harder to spot than solid varieties
- Pattern genetics can be unpredictable in breeding outcomes
Troubleshooting Red 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.
Red Rili Shrimp FAQ
Rili Shrimp have a distinctive pattern with colored head and tail sections but a clear, transparent midsection. Cherry Shrimp are (ideally) solid colored throughout. The Rili pattern is a genetic mutation that was isolated and stabilized by breeders.
The Rili pattern doesn't always breed perfectly true. Some offspring may express as solid red (like Cherry Shrimp) or even mostly clear. This genetic variation is normal. Select Rili-patterned individuals for breeding if you want to maintain the pattern.
Yes, they can interbreed since both are Neocaridina davidi. However, offspring will have unpredictable patterns - some Rili, some solid, some mixed. The Rili gene can be passed on, so even solid-looking offspring may carry it.
Blue Velvet Shrimp were selectively bred from the Red Rili line. Breeders selected for blue coloration while maintaining similar genetics. This is why Blue Velvet Shrimp sometimes show Rili-like patterns or produce Rili offspring.
The name 'Rili' (also spelled 'Rilli') reportedly comes from the Taiwanese hobbyist or breeder who first discovered and stabilized this pattern mutation from Cherry Shrimp populations.
Yes! The transparent midsection is a feature, not a bug. You can see the digestive tract, eggs in females, and other internal structures. This actually makes health monitoring easier than with solid-colored varieties.
Both light and dark substrates work well and create different visual effects. Dark substrate makes the red sections pop while highlighting the clear sections. Light substrate creates an overall softer appearance. Choose based on your aesthetic preference.
Track Your Red Rili Shrimp Parameters
Stop guessing. Start tracking. ShrimpKeeper gives you species-specific parameter ranges, instant diagnostics, and historical graphs for your Red Rili Shrimp colony.