🦐 Blood Mary Shrimp – Description & Properties
Blood Mary is a deep red color morph of Neocaridina davidi. This variety is highly prized for its rich, wine-red coloration and translucent body that appears intensely red even through the shell.
🌈 Description
Species: Neocaridina davidi
Common name: Blood Mary
Size: ~1.5cm (unsexed juveniles)
Color: Deep ruby to dark wine red
Body type: Slightly more slender compared to Sakura lines
Unlike standard Red Cherry or Sakura shrimp, Blood Mary coloration comes from pigmentation in the tissue beneath the shell, giving it a unique depth and glow.
🌟 Properties & Benefits
✔ Deep, intense red coloration
✔ Elegant, glassy red appearance
✔ Hardy and adaptable
✔ Fully freshwater breeding
✔ Strong visual contrast in planted tanks
✔ Peaceful and active grazers
💧 Care Requirements
Temperature: 22–26°C (72–79°F)
pH: 6.0–7.5
GH: 4–10
KH: 1–6
TDS: 200-300
Substrate: Neutral or active substrate depending on water parameters
Filtration: Gentle flow with good oxygenation
Stable water parameters are more important than chasing exact numbers.
🦐 Breeding
Breeds easily in freshwater
20–40 shrimplets per clutch
Incubation: approx. 3–4 weeks
Selective breeding recommended to maintain deep red intensity
📌 Summary
Blood Mary shrimp are one of the most striking red Neocaridina varieties, valued for their dark, wine-like coloration and elegant appearance. Hardy, active, and easy to breed, they are perfect for both beginners and advanced shrimp keepers.