Bloody Mary Shrimp (Neocaridina sp. 'Bloody Mary')

From Pet Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Bloody Mary Shrimp
Neocaridina sp. 'Bloody Mary'
Bloody Mary Shrimp (Neocaridina sp. 'Bloody Mary')
Name Bloody Mary Shrimp
Name Lat. Neocaridina sp. 'Bloody Mary'
Family Shrimps
Family lat. Atyidae
Order Decapods
Order lat. Decapoda
Origin Asia (breeding variety)
Habitat Streams, ponds
Diet Algae, detritus
pH 6.0-8.0
Behavior Peaceful
Keeping Group
Care Level Easy
Reproduction Larval stages
Breeding Simple
Life Span 1-2 years
Protection No
Metric Units
Size 2.5 cm
Temperature 18-24 °C
Hardness 4-12 °dH
Aquarium ~ 25 l
US Units
Size 1"
Temperature 64-75 °F
Hardness 70-200 ppm
Aquarium ~ 5 gal

Distribution and habitat

Neocaridina 'Bloody Mary' is a breeding selection from crosses of Neocaridinas whose original range is in Southeast Asia, where they live in streams and small and medium-sized rivers.

Maintenance

They require a partly densely planted aquarium with many roots and a medium strong current. The substrate of dark sand or gravel should be partially covered with foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves, oak leaves), rotting plant material and mulm.

No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable in the aquarium water, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals. When choosing the filter, special care should be taken to ensure that the animals cannot be sucked in.

Diet

In nature, they use the bristles of their scissor legs to rasp off growth organisms from stones, dead wood and plants

For a balanced diet, the food supply consists of autumn leaves from native trees (e.g. oak, beech, maple, birch) or sea almond tree leaves and a special, high-quality  shrimp food with low protein content (below 30%). In addition, algae leaves, freshly scalded nettle or dandelion leaves and leaf spinach can be offered. It is recommended to coat stones or roots with a slurry of spirulina, chlorella and other algae powder and place them in the aquarium after they have dried. Dry food for fish and crayfish as well as cyclops, daphnia, Artemia nauplii, microworms (live or frozen) should be offered only occasionally due to the high protein content.

It is sufficient to feed them about 3 times a week. Unaccepted food should be siphoned off after approx. 12 hours

A regular and varied diet promotes the well-being of the animals and increases their resistance.

Behaviour and compatibility

They should be kept in a group of at least 10 animals. Keeping them in a species tank is recommended, but they can also be kept with small peaceful fish in a community tank with lots of moss and fine-leaved plants (hiding places). A socialization with other Neocaridina species is not recommended, because the animals cross.

Basically only compatible animals with similar requirements to the water condition and water temperature may be socialized.

Reproduction and breeding

The females are larger and more plump than the males. Breeding is relatively easy. After a molt of the female, the male attaches his sperm packet to the first swimming legs (pleopods) of the female. Then he pushes the eggs over these packages and fixes them to the pleopods. There the young develop to the last larval stage and are released with fully formed walking legs and scissor tufts.

Important

The foliage (sea almond, oak, beech, etc.) not only provides cover, but as it rots, it encourages the development of microorganisms that provide a valuable secondary food source

The well-being of the animals should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced animals must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: petdata; Image: Franz Lowak

Source: REQUENA, KLOTZ, MARTIN (2020): Garnelen im Aquarium, Dähne Verlag; KARGE & KLOTZ (2007): Süßwassergarnelen aus aller Welt, Dähne Verlag; ENGELMANN & LANGE (2011): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Wirbellose, Verlag Harri Deutsch