Bloody Mary

Bloody Mary Shrimp are a stunning variety of freshwater shrimp known for their deep red coloration and lively presence in aquariums. These beautiful shrimp are highly prized by aquarists for their striking appearance and easy-going nature. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Bloody Mary Shrimp, including their appearance, size, behavior, tank requirements, water parameters, diet, breeding, color variations, and compatibility.

Appearance and Size Bloody Mary Shrimp are characterized by their intense, translucent red coloration, which covers their entire body, including their legs and antennae. Unlike other red shrimp varieties, Bloody Mary Shrimp have a more uniform and darker red hue. They typically reach a size of 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm), making them a perfect fit for both small and large aquariums.

Behavior These shrimp are peaceful and active, often seen foraging for food throughout the aquarium. They are social creatures and do best in groups, which helps them feel secure and encourages natural behaviors like grazing and exploring. Bloody Mary Shrimp are excellent algae eaters and contribute to keeping the tank clean.

Tank Requirements To provide a suitable habitat for Bloody Mary Shrimp, a planted aquarium with plenty of hiding spots and mosses is ideal. Plants like java moss, anubias, and crypts offer cover and surfaces for biofilm growth, which is an essential part of their diet. A minimum tank size of 5 gallons is recommended, though larger tanks provide more stability and space for the shrimp to thrive.

Water Parameters Bloody Mary Shrimp thrive in stable water conditions. The ideal water parameters for these shrimp are:

• Temperature: 68-78°F (20-26°C)
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• GH: 6-8 dGH
• KH: 1-4 dKH
• TDS: 220

Consistent water quality is crucial, so regular water changes and careful monitoring of parameters are essential.

Diet These shrimp are omnivores and have a varied diet. In the wild, they consume algae, biofilm, and detritus. In the aquarium, they can be fed high-quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini. Occasional protein-rich foods like frozen or live brine shrimp can also be offered. It’s important to avoid overfeeding, as excess food can lead to poor water quality.

Breeding Breeding Bloody Mary Shrimp is relatively easy in a well-maintained aquarium. Females carry eggs under their abdomen, known as a saddle, and later release them as larvae. Providing a stable environment with optimal water conditions and a balanced diet will encourage successful breeding. The tiny larvae feed on micro-organisms and biofilm, so ensuring a well-established tank is beneficial.

Color Variations While Bloody Mary Shrimp are primarily known for their deep red color, there can be slight variations in intensity and shade. Some may display a more vivid or darker red, depending on genetics and diet. These variations add to the unique appeal of this shrimp variety.

Compatibility Bloody Mary Shrimp are peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive tank mates. They do well with small fish like tetras, rasboras, and other shrimp species. It’s best to avoid housing them with larger or aggressive fish that may pose a threat to them.

Bloody Mary Shrimp are a captivating and easy-to-care-for addition to any freshwater aquarium. Their rich red color and peaceful nature make them a favorite among shrimp enthusiasts. By providing the right environment, diet, and water conditions, you can enjoy the beauty and elegance of Bloody Mary Shrimp in your own aquatic setup.