BLACK RILI SHRIMP

Black Rilli Shrimp (Caridina cf. cantonensis), also known as Black Rilli Bee Shrimp, are a popular and visually striking variety of freshwater shrimp. They are renowned for their distinctive black and clear patterns. Here’s a comprehensive care guide for Black Rilli Shrimp:

Tank Size and Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended. Larger tanks are preferable for better stability in water parameters and more space for the shrimp.
• Substrate: Use a fine, soft substrate such as sand or a specialized shrimp substrate. Shrimp-specific substrates help maintain appropriate water conditions and provide a good surface for foraging.
• Plants and Decor: Include live plants like Java moss, Java fern, and Anubias. These plants provide hiding spots, grazing areas, and help to create a more natural environment. Driftwood and rocks can also be added to enhance the habitat.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient. Floating plants or shaded areas can help create a comfortable environment for the shrimp.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: Maintain a temperature range of 68-74°F (20-23°C). Black Rilli Shrimp prefer stable, cooler temperatures and can be sensitive to fluctuations.
• pH: They thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 7.0 to 7.5 Keeping the pH stable is important for their health.
• Hardness: Soft water is ideal, with a general hardness (GH) of 4-6 dGH and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 0-4 dKH. Use shrimp-specific water conditioners to achieve and maintain these hardness levels.
• Water Quality: Excellent water quality is crucial. Perform regular water changes (20-30% weekly) to keep ammonia and nitrite levels at 0 ppm and nitrates below 10 ppm. A well-maintained filtration system helps keep the water clean and oxygenated.

Filtration and Water Flow

• Filtration: Use a gentle filtration system, such as a sponge filter or a low-flow canister filter. Avoid strong currents as they can stress the shrimp. Sponge filters are ideal because they provide both filtration and gentle water movement.
• Water Flow: Ensure that the water flow is gentle to moderate. Strong currents can be stressful for the shrimp and may interfere with their ability to forage and explore.

Feeding

• Diet: Black Rilli Shrimp are omnivorous and need a balanced diet. Offer high-quality shrimp pellets or tablets as their staple food.
• Supplemental Foods: Supplement their diet with algae wafers, blanched vegetables (like zucchini or spinach), and occasional live or frozen foods such as daphnia or baby brine shrimp.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed small amounts once or twice a day, providing only what the shrimp can consume within a few minutes. Overfeeding can lead to poor water quality and health issues.