Neocaridina davidi

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Neocaridina davidi, also known as Black Panda or Carbon Rili, is a selectively bred form of Neocaridina davidi, a small freshwater shrimp widely kept in aquariums. Its pattern usually combines black, smoky gray and translucent areas, although the appearance can vary between individuals. It suits planted aquariums, provided that the water remains stable and free of copper. Its peaceful behavior, habit of grazing on biofilm and relatively easy reproduction make it popular, but availability remains variable among strains and suppliers.

General species description

Neocaridina davidi is a small decapod crustacean belonging to the family Atyidae. The trade names Black Panda and Carbon Rili refer to a dark captive-bred strain, not to a separate species. Like other captive Neocaridina strains, it spends much of its time grazing on surfaces, leaves and decorations while searching for biofilm. It is social, non-aggressive and generally suitable for a calm community aquarium. The Carbon Rili form has moderate availability in the trade: it is obtainable, but less ubiquitous than classic red strains. Stable water conditions and the absence of predators are more important than the aquarium’s actual size.

Geographical origin and biotope

Reference countries: Taiwan and mainland China. The species is associated with shallow freshwater habitats, including slow streams, ditches, ponds and rice-field areas. These environments often provide clear to lightly tinted water, a low to moderate current and many surfaces colonized by microorganisms. Aquatic vegetation, roots, leaf litter and stones offer shelter for adults and juveniles. In an aquarium, a heavily planted layout better reproduces the constant supply of natural food than a bare setup.

Precise location and local name

Within its natural range, Neocaridina davidi is associated with freshwater habitats in Taiwan and parts of eastern China. No single uniform local name is used here; in the aquarium trade, the main names are Carbon Rili, Black Panda and freshwater shrimp. These names describe the color strain rather than a precise geographical population. Specimens sold in the hobby generally come from captive-bred lines selected for their dark pattern and partial transparency.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body is small, slightly laterally compressed and covered by a segmented exoskeleton. Adult females are usually more robust than males and may reach about 3 cm. In the Black Panda or Carbon Rili form, black or charcoal areas alternate with translucent, sometimes grayish sections. Pattern intensity varies with age, stress, lighting, strain quality and the aquarium background. The antennae and legs are used for exploration and food handling. After mating, the female carries the eggs beneath her abdomen until hatching, and the young emerge as fully formed miniature shrimp.

General diet

Neocaridina davidi is an omnivore with a strong detritivore tendency and mainly grazes on biofilm growing on plants, roots, stones and glass. A suitable diet includes small portions of shrimp pellets, dried catappa or beech leaves and occasional blanched vegetables. Juveniles obtain a significant portion of their food from aquarium surfaces. Uneaten food should be removed promptly to prevent water-quality problems. Balanced mineral availability supports proper exoskeleton formation, but excessive supplementation is unnecessary. Food should remain varied, limited and proportional to the size of the colony.

Essential data

• Native river name:
• Local name used: Freshwater shrimp; Black Panda; Carbon Rili
• Origin of the scientific name: Neocaridina davidi is the taxonomic name established for this shrimp; the specific name is dedicated to David.
• Full-name etymology: Neocaridina means new Caridina; davidi refers to the name David.
• Common/vernacular names: Black Panda, Carbon Rili, freshwater shrimp
• Family: Atyidae
• Subfamily: Atyinae
• Name pronunciation: nee-oh-ka-ri-di-na da-vi-di
• Discovery: Eugène Louis Bouvier, 1904
• Maximum adult size: about 3 cm
• Water temperature and pH: about 18 to 28 °C; pH 6.5 to 8.0
• Watercourse appearance and surrounding vegetation: shallow water, low to moderate flow, dense vegetation, roots, leaf litter and biofilm-covered surfaces
• Typical tankmates: Caridina multidentata, Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis, Neritina natalensis, Clithon sowerianum
• Temperament and behavior: peaceful, social, active on surfaces and non-territorial
• Water depth: shallow to moderate
• Sexual dimorphism: females are larger and more robust, with a rounder abdomen; males are smaller and often slimmer
• Bottom structure and flow: fine gravel, sand or planted substrate, with plant debris and low to moderate current

In your aquarium

To keep Neocaridina davidi successfully, use a mature, heavily planted aquarium with stable biological filtration. A sponge prefilter or protected intake helps prevent juveniles from being drawn into the filter. Water changes should be regular, but sudden changes in temperature, pH or conductivity should be avoided. Avoid predatory fish and treatments containing copper. Starting with a suitably sized group encourages natural behavior and sustainable reproduction. With abundant biofilm, restrained feeding and stable water, this strain can become an attractive and relatively easy colony to maintain.