Red Cherry Shrimp

26 October 2026

229

Red Cherry Shrimp are a selectively bred red color form of Neocaridina davidi, a small freshwater shrimp suited to mature planted aquariums. They graze on biofilm, algae and soft food, and can reproduce readily when water quality is stable. The supplied images show red shrimp, but some appear variably patterned; exact grade, lineage and species identity should therefore be confirmed with the seller.

Taxonomy and identification

The Red Cherry Shrimp trade name generally refers to a red selectively bred form of Neocaridina davidi, family Atyidae. The species has also appeared in aquarium literature under older names including Neocaridina heteropoda and related combinations. Color intensity ranges from translucent red to dense, opaque red, and females are usually larger and deeper-bodied than males. Because the supplied images include noticeably different patterns and body transparency, the exact stock grade and even exact species should be confirmed rather than inferred from photographs alone.

Natural habitat

Neocaridina davidi is a freshwater shrimp associated with streams, ponds and other slow to moderately flowing waters in East Asia, including Taiwan. In nature it uses plant growth, leaf litter, stones and submerged surfaces for shelter and grazing. An aquarium should provide mature biofilm, gentle circulation, mosses or fine-leaved plants, and hiding places such as wood, rockwork or shrimp shelters.

Aquarium and water parameters

Use a fully cycled aquarium with zero detectable ammonia and nitrite and low, controlled nitrate. A small colony can be maintained in a planted aquarium of about 20 litres or more, although larger volumes are more stable. Aim for 20–26 °C, pH 6.5–8.0 and moderate, stable mineral content. Avoid abrupt changes in temperature, pH, hardness or conductivity. Use a sponge filter or protect an intake with a pre-filter sponge so juveniles are not drawn in.

Feeding

Most feeding comes from biofilm, algae and microorganisms on plants and hard surfaces. Offer small portions of a shrimp-specific food or other suitable sinking invertebrate food several times weekly, removing uneaten food. Blanched vegetables can be used occasionally. Dried leaves such as Indian almond or other pesticide-free leaf litter provide grazing surfaces as they soften. Do not rely on algae wafers alone, and avoid overfeeding, which can degrade water quality.

Tank mates

The safest companions are other peaceful dwarf shrimp and small, non-predatory snails. Many fish will eat shrimplets, and even peaceful species may consume newly hatched young. If fish are included, choose small species with calm behavior and provide dense moss, plants and hardscape; survival of juveniles will still usually be lower than in a shrimp-only aquarium. Do not keep this color form with other Neocaridina color lines if maintaining a predictable red breeding line is important, because offspring may become less intensely colored.

Molting and health

Shrimp periodically shed the old exoskeleton to grow. A freshly molted shrimp is soft and vulnerable, so cover and stable conditions are important. Leaving the shed exoskeleton in the aquarium allows the colony to reclaim minerals. Failed molts are commonly associated with unsuitable or rapidly changing water chemistry, poor nutrition, stress or inadequate minerals, although a single molt loss does not identify one cause. Never add copper-based medication unless it is specifically verified as shrimp-safe.

Breeding

Red Cherry Shrimp are freshwater breeders with direct development. After mating, the female carries fertilized eggs beneath her abdomen and fans them until fully formed miniature shrimp hatch; there is no required marine larval stage. In a mature, stable aquarium, breeding may occur without special intervention. Dense moss and fine plants improve juvenile survival by supplying biofilm and cover. Separate predatory fish, avoid drastic maintenance changes, and feed lightly but consistently. Young shrimp initially show variable transparency and red coloration, with color developing as they mature.

Shrimp info

Size: 2–3 cm
Difficulty level: Beginner
Temperature : 20–26 °C
pH: 6.5–8.0

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