Red Cherry Shrimp Care Guide

Taxonomy and Habitat

Red Cherry shrimp belong to the species Neocaridina davidi. In their natural environment, they inhabit slow-moving streams and ponds with plenty of vegetation and leaf litter, which they use for hiding and foraging. They are adaptable to various water conditions, provided the environment remains stable.

Water Parameters

These shrimp thrive in well-cycled aquariums with stable water chemistry. While they are hardy, they are sensitive to copper and high levels of ammonia or nitrites. Regular, small water changes are recommended to maintain water quality and assist with the molting process.

Feeding

As natural scavengers, they primarily feed on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter. In an aquarium, they should be supplemented with high-quality shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables, or specialized sinking foods to ensure they receive a balanced diet.

Tank Mates

Due to their small size, they should be kept with peaceful, nano-sized fish or, ideally, in a species-only tank. Larger or aggressive fish may view them as a food source. They coexist well with snails and other non-aggressive invertebrates.

Molting and Breeding

Red Cherry shrimp grow by molting their exoskeleton. During this time, they are vulnerable and require hiding spots like moss or small shelters. Breeding is relatively straightforward; females carry fertilized eggs under their abdomen for several weeks before releasing miniature, fully-formed shrimplets that require no special care.