Cherry Shrimp care guide
Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) — minimum tank 20 L, temperature 18-28 °C, pH 6.5-8.
Overview
The Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) is a small freshwater shrimp originating from Taiwan and selectively bred into many vivid colour lines — Red Cherry, Sakura, Painted Fire Red, Yellow, Blue Dream, Green Jade and Black Rose among others. The species is extremely hardy and easy to breed in soft to moderately hard freshwater.
Taxonomy
- Family: Atyidae
- Genus: Neocaridina
- Scientific name: Neocaridina davidi
- Common synonyms: Red Cherry Shrimp, RCS
Habitat
Wild populations occur in lowland streams and ponds of Taiwan and adjacent southern China, where the shrimp grazes on biofilm and detritus among submerged vegetation and leaf litter. Established feral populations exist in several warm regions worldwide.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 20 L (5.3 US gal)
- Adult size: 2-3 cm
- Temperature: 18-28 °C (64-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-8
- GH: 4-14 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 1-2 years
Diet
A grazing omnivore consuming biofilm, soft algae, decaying plant material and leftover food. In aquaria a varied diet of sinking algae wafers, blanched spinach, zucchini and occasional protein wafers maintains colour intensity and breeding readiness.
Compatibility
Peaceful and best kept in groups of ten or more. Suitable tank mates include small peaceful fish such as Otocinclus, Pygmy Corydoras, Ember Tetra and Endler livebearers; avoid Betta, Angelfish, Oscar and other species that will predate adults or juveniles.
Breeding
Reproduces readily in freshwater without a larval stage — eggs hatch directly into miniature shrimp. Females carry the eggs under the pleopods for about three weeks; juveniles emerge fully formed and self-sufficient, feeding on biofilm and grazing surfaces from day one.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: not formally assessed. The wild ancestor is widespread and commercial captive populations are essentially limitless across the ornamental trade.