🔍 Differences between Male vs. Female Freshwater Shrimp

Size & Body Shape:

• Females are usually larger and have a more curved underbelly (where eggs are carried).
• Males are typically smaller, slimmer, and more streamlined.

Coloration:

• Females often display deeper, richer coloration (reds, blues, yellows, etc.) as they mature.
• Males tend to be paler or more translucent, especially in species like Cherry Shrimp.

Saddle & Eggs:

• Females develop a visible “saddle” behind the head — a yellow or green patch of developing eggs in the ovaries.
• Once berried, females carry fertilized eggs under their abdomen until they hatch.
• Males never show a saddle or carry eggs.

Antennae & Behavior:

• Males may have longer antennae and are more active when searching for a receptive female.
• Females are generally calmer and spend more time foraging.

Sexing Neocaridina shrimp (often referred to as cherry shrimp) can be a little tricky, but it’s doable once you know what to look for! Here’s how you can differentiate between males and females:

Key Differences:

Size:

• • Females are generally larger than males. This difference becomes more noticeable as they grow.
  • Males usually stay smaller, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long.
  • Females can grow up to 1.5 inches (4 cm) long.

    
    

Color:

• • Females tend to be more transparent or lighter in color compared to males. However, some females (especially in certain color morphs like red cherries) can still be quite vibrant.
  • Males tend to have brighter, more vivid colors, especially in strains like the red cherry shrimp. They can be more colorful, with a deeper red hue.

• The "Saddle" (Eggs in Females):

  • Females will often have a noticeable "saddle" (a collection of eggs) inside their body, which appears as a light-colored spot near the back, just behind the head. These are the developing eggs.
  • This "saddle" is more visible in larger females.
  • Males do not have this feature.

• Tail Shape:

  • Females typically have a broader tail, which helps them carry eggs once they are fertilized.
  • Males usually have a more slender, streamlined tail.

• Behavior:

  • Males are generally more active and aggressive in terms of chasing and courting the females, especially when a female is ready to breed.
  • Females are usually less active and spend more time resting or grazing on the substrate.

How to Tell the Difference:

• Look for the saddle: If you see the saddle (a cluster of eggs inside the female), you’re looking at a female. This is the most surefire way to sex Neocaridina shrimp, especially when they’re older.
• Observe behavior: If you notice a lot of chasing and active interaction between two shrimp, it's likely a male pursuing a female.

Sexing Younger Shrimp:

Sexing young shrimp (before they’ve reached their full size) can be harder, as they don’t display the same traits as adults. However, as they grow, the males will become noticeably smaller and more colorful, while the females will grow larger and develop the saddle.

Once you get familiar with these traits, sexing your shrimp will become easier.