Cherry Shrimp – Neocaridina davidi
Cherry Shrimp are one of the most popular freshwater shrimp in the aquarium hobby. Known for their bright red coloration, peaceful temperament, and active algae-grazing behavior, they are a great choice for planted aquariums, nano tanks, shrimp colonies, and peaceful freshwater setups.
Hardy and easy to care for, Cherry Shrimp are excellent for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. They spend their day grazing on biofilm, soft algae, leftover food, moss, plants, and aquarium surfaces, helping support a cleaner and more natural freshwater aquarium.
Key Features
- Bright red freshwater dwarf shrimp
- Hardy and beginner-friendly Neocaridina shrimp
- Great for planted tanks, nano aquariums, and shrimp colonies
- Peaceful, social, and active scavengers
- Plant-safe and safe for aquascapes
- Grazes on biofilm, soft algae, and leftover food
- Breeds readily in stable freshwater aquariums
Care Information
- Scientific Name: Neocaridina davidi
- Common Name: Cherry Shrimp
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful and social
- Adult Size: Up to 1.25 inches
- Lifespan: 1–2 years
- Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons
- Temperature: 68–78°F
- pH: 6.5–7.5
- GH: 6–8 dGH
- KH: 3–6 dKH
- Diet: Biofilm, soft algae, shrimp food, algae wafers, sinking foods, and blanched vegetables
Why Choose Cherry Shrimp?
Cherry Shrimp are a favorite because they are colorful, active, and useful in planted aquariums. Their red coloration stands out beautifully against green plants, dark substrate, driftwood, and natural aquascaping materials.
As Neocaridina shrimp, Cherry Shrimp are generally more forgiving than many specialty Caridina shrimp. They do best in fully cycled aquariums with stable water quality, gentle filtration, and plenty of places to graze and hide.
Best Aquarium Setup
- Fully cycled freshwater aquarium
- Live plants, moss, driftwood, and hardscape
- Sponge filter or shrimp-safe filter intake
- Stable water parameters
- Low to moderate water flow
- Hiding places for molting shrimp and baby shrimp
- Shrimp-safe foods, minerals, and supplements as needed
Compatible Tankmates
- Other Cherry Shrimp or Neocaridina shrimp of the same color line
- Peaceful nano fish with caution
- Small rasboras
- Small peaceful tetras
- Otocinclus catfish
- Snails
Tankmates to Avoid
- Large or aggressive fish
- Cichlids
- Puffers
- Goldfish
- Large barbs
- Any fish large enough to eat adult or baby shrimp
Feeding Cherry Shrimp
Cherry Shrimp naturally graze on biofilm, soft algae, and leftover food, but they should still receive a balanced shrimp diet. Offer shrimp pellets, algae wafers, biofilm-based foods, calcium-rich foods, and occasional blanched vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or cucumber.
Feed small portions and avoid overfeeding. Uneaten food can affect water quality, especially in nano aquariums and shrimp colonies.
Breeding Information
Cherry Shrimp breed readily in stable freshwater aquariums. Females carry eggs under the body until tiny shrimplets hatch as fully formed miniature shrimp. Live plants, moss, and hiding places help baby shrimp survive and grow.
To maintain strong red coloration, it is best to keep Cherry Shrimp with their own color line instead of mixing them with other Neocaridina color varieties. Mixed color lines may eventually produce wild-type offspring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Cherry Shrimp should I start with?
A starter colony of 10 or more is recommended. Starting with a group helps improve breeding success and allows the shrimp to show more natural behavior.
Are Cherry Shrimp compatible with fish?
Yes, but only with peaceful, shrimp-safe fish. Avoid large or aggressive fish that may eat adult shrimp or baby shrimp.
Will Cherry Shrimp breed in my aquarium?
Yes. Cherry Shrimp breed readily in freshwater aquariums when water conditions are stable and they have proper food, cover, and safe tankmates.
Do Cherry Shrimp need a heater?
They can adapt to some room-temperature aquariums, but stable temperature is important. A heater can help prevent temperature swings in cooler rooms.
Do Cherry Shrimp eat algae?
Yes. Cherry Shrimp graze on soft algae and biofilm, but they should also receive shrimp foods and supplemental feeding for a balanced diet.
Are Cherry Shrimp good for planted tanks?
Yes. Cherry Shrimp are plant-safe and excellent for planted aquariums because they graze on surfaces without damaging healthy live plants.
Can Cherry Shrimp be shipped?
No. Live shrimp are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Cherry Shrimp are colorful freshwater dwarf shrimp for planted aquariums, nano tanks, shrimp colonies, and peaceful freshwater setups. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop freshwater shrimp, shrimp food, live aquarium plants, snails, peaceful community fish, filtration supplies, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.
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