The cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) is undoubtedly one of the most popular shrimp species found in home aquariums. Known for its adaptability, this shrimp thrives in a wide range of water parameters, making it a perfect choice for both beginners and experienced hobbyists alike. Not only is it peaceful and easy to care for, but the cherry shrimp also plays a valuable role in the tank by scavenging for leftover food and algae, helping to keep the environment clean.
For many aquarists, the cherry shrimp is the first shrimp they purchase, and it often remains a favorite due to its striking red color and low-maintenance nature. In this article, we’ll guide you through the essentials of keeping and breeding cherry shrimp, ensuring they flourish in your aquarium.
Contents
Habitat in the wild
The cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) is a selectively bred color variant of an ordinary freshwater shrimp native to Taiwan. In the wild, these shrimp display much plainer coloration, as their vibrant red hue would make survival difficult. Over time, hobbyists have enhanced the shrimp’s vivid colors through selective breeding, leading to the rich, striking red we see today.
Classification of the cherry shrimp has evolved over the years. Originally named Neocaridina heteropoda and Neocaridina denticulata sinensis, it was later reclassified as Neocaridina davidi. This species belongs to the Atyidae family, which includes several freshwater shrimp varieties. Within the Neocaridina davidi species, there are numerous color variations—ranging from red to yellow and blue—each selectively bred to emphasize specific traits.
In their natural habitat, wild cherry shrimp ancestors live in the freshwater ecosystems of Taiwan, where they thrive in slow-moving waters rich with submerged plants, moss, and driftwood. These areas offer ample hiding places and food sources, such as leaf litter and natural debris. Although their wild counterparts are quite plain, they are prolific breeders, a trait passed on to the selectively bred cherry shrimp found in aquariums today.
The cherry shrimp’s popularity in the aquarium hobby is undeniable. They are easy to care for, highly adaptable, and contribute to tank maintenance by scavenging for leftover food and algae. Over time, shrimp enthusiasts have developed a grading system to classify cherry shrimp based on their size and color quality. Elite specimens, especially those with intense and uniform colors, can fetch a high price.
Here are some common cherry shrimp classifications:
- High Quality: These shrimp exhibit deep, solid red coloring throughout their bodies, including the legs and antennae. They show no signs of fading or blemishes and are prized for their vibrant appearance.
- Grade A: Shrimp in this category still display strong coloration, though it may be slightly less intense than high-quality specimens. Minor color variations or markings are possible, but they remain visually appealing.
- Commercial Grade: Typically lighter or duller in color, commercial-grade shrimp may have slight blemishes or uneven hues. However, they are still healthy and well-suited for most aquarium setups.
- Culls: These shrimp do not meet the ideal standards for specific traits or color. They may have irregular patterns, color variations, or minor deformities. Culls are often sold at a lower price or used in breeding programs to improve desired characteristics.
Selective breeding continues to expand the range of color and quality in cherry shrimp, making them a fascinating species for both novice and experienced shrimp keepers.
Description
Cherry shrimp are small in size, rarely growing larger than 2.5 cm (1 inch), with most individuals reaching around 2 cm (0.8 inches). Despite their tiny stature, they are a popular choice in planted tanks due to their striking color and active behavior.
The lifespan of cherry shrimp can vary depending on factors such as water quality, temperature, diet, and overall care. On average, they live for 1 to 2 years in optimal conditions. However, since cherry shrimp are often kept in groups, it can be difficult to track the lifespan of individuals. Maintaining proper water parameters—such as a stable temperature between 20-27°C (68-80°F), a pH of 6.5-8.0, and good water quality—is crucial for their health and longevity. Although their lifespan is relatively short compared to other aquatic species, they are prolific breeders and can quickly replenish their population in a well-maintained tank.
As their name suggests, cherry shrimp are known for their vibrant cherry red coloration. This red contrasts beautifully against the deep green backdrop of plants like java moss. Even though they are small, their color stands out in a well-planted aquarium. Their vivid red appearance makes them particularly eye-catching, especially in tanks with dark plants or moss that enhance their natural brightness.
In the right environment, cherry shrimp are a lively and colorful addition to any tank, offering both visual appeal and practical benefits, as they help keep the tank clean by scavenging for food.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neocaridina davidi |
| Common Names | Cherry shrimp, Red cherry shrimp, RCS |
| Maximum Size | Approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) |
| Lifespan | 1 to 2 years (can vary based on care and environmental factors) |
| Color Variations | Red |
| Body Shape | Compact and elongated |
| Antennae | Long, thin, and highly sensitive |
| Gender Differences | Males are generally smaller and more slender than females |
| Behavior | Peaceful and social, often seen grazing on surfaces and plants |
| Water Temperature | 68°F to 78°F (20°C to 25°C) |
| pH Range | 7.0 to 8.0 (slightly alkaline to neutral) |
| Water Hardness | Soft to moderately hard water (4-8 dGH) |
| Tank Size | 5 gallons (19 liters) or larger |
| Diet | Omnivorous, feeding on biofilm, algae, and small organic matter |
| Breeding | Easy to breed; females carry and hatch eggs |
| Tank Compatibility | Peaceful and compatible with many community fish and invertebrates |
| Natural Habitat | Freshwater streams, rivers, and ponds in Taiwan and Asia |
Care and keeping in a tank
Cherry shrimp are ideal tank inhabitants, even for beginners. They are hardy, easy to care for, and adapt well to various tank conditions, making them perfect for those just starting out. The main thing to keep in mind is to avoid housing them with larger fish, as these may view the shrimp as prey.
One of the reasons cherry shrimp are so beginner-friendly is their ability to thrive in a wide range of water parameters. Whether it’s temperature, pH, or general tank conditions, they can easily adjust, as long as the environment remains stable and free of aggressive tank mates. This adaptability, along with their peaceful nature, makes them a favorite among aquarists of all levels.
Tank size
First and foremost, cherry shrimp are social creatures that thrive in groups. They feel most comfortable when kept in a colony of at least ten or more. In smaller groups, they may become stressed or shy, so maintaining a proper group size is essential for their well-being.
Although a small number of cherry shrimp can be housed in nano tanks, it’s best to provide them with a more spacious environment. For a healthy and active colony, a tank with a capacity of at least 20 liters (4.4 gallons) is ideal. This allows the shrimp to explore, forage, and engage in their natural behaviors. Additionally, having a well-planted tank—especially with moss—gives them plenty of hiding places and helps create a more natural habitat. A larger tank also reduces overcrowding, helping to minimize stress and prevent potential conflicts among the shrimp.
If you’re interested in breeding cherry shrimp, a larger tank is even more beneficial. More space means more surface area for the growth of beneficial biofilm and algae, which shrimp rely on as a food source. Having live plants and moss in the tank also provides safe hiding spots where the shrimp can protect their eggs, increasing the chances of successful breeding. Overall, a well-planted and spacious tank encourages natural shrimp behavior, promoting both their health and breeding success.
Water parameters
Cherry shrimp thrive in neutral to slightly acidic water, with a pH range of 6.5 to 8. The ideal water temperature is between 20–25 °C (68–77 °F). Stability is key for shrimp health, so it’s important to avoid sudden fluctuations in pH, as this can cause stress. Gradual changes in water conditions are much better tolerated than abrupt shifts.
Cherry shrimp are highly sensitive to toxic substances like ammonia and nitrite, which should always be kept at 0 ppm (parts per million). Nitrate levels should also remain low, ideally below 20 ppm. To maintain these conditions, regular water changes and good filtration are essential. Performing partial water changes (about 10-20% every 1-2 weeks) helps remove accumulated waste and keeps the water clean and safe for your shrimp.
Shrimp prefer moderately hard water, with a general hardness (GH) between 6 to 8 degrees and a carbonate hardness (KH) of around 2 to 5 degrees. Proper water hardness helps maintain a strong exoskeleton and supports healthy molting.
When changing water, make sure to treat it to remove chlorine and chloramine, as both can be harmful. Tap water should be treated with a suitable water conditioner to neutralize these chemicals, or you can use aged water that has been left out for at least 24 hours to allow chlorine to dissipate naturally.
One major concern for cherry shrimp is the presence of copper in the tank, as it is toxic to all crustaceans. Always check if your tap water or aquarium products, such as plant fertilizers or medications, contain copper. Using water conditioners specifically designed to remove heavy metals like copper and lead ensures the water is safe for shrimp.
Substrate
When setting up a tank for cherry shrimp, it’s generally recommended to use an inert substrate. Inert substrates, such as black sand, gravel, or other non-reactive materials, do not alter water chemistry or leach harmful substances. This helps maintain stable water parameters, which is crucial for the shrimp’s health and reduces the risk of sudden changes in pH or hardness.
Cherry shrimp are known for their bright red coloration, and a dark substrate can enhance their appearance by providing a striking contrast. Not only does this improve the overall aesthetics of the tank, but it can also make the shrimp feel more secure, as darker surroundings mimic their natural environment.
If you plan to include live plants in your tank, consider a substrate that supports plant growth. Nutrient-rich substrates, such as aqua soil or specialized substrates for planted tanks, offer essential nutrients for plant roots to thrive. While these substrates benefit the plants, they also provide a natural habitat for shrimp, encouraging the growth of biofilm, which shrimp love to graze on. However, keep in mind that some nutrient-rich substrates can alter water parameters, especially initially, so it’s important to monitor the water chemistry and ensure stability for your shrimp.
Tank decor
For instance, java moss gives the shelter and food, since it captures some food particles in it. Cherry shrimps eat zoo- and phytoplankton that forms on moss twigs and at that they don’t harm the moss at all. Also moss shelters the shrimps when they are shedding and their juveniles after their birth.
This way a pile of moss turns into a “kinder garden”. So, all in all a bunch of moss in a tank with shrimps is not just very beautiful, but it is also necessary and important there.
Coloring is another important issue. The darker the tank bottom and plants are, the brighter the shrimps look. If you have a light colored tank bottom, these shrimps look pale. Also how bright is their red coloring depends on the food the shrimps eat.
Live and frozen food makes them brighter colored and vice versa eating flakes makes their coloring pale. However, you can feed them with special food which brighten their red color.
Feeding
What do cherry shrimp eat? In general they feed on various microalgae. While they are primarily scavengers and can obtain some of their nutrition from the natural biofilm and algae in the tank, it’s important to supplement their diet with additional food to ensure they receive proper nutrition.
When in a tank these shrimps eat any kind of food, but they prefer food with high content of vegetable substance. You can also feed them with vegetables: slightly boiled squash, cucumbers, small carrots, spinach, nettle and dandelion leaves. Boil or steam the vegetables until they are soft and then cool them before feeding. Remove any uneaten portions after a few hours to prevent water quality issues.
The cherry shrimps pick up pieces of live and frozen food from the tank bottom and eagerly eat specialized food. Offer occasional treats of live or frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, daphnia, brine shrimp, or bloodworms. These protein-rich foods are highly appreciated by shrimp and can promote growth and reproductive health.
If you want your cherry to be really bright, you should feed them with branded food. High-quality shrimp-specific pellets or flakes are readily available and can serve as a staple food source for cherry shrimp. Look for products specifically formulated for shrimp that contain essential nutrients.
It is desirable to feed once a day. The amount of food should be enough for the cherry shrimps to eat in 5 minutes maximum. Overfeeding is very bad. Feed cherry shrimp sparingly and avoid overfeeding, as uneaten food can decompose and negatively impact water quality. It may cause their death as well as affect tank water parameters.
Remember that in the wild they collect waste and leftovers from the bottom. They are omnivorous, they eat everything they find 24/7.
Tank mates
In the wild cherry shrimp is very vulnerable and the same they are in a tank. Shrimps are small sized, can not defend themselves, they can only mask. However, cherry shrimps can not even mask. Even small fish can eat them or cut their chela off. Therefore, it is perfect to keep them in a special tank without any fishes.
What fish can live with cherry shrimp?
In case if you don’t have such a possibility, you should keep small and peaceful fishes. These can be, for example: harlequin rasbora, neon tetra, oto, white cloud mountain minnow, ember tetra. They are generally non-aggressive and won’t pose a threat to the shrimp. I used to keep all these fishes successfully and I’ve never had any problems.
| Fish Species | Size | Temperament | Tank Size (Minimum) | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) | Small (1.5 inches) | Peaceful | 10 gallons | Active and colorful, should be kept in groups |
| Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae) | Small (1 inch) | Peaceful | 10 gallons | Vibrant red coloration, should be kept in groups |
| Green Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon simulans) | Small (1 inch) | Peaceful | 10 gallons | Similar to Neon Tetras, but with a greenish-blue stripe |
| Harlequin Rasbora (Trigonostigma heteromorpha) | Small (2 inches) | Peaceful | 10 gallons | Active and colorful, should be kept in groups |
| Phoenix Rasbora (Boraras brigittae) | Very small (0.8 inch) | Peaceful | 5 gallons | Beautiful red coloration, should be kept in groups |
| Endler’s Livebearer (Poecilia wingei) | Small (up to 1.5 inches) | Peaceful | 10 gallons | Colorful and active, males have striking patterns |
| Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio margaritatus) | Very small (0.75 inch) | Peaceful | 10 gallons | Delicate and colorful, requires well-established tank |
| Otocinclus Catfish (Otocinclus spp.) | Small (1.5 to 2 inches) | Peaceful | 10 gallons | Algae eaters, gentle and non-aggressive towards shrimp |
| Corydoras Catfish (Corydoras spp.) | Small to medium | Peaceful | 20 gallons | Bottom dwellers, gentle and non-aggressive towards shrimp |
Cichlids, especially larger and more aggressive species, have a natural predatory instinct and may view the small cherry shrimp as potential prey. There is a high likelihood that cichlids will actively hunt and eat the shrimp, resulting in the loss of your shrimp population. But it was angelfishes, who killed all the cherry in my tank completely. In a few month there was nothing left from dozens of cherry shrimps! Therefore, I advise you to avoid any cichlid fishes (even dwarf ones, like ram cichlid), especially convict fish.
The rule is simple here – the larger the fish, the higher chances are that it’s not compatible with cherry shrimps. If there is no choice and you have already put them into the tank, you can at least put some java moss into it – for it is easier to hide there.
| Fish Species | Size | Temperament | Tank Size (Minimum) | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Betta (Siamese Fighting Fish) | Small to medium | Aggressive | 5 gallons | Known to be aggressive towards shrimp and may hunt them |
| Angelfish (Pterophyllum spp.) | Medium to large | Semi-aggressive | 30 gallons | Can see shrimp as food and may prey on them |
| Dwarf Gourami (Trichogaster spp.) | Small to medium | Semi-aggressive | 15 gallons | Can be territorial and may harass or nip at shrimp |
| Goldfish (Carassius auratus) | Medium to large | Semi-aggressive | 20 gallons (per fish) | Highly likely to eat shrimp due to their large size and appetite |
| Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia spp.) | Small to medium | Semi-aggressive | 20 gallons | Can be nippy and may harass shrimp |
| Tiger Barb (Puntigrus tetrazona) | Small to medium | Semi-aggressive | 20 gallons | Known to nip at shrimp and may stress or injure them |
| Red-tailed Shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor) | Medium to large | Semi-aggressive | 30 gallons | Can be territorial and may harm or stress shrimp |
| Jack Dempsey (Rocio octofasciata) | Large | Aggressive | 55 gallons | Highly aggressive and will prey on shrimp |
| Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) | Large | Aggressive | 75 gallons | Very large and predatory fish, will eat shrimp |
Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. red) can generally be kept with other Neocaridina shrimp without any issues. They are the same species and have similar care requirements, making them compatible tank mates. However, it’s important to note that crossbreeding may occur between different color variations of Neocaridina shrimp, resulting in offspring with mixed colors.
Amano shrimp (Caridina multidentata) are larger than cherry shrimp but are peaceful and can coexist in the same tank.
Behavior in a tank
They are completely harmless. If you have seen them eating some dead fish – the fish has died as a result of some natural factors and shrimps are just eating its body. These shrimps are active during the day, you can see them moving around the tank and decorations when looking for some food.
Red cherry shrimp regularly shed their skin and you can see their empty exoskeletons on the tank bottom or in the water. There is nothing to worry about here, since shedding is a natural process and since the grows its exoskeleton becomes too small for it. You may just leave it in the tank, shrimps will just eat it.
The only thing you should keep in mind is, that when shedding your cherry shrimps will need a place to hide and java moss or other tank plants will be perfect for this purpose.
Gender differences: male vs female
Male cherry shrimp are generally smaller and less colorful than females. While males display more muted red shades, females are typically larger and more vibrant, especially when ready to breed. One key difference is in the shape of the tail—females have a broader tail, designed to carry eggs, while males have a narrower tail since they don’t carry eggs.
The easiest way to distinguish between males and females is when the female is carrying eggs. During this time, she holds the eggs under her tail, constantly moving her legs to ensure that the eggs receive enough oxygen. This behavior is a clear indicator that the shrimp is female.
When a female is carrying eggs, she becomes especially timid and seeks out dark or hidden areas of the tank. This behavior helps protect her from perceived threats during this vulnerable time. Providing plenty of hiding spots, such as plants and decorations, will help her feel safe until the eggs hatch.
Breeding
This is a totally simple process. You just have to create proper conditions and put cherry shrimp males and females in one tank. Later you can see the female carrying eggs under her tail, they look like grapes. To maximize breeding success, consider setting up a separate breeding tank or section within your main tank. This allows you to provide optimal conditions specifically for breeding and ensures the safety of newborn shrimp.
Add plenty of hiding places, such as mosses, plants, or aquarium decorations, where the shrimp can feel secure. Dense vegetation provides ample hiding spots for the female shrimp to molt and release eggs.
As for mating, it happens as follows.
Usually after shedding female releases pheromones into the tank water and this way signalizes to the males that she is ready to mate. The cherry shrimp male start looking for the female and then the short mating process occurs. Cherry shrimp breed through internal fertilization. The male shrimp will deposit sperm packets (spermatophores) on the substrate, plants, or other surfaces. The female shrimp will pick up these packets and fertilize her eggs.
After mating, the female shrimp will develop a saddle-shaped mark on her back that will gradually transform into a dark berry-like cluster of eggs. This stage is known as being “berried.” In some cases a young female may drop the eggs due to its small size or lack of experience. Provide ample food and a stable environment to support the development of the eggs.
To decrease its stress try not to disturb the female and keep the tank water clean during this period. As a rule, female carries about 20-30 eggs for 2-3 weeks. The eggs are yellow or greenish and they become darker as they grow.
When small cherry shrimps hatch they are tiny (about 1 mm large), but they look exactly as their parents. The newly hatched shrimp are tiny and vulnerable. Provide dense vegetation or specialized breeding mats to offer hiding places for the juveniles to find refuge and grow safely. They hide in the tank plants for several first days (they are almost invisible there) and eat plankton. Juveniles don’t require any special care.
The main thing they need is a place to hide. As for the female, in a few days she can be carrying eggs again.