Cherry Shrimp Care: A Practical Neocaridina Guide
Your guide to keeping red Cherry shrimp healthy, from tank setup and feeding to breeding a thriving colony.
Neocaridina davidi
2.5–4 cm
2 - 3 years
22–24°C (72–75°F)
Peaceful
Entirely freshwater
What is a Cherry Shrimp?
Red Cherry shrimp are small freshwater shrimp valued for their bright colour, peaceful nature, and active grazing. They are a selectively bred red variety of Neocaridina davidi, a species that also includes several other aquarium colour varieties.
These shrimp spend much of their day picking at biofilm, soft algae, and food particles on plants, moss, rocks, and driftwood. Their red coloration stands out against green plants, while their small size makes them fascinating inhabitants of a carefully maintained aquarium.
With stable water conditions, suitable food, and plenty of shelter, Cherry shrimp can form a thriving colony. They complete their entire life cycle in freshwater, with young hatching as miniature versions of the adults.
01
Tank Setup and Water Conditions
Start with a mature aquarium containing plants, moss and sheltered grazing areas. Use a sponge filter or protect the filter intake to prevent tiny shrimp from being drawn in.
Our shrimp tank setup guide [1] covers the essentials. For help understanding hardness, pH and temperature, explore Neocaridina water parameters [2].
02
What Do Cherry Shrimp Eat?
Cherry shrimp graze on biofilm, soft algae and decaying organic matter. Supplement their natural grazing with suitable shrimp food and occasional blanched vegetables.
Offer small portions and remove uneaten food before it fouls the water. Learn what to feed aquarium shrimp and how often [3].
03
What Can Live with Cherry Shrimp?
Cherry shrimp are peaceful, but their small size makes them vulnerable to predators. Even small fish may eat newborn shrimp.
A shrimp-only aquarium gives a breeding colony better protection. If you prefer a community tank, read our shrimp tank mates guide [4] before choosing companions.
04
Breeding Cherry Shrimp
Cherry shrimp complete their entire life cycle in freshwater. Females carry eggs beneath their abdomen, and the young hatch as miniature shrimp.
Provide stable conditions, grazing surfaces and protection from predators. Explore our cherry shrimp breeding guide [5] for detailed colony care.
Related Articles
Male vs Female Cherry Shrimp: How to Tell Them Apart
Pregnant Cherry Shrimp: Egg Stages, Hatching and Warning Signs
Shrimp Tank Water Change: A Stable Maintenance Routine
How to Breed Cherry and Neocaridina Shrimp
Do Assassin Snails Eat Shrimp? Assessing the Risk
