Cherry shrimp, scientifically known as Neocaridina davidi, is one of the most popular freshwater shrimp species among aquarium enthusiasts. Their vibrant red color, peaceful nature, and easy care requirements make them a favorite choice for beginners and experienced aquarists. These tiny creatures add a pop of color to aquariums while also helping to maintain a clean and balanced ecosystem.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need about these shrimp, including their origin, appearance, behavior, tank setup, diet, breeding, and joint issues.
Origin and Habitat
It originates from Taiwan and lives in freshwater streams and rivers. In the wild, these shrimp thrive in densely vegetated areas, using plants as shelter from predators and places to forage for food. They prefer clean, slow-moving water with a stable temperature. Over time, selective breeding in captivity has enhanced their red colouration, leading to the vibrant varieties available today.
Appearance and Color Grading
The most notable feature is their striking red colour, which varies in intensity depending on their grade. Breeders categorize it into different grades based on the richness and coverage of their red pigmentation:
- Cherry Shrimp (Standard Grade): These shrimp are light red and often have explicit or transparent patches on their bodies.
- Sakura Grade: These shrimp display a deeper red colour with fewer transparent areas.
- Fire Red: This variety exhibits a solid, bright red across the body.
- Painted Fire Red: The highest grade, these shrimp have the most intense red pigmentation, with no transparent areas.
Higher-grade shrimp tend to be more expensive due to their vibrant colour. However, their care requirements remain the same regardless of grade.
Behaviour and Temperament
They are peaceful and non-aggressive creatures. They spend most of their time grazing on the tank’s algae, biofilm, and residue. These shrimp are active and social, often seen exploring the aquarium in groups or interacting with other shrimp.
They do best in a shrimp-only tank or with other small, peaceful fish species. Avoid housing them with large or aggressive fish, as they may become prey. Fish like bettas or cichlids often target shrimp, while species like neon tetras or guppies coexist peacefully.
Tank Setup and Water Parameters
It would help if you focused on the tank setup and water conditions to create the perfect environment for them. Here’s how to design the ideal tank for your shrimp:
- Tank Size: A small group of them can thrive in tanks as small as 5 gallons. However, larger tanks provide more stable water conditions and breeding room for shrimp.
- Substrate: A fine, dark-coloured substrate, such as sand or shrimp-specific substrate, works well. The dark color enhances the shrimp’s red appearance and provides a natural look to the aquarium.
- Plants and Decor: They love heavily planted tanks, as plants provide hiding spots, surfaces for biofilm growth, and protection for baby shrimp. Plants like java moss, Anubias, and floating plants are ideal. You can also add driftwood and rocks to create additional hiding spots.
- Filtration: A sponge filter works best for shrimp tanks, as it provides gentle filtration without sucking up shrimp or their babies. The filter’s sponge also encourages biofilm growth, which they love to eat.
- Water Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 72-78°F (22-26°C). They are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, so a heater may be necessary to maintain a stable environment.
- Water Parameters: They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Soft to moderately complex water works well, with a general hardness (GH) of 6-8 and carbonate hardness (KH) of 2-4. Regular water changes help maintain clean water but avoid drastic changes that could stress the shrimp.
Diet and Feeding
They are omnivorous scavengers that are crucial in keeping the aquarium clean by consuming algae and leftover food. Their diet in captivity should mimic their natural food sources to ensure they stay healthy. Here’s what you can feed them:
- Algae and Biofilm: They graze on algae and biofilm that grow on aquarium surfaces. These natural food sources form a significant part of their diet.
- Commercial Shrimp Food: High-quality shrimp pellets or wafers provide essential nutrients. Choose shrimp-specific food that contains calcium, which supports healthy shell development.
- Blanched Vegetables: They enjoy blanched vegetables like spinach, zucchini, and cucumber. These veggies offer a fresh, nutritious snack for your shrimp.
- Protein Supplements: Occasionally, you can offer protein-rich foods like daphnia or brine shrimp. These protein supplements help with growth, especially during moulting periods.
Feed your cherry shrimp in small amounts once or twice a day, and remove any uneaten food after a few hours to prevent water contamination.
Breeding Cherry Shrimp
They are prolific breeders, making them an excellent species for hobbyists interested in shrimp breeding. They can breed in community and shrimp-only tanks if the water parameters are stable. Here’s how their breeding process works:
- Mating Process: Female shrimp will develop a saddle, a cluster of eggs visible near her back. She releases pheromones into the water when ready to breed, attracting male shrimp. The male fertilizes the eggs, which the female carries under her abdomen.
- Egg Incubation: The female carries the eggs for about 2-4 weeks, fanning them with her swimmerets to keep them oxygenated. After this period, tiny baby shrimp hatch. They resemble miniature versions of adult shrimp and immediately begin foraging for food.
- Baby Shrimp Care: Baby shrimp need plenty of hiding places, so ensure the tank is well-planted. They feed on biofilm, algae, and tiny particles in the tank, so it’s essential to maintain a clean, algae-rich environment.
With the right conditions, they will continuously breed, quickly growing your shrimp population. However, be mindful of tank overcrowding, leading to water quality issues.
Common Health Issues and Troubleshooting
While they are hardy creatures, they can experience health issues if their environment isn’t ideal. Some common problems include:
- Stress from Poor Water Quality: Shrimp are highly sensitive to water conditions. Ammonia or nitrite spikes can cause stress, leading to moulting problems or death. Regular water testing and changes help prevent these issues.
- Moulting Issues: They moult regularly as they grow, shedding their exoskeletons. If the water lacks sufficient calcium or the shrimp feel stressed, they may experience moulting problems. Offer calcium-rich foods and maintain stable water parameters to support healthy moulting.
- Predation: Avoid keeping them with aggressive fish, as these fish may attack or eat the shrimp, especially the smaller babies.
Conclusion
Cherry shrimp are a delightful addition to freshwater aquariums. Their vibrant colours, peaceful demeanour, and natural cleaning abilities make them popular among aquarium hobbyists. With the proper care, tank setup, and diet, you can enjoy a thriving colony that will bring beauty and balance to your aquarium. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced aquarist, they offer an engaging and rewarding experience.
