Cherry shrimp, also known as Neocaridina davidi, are a type of freshwater shrimp that are native to Taiwan. They are a popular choice among aquarium hobbyists due to their vibrant red coloration and hardiness.
In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at all aspects of cherry shrimp care, including appearance, lifespan, size, tank size requirements, water parameters, diet, what to put in their tank, common diseases, behavior and temperament, breeding, history, and origin.
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Temperature | 68-78°F (20-26°C) |
| Hardness | GH 7 to 15, KH 4-8 |
| Lighting | Low to moderate |
| Filtration | Low to moderate flow |
| Feeding | Omnivorous, small pellet or flakes |
| Breeding | Easy, high yield |
| Lifespan | 1-2 years |
| Size | 1-2 inches |
| Tank Size | 5 gallons or more |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Popularity | High |
Appearance
Cherry shrimp are known for their vibrant red coloration, which can range from a pale pink to a deep red, depending on the individual shrimp and their diet. The females are usually larger and rounder in shape compared to the males, who are slimmer and smaller. They have a pair of antennae, a pair of eyes and two pairs of legs. They also have a fan-like tail, which is used for swimming and balance.
Taking a deeper dive into their anatomy, the body of the cherry shrimp is divided into three main sections: the head, thorax, and abdomen. The head is the frontmost part of the shrimp’s body and contains the eyes, antennae, and mouthparts. The antennae are used for sensing the shrimp’s environment, while the mouthparts are used for feeding.
The thorax is the middle section of the shrimp’s body and is where the legs and gills are located. The shrimp’s legs are used for movement and have small hooks or claws on the end for grasping food or other objects. The gills, which are located on the sides of the thorax, are used for breathing and are highly vascularized to increase the surface area for oxygen exchange.
The abdomen is the rearmost part of the shrimp’s body and is where the reproductive organs and other internal organs are located. The shrimp’s reproductive organs are located at the base of the tail. The shrimp’s tail is also used for swimming and for balance. The shrimp’s exoskeleton is also a big part of their anatomy and serves as a protective layer for the shrimp’s body.
Cherry shrimp are characterized by their bright and vibrant colors, which are a result of pigments in the exoskeleton. These colors can range from deep reds to light pinks, and can even include pattern variations such as tiger stripes or zebra stripes. Their colors are determined by their genetics and environment, and can vary greatly between different individuals. Overall, the anatomy of the cherry shrimp is well adapted to its freshwater environment and plays an important role in its survival and reproduction.
Grading
Over time, hobbyists have developed a grading system to rate the quality or color intensity of cherry shrimp. For instance, in the context of red cherry shrimp hobbyists will often refer to their color intensity as “low grade”, “high grade”, “fire red grade”, “sakura grade”, “A or S grade”, or “painted fire red grade”.
When it comes to grading cherry shrimp, there are a few key factors to consider. One of the most important is color intensity. Shrimp that have a deeper, more vibrant color are generally considered to be of higher quality than those with a lighter, duller color.
Another important factor is the presence of any deformities or abnormalities. Shrimp that have missing or malformed legs or antennae, or that have other physical deformities, are generally considered to be of lower quality.
Size is also a factor when grading cherry shrimp. Larger shrimp are generally considered to be of higher quality than smaller ones, as they are more likely to be healthy and have a higher reproductive potential.
It’s important to note that grading cherry shrimp is a matter of personal preference and not a set standard and generally does not influence the health of shrimp, but by taking into consideration these factors, it will help to ensure that you are getting healthy and high-quality shrimp for your aquarium.
The below infographic has been widely circulated on the internet over the past decade and can provide some insights on cherry shrimp morphs, grades, and genetics.
Lifespan
The lifespan of cherry shrimp is around 1-2 years in captivity. This can vary depending on the water quality, diet and tank conditions.
Size
Cherry shrimp reach a maximum size of 1-2 inches in length. It is rare for a specimen to reach a full two inches in length.
Tank Size Requirements
Cherry shrimp are relatively small and do not require a large tank. A 5 gallon tank is suitable for a small group of cherry shrimp. However, it’s recommended to have a larger tank if you plan to keep a larger group or other tankmates.
Water Parameters
Cherry shrimp prefer a pH range of 6.5-7.5, with a temperature range of 68-78F. They also prefer a water hardness range of 4-8 dKH. It is important to maintain a stable water temperature and pH to ensure the health and well-being of the shrimp.
Diet
Cherry shrimp are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of foods. They are known to consume algae, detritus, and other organic matter in the tank. They will also consume commercially available shrimp pellets, flakes, and frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp.
Some hobbyists also like to supplement their diet with fresh vegetables such as blanched spinach, lettuce, and zucchini. It is important to note that cherry shrimp are not picky eaters and will consume almost anything they come across in the tank. Below is a more extensive list of foods you can consider feeding your shrimp.
| Food | Description |
|---|---|
| Algae wafers | Slowly sinking wafers that are high in vegetable matter, perfect for grazing |
| Blanched vegetables | Such as spinach, zucchini, and cucumber, which provide a natural source of vitamins and minerals |
| Blood worms | A common staple food for shrimp, high in protein |
| Brine shrimp | A live or frozen food, high in protein and beneficial for shrimp |
| Dried plankton | A great food for all types of shrimp, contains a variety of beneficial microorganisms |
| Pellets | Specially formulated pellets for shrimp, high in protein and beneficial nutrients |
| Spirulina | A type of blue-green algae that is high in protein and beneficial for shrimp |
| Vegetable tablets | Sinking tablets that are high in vegetable matter, perfect for grazing |
| Wakame | A type of seaweed that is high in calcium, iodine, and other beneficial minerals |
| Yeast | A great food for all types of shrimp, contains a variety of beneficial microorganisms |
What to Put in Their Tank
Cherry shrimp prefer a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding places. They also enjoy a sandy or gravel substrate and a small area of open water for swimming. They also appreciate a gentle water flow, as it helps to keep the water oxygenated and fresh.
It’s important to test your water and add a mineralizer designed for cherry shrimp if your water is too soft, otherwise this could lead to failed moults, stress, or death if the water lacks the minerals necessary for shrimp to build their exoskeletons.
Common Diseases
Cherry shrimp are relatively hardy but there are a few diseases that are common in imported specimens. However, poor water quality, overfeeding and high levels of nitrates can lead to health issues. Some common diseases that can affect cherry shrimp include bacterial infections, fungal infections and parasitic infections. We’ll take a look at a few of these below.
Vorticella is a type of ciliate protozoan that can infect cherry shrimp and cause them to become lethargic and have difficulty swimming. This infection is often accompanied by the presence of a white, cottony growth on the shrimp’s body. To treat Vorticella, it is important to maintain good water quality and perform regular water changes. The use of a broad-spectrum antibiotic or antiparasitic medication can also be effective.
Scutariella is another type of ciliate protozoan that can infect cherry shrimp, causing them to have difficulty swimming and a decreased appetite. This infection is often accompanied by the presence of small, white spots on the shrimp’s body. To treat Scutariella, it is important to maintain good water quality and perform regular water changes. The use of a broad-spectrum antibiotic or antiparasitic medication can also be effective.
Ellobiopsid Parasites are small, single-celled organisms that can infect cherry shrimp and cause them to have difficulty swimming and a decreased appetite. This infection is often accompanied by the presence of feathery yellow fungus on the underside of a shrimp’s body. To treat Ellobiopsid Parasites, it is important to maintain good water quality and perform regular water changes. The use of a salt dips broad-spectrum antibiotic, antiparasitic, and antifungal medication can also be effective. This is currently a topic of debate in the shrimpkeeping community as to whether this ailment is actually Ellobiopsidae or Cladogonium ogishimae.
In addition to the above, it is important to monitor the shrimp for any signs of disease and to quarantine any new shrimp before introducing them to the main tank. Regular water testing and maintaining proper water parameters can also help to prevent the outbreak of these diseases.
Moulting
Cherry shrimp, like all crustaceans, go through a process called moulting in order to grow and shed their old exoskeleton. This process typically occurs every 4-6 weeks for adult cherry shrimp, but can vary depending on factors such as water conditions and diet.
During moulting, the shrimp’s body releases enzymes that soften and separate the old exoskeleton from the new one underneath. The shrimp then emerges from its old exoskeleton, which is left behind as a translucent, empty shell. As the new exoskeleton hardens, the shrimp’s body expands to its new size.
It is important to note that moulting can be a stressful and vulnerable time for cherry shrimp, as they are more susceptible to injury and predation during this process. Therefore, it is important to ensure optimal water conditions and provide a varied diet with adequate calcium and other nutrients to support successful moulting.
If a moult fails, the shrimp may become stuck in its old exoskeleton and unable to emerge (hobbyists commonly refer to this as the “white ring of death”). This can lead to death if left untreated. To prevent this, it is important to maintain optimal water conditions, including proper pH levels and temperature, as well as providing a diet high in calcium and other essential nutrients.
Behavior & Temperament
Cherry shrimp are peaceful and do not show any aggression towards other tankmates. They are active during the day and enjoy swimming around the tank, foraging for food and hiding in plants. They are also a great addition to a community tank, as they help to keep the tank clean by eating algae and other debris.
Breeding
Cherry shrimp are known for being easy to breed, with females often carrying eggs (hobbyists refer to this as a “berried shrimp”. They will typically breed in a community tank setting, with or without a specific breeding tank.
To breed cherry shrimp, it is important to have a well-established tank with appropriate water parameters. The ideal water temperature for breeding is between 68-78°F (20-26°C) with a pH of 6.0-7.5 and a hardness of 4-8 dGH.
Females will typically carry eggs for around 2-4 weeks before they hatch. Once the eggs hatch, the fry will be free-swimming and can be fed with small amounts of baby brine shrimp or other small foods. It is important to note that not all eggs will hatch and that the survival rate of fry is relatively low.
It is also important to have a good ratio of males to females in the tank, as having too many males can stress the females and make breeding more difficult. A ratio of 1 male to 2-3 females is recommended.
Once the fry are large enough, they can be separated into their own tank or sold to other hobbyists. With proper care and tank conditions, cherry shrimp can breed quite frequently, with females capable of carrying eggs every 30-45 days.
Breeding cherry shrimp can be a fun and rewarding experience for aquarists of all levels. With the right water conditions and a healthy population, these shrimp can breed frequently and add a new level of interest to any tank.
Colors and Morphs
Cherry shrimp have been selectively bred to produce a wide range of colors. Many breeders and specialty breeders will offer these shrimp for sale but keep in mind that keeping multiple colors of shrimp in a single tank will eventually lead to their genetics reverting to wild type colors (transparent/brown).
| Color Morph | Description |
|---|---|
| Red | The most common color morph, known for its vibrant red color |
| Yellow | A less common color morph, known for its yellow color |
| Orange | A less common color morph, known for its orange color |
| Blue | A rare color morph, known for its blue color |
| Black | A very rare color morph, known for its black color |
| Green Jade | A rare color morph, known for its green color |
| Blue Dream | A rare color morph, known for its blue and red coloration |
| Red Rili | A rare color morph, known for its red coloration with white/transparent tips on body and legs |
| Yellow Fire | A less common color morph, known for its yellow and red coloration |
| Orange Sunkist | A less common color morph, known for its orange and red coloration |
Tankmates
Below is a list of tankmates that are ideal for a cherry shrimp community tank.
| Ideal Tankmates | Description |
|---|---|
| Neon Tetra | A small, peaceful fish that can be kept with cherry shrimp. They have a similar water parameter requirement and are compatible in terms of size. |
| Ember Tetra | A small, peaceful fish that can be kept with cherry shrimp. They have a similar water parameter requirement and are compatible in terms of size. |
| Otocinclus Catfish | A small, peaceful fish that can be kept with cherry shrimp. They have a similar water parameter requirement and are compatible in terms of size. |
| Ghost Shrimp | A peaceful shrimp that can be kept with cherry shrimp. They have a similar water parameter requirement and are compatible in terms of size. |
| Guppies | A peaceful fish that can be kept with cherry shrimp. They have a similar water parameter requirement and are compatible in terms of size. |
| Harlequin Rasbora | A peaceful fish that can be kept with cherry shrimp. They have a similar water parameter requirement and are compatible in terms of size. |
| Rummynose Tetra | A peaceful fish that can be kept with cherry shrimp. They have a similar water parameter requirement and are compatible in terms of size. |
| Panda Corydoras | A peaceful fish that can be kept with cherry shrimp. They have a similar water parameter requirement and are compatible in terms of size. |
| Amano Shrimp | A peaceful shrimp that can be kept with cherry shrimp. They have a similar water parameter requirement and are compatible in terms of size. |
| Panda Garra | A peaceful fish that can be kept with cherry shrimp. They have a similar water parameter requirement and are compatible in terms of size. |
| Bamboo shrimp | A peaceful shrimp that can be kept with cherry shrimp. They have a similar water parameter requirement and are compatible in terms of size. |
| Long-finned Zebra Danio | A peaceful fish that can be kept with cherry shrimp. They have a similar water parameter requirement and are compatible in terms of size. |
| Black Neon Tetra | A peaceful fish that can be kept with cherry shrimp. They have a similar water parameter requirement and are compatible in terms of size. |
| Neon Dwarf Rasbora | A peaceful fish that can be kept with cherry shrimp. They have a similar water parameter requirement and are compatible in terms of size. |
History and Origin
The Cherry Shrimp, also known as Neocaridina Davidi, is a freshwater shrimp native to Taiwan. They were first discovered in Taiwan’s rivers and streams in the early 1980s. The shrimp quickly gained popularity among aquarium enthusiasts due to their vibrant red color and hardiness.
In the wild, Cherry Shrimp can be found in a variety of habitats including streams, rivers, and ponds. They are known to thrive in clean, well-oxygenated water with a pH range of 6.5-8.0.
Cherry Shrimp are a domesticated variant of the wild Neocaridina heteropoda species. They were selectively bred for their vibrant red color and hardiness in captivity. The first successful breeding of Cherry Shrimp in captivity was done by a German aquarist in the early 2000s.
The popularity of Cherry Shrimp as a freshwater aquarium species quickly spread worldwide and it is now widely available in pet stores and online. They are considered one of the best beginner shrimp species due to their hardiness, ease of care, and vibrant colors.
Cherry Shrimp are not only popular in the aquarium hobby but also used in laboratory settings as a model organism for studying the effects of pollutants on freshwater ecosystems.
In recent years, selective breeding has led to the development of new color variations such as yellow, orange, blue, and even black. This has further increased the popularity of the species among aquarium enthusiasts.
Overall, the history of the Cherry Shrimp is relatively recent, but it has quickly become a popular species among aquarium enthusiasts due to its vibrant colors and ease of care.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the ideal water temperature for breeding cherry shrimp? The ideal water temperature for breeding cherry shrimp is between 68-78°F (20-26°C).
- How long do cherry shrimp eggs take to hatch? Cherry shrimp eggs typically take 2-4 weeks to hatch.
- What is the ideal ratio of males to females for breeding cherry shrimp? The ideal ratio of males to females for breeding cherry shrimp is 1 male to 2-3 females.
- Do cherry shrimp need a specific breeding tank? Cherry shrimp do not necessarily need a specific breeding tank, they can breed in a community tank setting.
- What should I feed the fry once they hatch? The fry can be fed small amounts of baby brine shrimp or other small foods once they hatch.
- How often can cherry shrimp breed? Cherry shrimp can breed every 30-45 days with proper care and tank conditions.
- Can cherry shrimp breed with other species of shrimp? Cherry shrimp can breed with other Neocaridina species (Not Caridina), but it is not recommended as it can lead to hybridization and loss of genetic diversity.
References:
- “Cherry Shrimp: The Complete Guide” by Fishkeeping World (https://www.fishkeepingworld.com/cherry-shrimp/)
- “Ellobiopsidae or Cladogonium ogishimae. Green Fungus in Shrimp Tank.” by Aquariumbreeder.com (https://aquariumbreeder.com/ellobiopsidae-or-cladogonium-ogishimae-green-fungus-in-shrimp-tank/)
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