Keep these prolific algae-eating shrimps away from predatory fish in a well-furnished aquarium. Intolerant of copper-based medication
Overview
Synonyms
Neocaridina heteropoda
Distribution
The wild form of this species occurs in China, Taiwan and Vietnam.
Maximum Size
3cm (1.2")
Temperature
12-28°C
Water Parameters
Will acclimatise to a wide range of conditions. pH: 6.0-8.0, dH: 6-25 degrees.
Compatibility
Community
Lighting
No special requirements
Sexual Dimorphism
Females are fuller bodied and usually a deeper red colour compared to the males. Mature females can be seen carrying eggs.
Feeding
Flake, granules, pellets, algae wafers and frozen foods
Description
Care
The beautiful Cherry Shrimp is an aquarium cultivated red form of Neocaridina davidi. These shrimp are highly social creatures and are best kept in large colonies. They are suitable for aquariums containing communities of small, peaceful fish only, as larger tankmates will regard them as a snack. Cherry shrimp are excellent algae eaters and will browse on many different algae types. Highly recommended for planted aquaria, they will not damage the plants, but instead, large groups of this species will keep the leaves free from algae. Floating plants seem to be particularly favoured, and these shrimps can often be seen 'hanging around' in the plant cover near the water's surface. Like most species of shrimp, a high nitrate level will not be tolerated; ensure high standards of water quality are maintained at all times. Cherry shrimp will moult regularly whilst growing, and the sudden appearance of perfectly formed shrimp casings on the floor of the aquarium can cause alarm to fishkeepers who have not seen this before. Once the shrimp has moulted, it will remain hidden for a time until the new shell hardens and it has a bit more protection.
Feeding
Will browse on algae. Supplement the diet with specialist shrimp foods, algae wafers, sinking pellets, small frozen foods such as daphnia and baby brineshrimp. Vegetable matter such as blanched spinach.
Breeding
Cherry shrimp often breed freely in the home aquarium given optimal conditions. Whilst they can be maintained in quite a wide range of water conditions, they do not tend to breed in water that is too acidic, or in water with a temperature below 21 °C. The eggs are held underneath the female until hatching takes place (approx. 1 month) and will be visible as a yellow area on the abdomen. Unlike some species, the young do not go through a larval stage and are instead, born as miniature replicas of the adult shrimp. Many aquarists like to cover the intakes of power filters with fine sponges to prevent the tiny youngsters from being drawn in.
Where can I buy these aquarium fish or invertebrates?
If you like this species and would like to find out more, we have an enormous range of aquarium fish and invertebrates available to buy in all of our stores across the UK (including freshwater tropical and marine fish).
However, please note that this species may not be available in your chosen store, even if the store specialises in this particular species. This is due to seasonality and stock availability from store-to-store. Please check with your local store about availability of specific species to purchase before making a journey.
For delivery before Christmas, orders must be placed on or before 3pm on Wednesday 20th December. We cannot guarantee delivery of these orders pre-Christmas as we are reliant on our couriers, but will use our best endeavours to get orders placed on this date out to you before Christmas. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
Please note: online orders placed after 3pm on Friday 22nd December will not be dispatched until the New Year. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
