Red Cherry Shrimp Care Guide

Learn About Cherry Shrimp

Cherry Shrimp, scientifically referred to as Neocaridina heteropoda, is distinguished by its coloration and ecological adaptability, rendering it a highly favored species among global aquarists. Originating from Taiwan’s freshwater ecosystems, these shrimps have been extensively cultivated in controlled environments, where selective breeding has further accentuated their distinctive pigmentation.

Origin and Natural Habitat of Cherry Shrimp

Cherry Shrimp are freshwater crustaceans native to Taiwan's streams and ponds. These environments feature a gentle current and are often filled with aquatic vegetation. The shrimp thrive in areas with abundant plant cover, which provides them with protection from predators and a steady supply of biofilm, algae, and decaying organic matter to feed on. In the aquarium trade, selective breeding has enhanced their coloration, resulting in the vivid reds that are seen today.

Morphological Characteristics of Cherry Shrimp

Cherry shrimp are small, typically growing up to 2.5-3.5 cm (1-1.4 inches) in length. Their body is divided into three main parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen, protected by a translucent, flexible exoskeleton. The most distinctive feature of Cherry Shrimps is their coloration, which can range from pale red to a deep, ruby-like hue, depending on the grade and selective breeding. The shrimp’s color intensity is classified into grades, with higher grades showing more uniform and intense red pigmentation. Common grades include Sakura, Fire Red, and Painted Fire Red. High-grade specimens exhibit a consistent, solid red with minimal or no translucency. Cherry Shrimps possess long, delicate antennae that aid in sensing their surroundings, while their segmented legs enable efficient scavenging and swimming. They display sexual dimorphism, in which females are generally larger and more brightly colored than males. They also have a more curved underbelly, which helps them carry and protect eggs.

Diet and Feeding Habits of Cherry Shrimp

In the wild, Cherry Shrimps are natural scavengers, consuming a varied diet of algae, biofilm, detritus, and plant material. In an aquarium setting, their diet should mimic these natural conditions to ensure optimal health and coloration. As the primary diet, high-quality, shrimp-specific pellets or granules serve as an excellent staple food. Food such as Sera Shrimps Nature and Tropical Shrimp Sticks are a perfect diet option for the shrimps. These are specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of freshwater shrimp, containing essential minerals and vitamins. Fresh or blanched vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, and cucumber, are also given. Algae wafers and spirulina-based foods are beneficial for supporting their vibrant coloration. Among other diets, these cherry shrimp will graze on algae and biofilm that naturally develop in a well-established aquarium. Encouraging the growth of biofilm by leaving surfaces like driftwood or rocks undisturbed can provide continuous nourishment. These fish food and other tank essentials are available for purchase at Melbourne Tropical Fish with high quality and assurance. 

Care Requirements of Cherry Shrimp

Cherry Shrimps are considered hardy and relatively easy to care for, making them an excellent addition to the community and planted tanks. 

Tank Setup

A minimum tank size of 38 liters is recommended for Cherry shrimp, especially for maintaining a stable and growing colony, as larger tanks offer improved water stability and ample space for natural behaviors such as foraging and exploration. These shrimps require carefully managed water parameters to support their physiological functions, with an optimal temperature range of 22-26°C (72-79°F) and a pH between 6.5 and 8.0. Water hardness is also crucial, with a general hardness (GH) of 6-8 dGH and carbonate hardness (KH) of 3-10 dKH, ensuring proper molting and osmoregulation. Filtration should be efficient yet gentle; sponge filters are ideal because they facilitate biological filtration and maintain adequate water circulation without posing a physical threat to the delicate shrimp. The choice of substrate is significant, as a dark, fine-grain substrate accentuates the shrimp's vivid coloration while also providing a hospitable environment for biofilm growth. Incorporating live plants such as Java fern, and Anubias, is beneficial, as these plants not only offer essential hiding spaces and foraging surfaces but also improve water quality by uptaking excess nutrients, thus creating a balanced and enriching aquatic ecosystem.

Water Maintenance

Regular water changes around 10-20% weekly, are crucial to maintain water quality. Ensure that the water used for refills is free from chlorine and heavy metals, as these are toxic to Cherry Shrimps. Aquarium-safe water conditioners are highly recommended.

Tank Mates

Owing to their small size and relative defenselessness, Cherry Shrimp are highly susceptible to predation, necessitating careful selection of compatible tank mates to ensure their safety and well-being. It is imperative to house Cherry Shrimps with peaceful, non-aggressive species that will not harass or prey upon them. Ideal companions include small, community-oriented fish such as Ember Tetras and Neon Tetras, which exhibit docile behavior and are unlikely to pose a threat. Otocinclus Catfish are also well-suited, as these algae-eating fish remain small and exhibit a non-predatory disposition. Additionally, various species of snails, like Nerite Snails and Mystery Snails, are excellent cohabitants, contributing to the ecological balance of the tank without competing for resources or endangering the shrimp. Peaceful shrimp species can also be safely housed together, promoting a dynamic yet harmonious aquatic environment. Conversely, Cherry Shrimps should not be kept with larger or more aggressive fish species, such as Cichlids, Gouramis, or large Barbs, as these are known to exhibit predatory or territorial behaviors that could severely stress or diminish the shrimp population.

Breeding Cherry Shrimps

Cherry Shrimps are prolific breeders under optimal conditions, and you may soon find your tank teeming with tiny shrimp fry. 

How to Breed Cherry Shrimp

• A well-established tank with stable parameters is essential for breeding success. Frequent water changes and consistent feeding help stimulate reproduction.

• Females will develop a yellow saddle behind their heads, which are immature eggs in the ovaries. Once fertilized, these eggs are transferred to the swimmerets (pleopods) under her abdomen

• The eggs take approximately 2-4 weeks to hatch, depending on the water temperature. During this time, the female will fan and clean the eggs to ensure proper oxygenation.

• Baby shrimps feed on biofilm and microorganisms in the tank. To support their growth, refrain from excessive cleaning and consider adding shrimp-specific baby food or powdered spirulina.

Health and Disease Management

Despite being hardy, Cherry shrimp can suffer from health issues due to poor water quality or improper tank mates. Symptoms of distress include loss of color, often as a result of stress, suboptimal water parameters, nutrient deficiencies, and molting issues (difficulty shedding their exoskeleton) can occur if the water lacks sufficient calcium and minerals. Ensure a balanced diet and consider adding cuttlebone or shrimp-specific mineral supplements.

Where to Buy Cherry Shrimps

When it comes to purchasing Cherry Shrimp, the quality and health of the stock are important factors to be considered. Melbourne Tropical Fish is a top-tier provider known for its seasoned, well-maintained shrimp collections. They ensure that their Cherry Shrimps are acclimated to local water conditions, making them better suited for home aquariums. Additionally, the store offers a variety of shrimp grades and provides expert advice on care and setup.