Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) are among the most popular freshwater shrimp species in the aquarium hobby. Their vibrant colors, ease of care, and fascinating behaviors make them a great choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists. But there’s more to these little crustaceans than just their appearance—understanding their color variations, breeding habits, and proper care will help you maintain a thriving colony.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different cherry shrimp colors, how to breed them successfully, and essential care tips to keep them happy and healthy. If you’re looking to buy cherry shrimp, check out UK Shrimp for high-quality, vibrant shrimp.
Table of Contents
The Stunning Colors of Cherry Shrimp
One of the most appealing aspects of cherry shrimp is their wide range of colors. Through selective breeding, aquarists have developed multiple variations, each with its unique hue and intensity. Here are some of the most common color grades:
Regular Cherry Shrimp
- Light red or pinkish hue with translucent patches.
- Often found in lower-grade cherry shrimp.
- Affordable and a great option for beginners.
Sakura Cherry Shrimp
- Deeper red than regular cherry shrimp but still slightly translucent.
- A step up in quality from basic cherry shrimp.
Fire Red Cherry Shrimp
- Solid red color with minimal transparency.
- More visually striking and more expensive than Sakura.
Painted Fire Red Cherry Shrimp
- The highest grade of cherry shrimp with an intense, deep red color.
- Completely opaque, making them a standout addition to any tank.
Other Color Variations
While cherry shrimp are typically red, selective breeding has produced other stunning colors, such as:
- Blue Dream Shrimp – A deep blue variant of Neocaridina davidi.
- Yellow Shrimp – A bright, lemon-yellow shrimp with solid coloration.
- Green Jade Shrimp – A rare, striking green variety.
- Black Rose Shrimp – A deep black variation for a dramatic contrast in tanks.
If you’re interested in adding high-grade cherry shrimp to your aquarium, check ou tUK Shrimp for top-quality selections.
Breeding Cherry Shrimp: How to Grow Your Colony
One of the biggest advantages of keeping cherry shrimp is how easily they breed. With the right conditions, your shrimp colony can grow naturally without much intervention.
Setting Up the Ideal Breeding Environment
To encourage successful breeding, ensure your tank meets these basic requirements:
- Water Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
- pH Level: 6.5-8.0
- Tank Size: A 10-gallon tank is ideal for a growing colony.
- Hiding Places: Provide moss, driftwood, and shrimp caves for security.
- Stable Water Conditions: Avoid sudden changes in water parameters.
Breeding Process
- Mature females develop a saddle – A yellowish-green spot on their back, which contains unfertilized eggs.
- Once fertilized, the female carries eggs under her abdomen for 2-3 weeks.
- Hatchlings emerge as miniature shrimp that need no special care.
- A well-fed colony will naturally multiply, producing new generations over time.
If you want to selectively breed for intense red coloration, remove lower-grade shrimp to maintain the best genetics.
Essential Cherry Shrimp Care Tips
Caring for cherry shrimp is easy, but following these best practices will ensure they thrive.
Provide a Shrimp-Safe Environment
Cherry shrimp do best in a well-established tank with plenty of biofilm and hiding spots. Live plants like Java moss, Anubias, and floating plants help provide security and food sources.
Choose Compatible Tank Mates
Because cherry shrimp are small and peaceful, they can become prey for larger fish. Safe tank mates include:
- Small tetras (neon tetras, ember tetras)
- Rasboras
- Guppies (though some may eat baby shrimp)
- Otocinclus catfish
- Snails (nerite or mystery snails)
Avoid keeping them with aggressive fish like cichlids or bettas, as they may see shrimp as food.
Offer a Balanced Diet
While cherry shrimp feed on algae and biofilm, supplementing their diet ensures better health and coloration. Some good food options include:
- Shrimp-specific pellets
- Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, kale)
- Algae wafers
- Protein-rich foods like bloodworms (occasionally)
Maintain Excellent Water Quality
Cherry shrimp are sensitive to poor water conditions. To keep them healthy:
- Perform regular water changes (10-20% weekly).
- Use a sponge filter to prevent shrimp from being sucked into the filter.
- Avoid copper-based medications, as copper is toxic to shrimp.
- Monitor ammonia and nitrite levels (both should be at 0 ppm).
Prevent Shrimp Escape
Shrimp are known for their climbing abilities. Make sure your tank has a secure lid to prevent them from escaping.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
Shrimp Not Molting Properly
Shrimp molt as they grow, but if they’re struggling to molt, it may indicate a lack of minerals. Try adding:
- Crushed coral or cuttlebone to increase calcium levels.
- Shrimp-specific mineral supplements.
Shrimp Not Breeding
If your shrimp aren’t breeding, check these factors:
- Ensure a stable environment with no aggressive tank mates.
- Increase feeding to encourage breeding behavior.
- Keep water temperature around 75-78°F (24-26°C).
Shrimp Dying Suddenly
If shrimp are dying unexpectedly:
- Test for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates.
- Avoid overfeeding, as decaying food can cause water issues.
- Make sure no copper or harmful chemicals are in the water.
Closing Thoughts
Cherry shrimp are a fantastic addition to any freshwater tank. Their vibrant colors, ease of breeding, and natural cleaning abilities make them a favorite among aquarium keepers. By selecting high-quality shrimp, maintaining a stable tank environment, and providing proper nutrition, you can enjoy a thriving shrimp colony for years to come.
If you’re looking to buy top-grade cherry shrimp, check out UK Shrimp for healthy, vibrant shrimp that will brighten up your aquarium. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced aquarist, cherry shrimp are a rewarding species to keep and enjoy!
