I still remember the day I introduced my first group of cherry shrimp into my aquarium. Their vibrant red hues added a burst of color to the tank, and I was fascinated by their constant activity and unique behaviors. Watching them thrive brought a new level of joy to my fish-keeping experience. If you’re considering adding these delightful creatures to your aquarium, this comprehensive guide will provide the essential information to ensure they flourish.
Cherry shrimp are an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists. Their low-maintenance nature, fascinating behaviors, and striking appearance make them one of the most popular freshwater shrimp species in the hobby.
Unlike fish, shrimp exhibit a unique, non-intrusive presence in the tank, spending most of their time grazing on biofilm, exploring plants, and occasionally molting as they grow. Their peaceful temperament and ability to coexist with other non-aggressive tank mates make them a fantastic addition to community aquariums. Whether you are looking to add a pop of color to your tank or are interested in breeding them to establish a thriving colony, cherry shrimp are a rewarding choice.
If you are considering purchasing cherry shrimp, check out the cherry shrimp available at UK Shrimp for high-quality stock and expert advice.
Table of Contents
Understanding Cherry Shrimp
Biological Classification
Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) are small freshwater shrimp from eastern China and northern Taiwan. In the wild, they display a green-brown coloration, but through selective breeding, the vibrant red variety popular in the aquarium trade was developed. These shrimp are known for their hardiness and adaptability, making them ideal for both beginners and seasoned aquarists.
Natural Habitat and Behavior
In their natural habitats, cherry shrimp inhabit streams and ponds with abundant vegetation. They are non-aggressive and active throughout the day, often seen grazing on biofilm, algae, and detritus. Periodically, a shrimp will shed its exoskeleton, leaving an empty white ghost of itself caught in the plants or drifting around the tank. Juvenile shrimp will molt more frequently, as they must shed their exoskeleton as they grow. This discarded exoskeleton should be left in the tank, as the shrimp will eat it to recover the valuable minerals it contains.
Setting Up the Ideal Aquarium
Creating a suitable environment is crucial for the health and well-being of cherry shrimp.
Tank Size
A minimum of 5 gallons is recommended for a small group of cherry shrimp. Larger tanks provide more stable water parameters and ample space for the shrimp to explore.
Substrate
Dark-colored substrates, such as black sand or soil, not only enhance the shrimp’s coloration but also support the growth of beneficial bacteria.
Filtration
A gentle filtration system, like a sponge filter, is ideal. It provides necessary water circulation without posing a risk to the tiny shrimp.
Plants and Decorations
Incorporate live plants like Java moss, Anubias, and Java fern. These plants offer hiding spots and surfaces for biofilm growth, a natural food source for the shrimp.
Water Parameters
Maintaining stable water conditions is crucial for the health of cherry shrimp. Here are some details you should know:
Temperature
Cherry shrimp thrive in temperatures between 72-78°F (22-26°C).
pH Level
A pH range of 6.5-8.0 is suitable for cherry shrimp.
Ammonia, Nitrites, and Nitrates
Ammonia and nitrites should be at 0 ppm, as both are toxic to shrimp. Nitrates should be kept below 20 ppm. Regular water testing is essential to ensure these parameters remain within the safe range.
Diet and Feeding
Cherry shrimp are omnivores and will graze on biofilm, algae, and detritus within the tank. To supplement their diet, provide high-quality shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach, and occasional protein sources such as bloodworms. Be cautious not to overfeed, as leftover food can deteriorate water quality.
Breeding Cherry Shrimp
One of the joys of keeping cherry shrimp is observing their breeding behaviors. Make sure that you are aware of the following:
Sexual Maturity and Mating
Cherry shrimp reach sexual maturity when they are around 2–3 months old. Breeding only requires a sexed pair of shrimp, stable water parameters, and a food source. Eggs may be observed developing in the female’s ovaries as a green or yellow triangular “saddle” marking on her back.
When she is ready to lay the eggs, which occurs after molting, she releases pheromones into the water to signal her availability to males.
The male shrimp in the tank will often become agitated, swimming very actively about as they search for the source of the pheromones. After a brief mating process, during which the male deposits sperm onto the female’s body, the female lays her eggs and affixes them to her swimmerets.
Egg Development and Hatching
They have 20–30 eggs, which take 2–3 weeks to hatch. The eggs are green or yellow, depending on the color of the saddle. They turn darker and darker until the young shrimp hatch after about three weeks.
As the eggs near the end stages of growth, tiny dark eye spots of the developing shrimp within can be observed. When the young hatch, they are tiny (roughly 1 mm) copies of the adults. They have no planktonic larval stage.
They spend their first few days of life hiding among plants or stones, where they are almost invisible, nibbling on the biofilm on the plants. They then emerge and graze on algae on tank surfaces and ornaments.
Wrapping Up
Cherry shrimp are a delightful and rewarding addition to any freshwater aquarium. Their vibrant colors and engaging behaviors provide endless fascination, and their ability to coexist peacefully with other species makes them a fantastic choice for community tanks.
Whether you are looking for a low-maintenance invertebrate or are interested in setting up a dedicated shrimp colony, these tiny crustaceans will not disappoint. If you’re ready to start your journey with cherry shrimp, visit UK Shrimp to find high-quality shrimp and expert care advice.
