Description
Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)
📌 Basic Info
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Scientific Name: Neocaridina davidi
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Common Name: Cherry Shrimp
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Size: ~1 – 1.5 inches (2.5 – 4 cm)
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Lifespan: 1 – 2 years
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Tank Zone: Bottom to mid (always on plants, substrate, decorations)
🌊 Water Parameters
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TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): 100 – 250 ppm
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pH: 6.5 – 7.8
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Temperature: 20°C – 26°C (68°F – 79°F)
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Water Type: Freshwater, stable and well-cycled tank
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Hardness: Soft to medium hard water
🐟 Characteristics
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Bright red color (intensity depends on grade and diet)
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Peaceful, non-aggressive, great for nano and planted tanks
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Constant cleaners → eat algae, biofilm, leftover food
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Very active, love moss and plants for hiding and grazing
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Easy to breed → females carry eggs under belly (“saddled”)
🍽️ Food
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Type: Omnivorous scavenger
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Diet: Algae, biofilm, shrimp pellets, blanched veggies (spinach, zucchini), spirulina, specialized shrimp food
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Feeding Frequency: 3–4 times per week (small amounts, don’t overfeed)
🛠️ Maintenance
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Weekly water change: 15–20% (avoid large sudden changes)
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Provide moss, plants, hiding spots (driftwood, rocks)
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Use sponge filter → safe for baby shrimp
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Keep water stable, avoid copper-based medicines (toxic)
👥 Social Behavior
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Minimum Group Size: 10+ (best in colonies for activity & breeding)
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Tank Mates: Nano fish (rasboras, tetras, guppies, otocinclus), snails, other dwarf shrimp
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Avoid: Large/aggressive fish (cichlids, bettas, goldfish) → they may eat shrimp
✅ Do’s
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Keep in well-planted tanks with moss (they love it)
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Acclimate slowly to new tanks
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Use a shrimp-safe sponge filter
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Feed sparingly, they mostly graze on algae
❌ Don’ts
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Don’t keep with aggressive/large fish
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Don’t use copper-based meds or fertilizers
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Don’t keep in unstable, newly set up tanks
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Don’t overfeed → causes pollution & death
⭐ Quick Tips
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One of the easiest and most colorful shrimps for beginners
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Excellent algae eaters and natural cleaners
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Breed quickly in the right conditions
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Best kept in planted nano or community aquariums
