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