Red Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina Davidi)

*Note: Images are used as an example only. Due to the nature of live animals, colouration, size and patterns may vary.*

Red Cherry Shrimp
Scientific Name: Neocaridina davidi
(The Red Cherry Shrimp is a selectively bred colour morph.)

Overview
Red Cherry Shrimp are one of the most popular freshwater shrimp due to their bright red colouration, active behaviour, and ease of care. They bring movement and visual contrast to aquariums while also helping to keep surfaces clean. Although hardy and suitable for beginners, they show their strongest colour and best breeding results in stable, well-maintained, planted environments.

Key Features

• Bright red colouration that stands out in planted tanks
• Excellent grazers of algae and biofilm
• Peaceful, social, and thrive in colonies
• Hardy and adaptable
• Breed readily in freshwater aquariums

Care Level: Easy
Red Cherry Shrimp can cope with a range of water conditions but fare best with clean, stable water and mature aquariums.

Habitat Requirements
Environment Type: Freshwater
Tank Size: Best results in 20+ litres; can live successfully in 10-litre tanks with careful maintenance
Temperature: Ideally 22–26°C; tolerates 20–28°C
Water Parameters: pH 6.8–7.6 preferred; stable 6.5–8.0 acceptable
Water Hardness: Moderate hardness supports healthy moulting
Water Flow: Gentle, with sponge filtration recommended to protect juveniles
Aquascape: Planted tanks with mosses and hiding places help shrimp feel secure and display brighter colour. Simpler aquascapes are fine if cover is provided.

Diet
Primary Diet: High-quality shrimp pellets or specialised foods
Variety: Occasional blanched vegetables and protein-rich supplements support growth and breeding
Flexible Options: Naturally graze on algae, biofilm, and leftover fish food
Feeding Frequency: Small amounts once daily or every other day, avoiding overfeeding

Compatibility
Tank Mates: Peaceful nano fish, snails, and other Neocaridina shrimp
Avoid: Aggressive or predatory fish, and any species large enough to eat shrimp
Temperament: Peaceful and constantly active as they graze and explore

Size and Lifespan
Adult Size: 2–3 cm
Typical Lifespan: 1–2 years, potentially longer with excellent care

Behaviour and Activity
Red Cherry Shrimp are active scavengers that spend much of their time exploring surfaces, grazing on algae, and moving through plants. They are most confident and active in well-planted aquariums with plenty of cover.

Special Requirements or Considerations
Stable, mature water conditions are key to long-term health. Avoid copper-based treatments, which are harmful to shrimp. Consistent water changes and a mature biofilm layer help ensure healthy juveniles and strong colouration in adults.

Ideal For

• Beginners and experienced shrimp keepers
• Planted aquariums and nano tanks
• Peaceful community setups
• Aquarists wanting natural algae control and vibrant colour

Additional Notes
Red Cherry Shrimp thrive when kept in clean, warm, stable water with plenty of plant cover and natural surfaces to graze on. While hardy, providing optimal conditions will result in brighter colour, more active behaviour, and stronger colony growth.