Red Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) is one of the most popular types of Neocaridina Shrimp. With the vibrant red colors, ease of care, and peaceful nature, Red Cherry Shrimp has become the ideal choice for any fish tank. If you’re looking for a Red Cherry Shrimp for your aquarium, check out our details care guide for this freshwater shrimp.
Are Red Cherry Shrimp Freshwater?
Yes, Red Cherry Shrimp are freshwater shrimp. Originating from Taiwan, these shrimp have become popular additions to aquariums due to their peaceful nature and ability to thrive in a variety of water conditions. Unlike saltwater shrimp, Red Cherry Shrimp can adapt to a wide range of pH levels and water hardness, making them suitable for beginner shrimp keepers. Their diet consists primarily of algae, biofilm, and small invertebrates, making them excellent cleaners of aquarium glass and decorations.
What do Red Cherry Shrimp Eat?
Red Cherry Shrimp aren’t a picky eater, meaning they have a varied diet that includes both plant and animal matter. In the wild, they primarily feed on algae, biofilm, and small invertebrates. They can be fed a variety of foods such as shrimp food, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables. It is an important food source for many shrimp species, as it is rich in nutrients. Small invertebrates, such as daphnia and copepods, are another important part of the Red Cherry Shrimp's diet. You can also easily balance their diet by using instant shrimp food such as Kats Aquatics and Shrimp Envy. These brands offer a variety of formulations with different nutrient ratios, allowing you to tailor diet to your shrimp's specific needs. Packed with organic ingredients, these shrimp foods provide a comprehensive blend of nutrients essential for promoting optimal health and vibrant coloration in your freshwater shrimps.
When do Red Cherry Shrimp Breed?
Red Cherry Shrimp breed when the conditions in their tank are ideal, such as stable water parameters, an abundance of food, and a comfortable water temperature. The breeding process begins when a male shrimp deposits a spermatophore, a small packet of sperm, on the ground. The female shrimp then picks up the spermatophore and fertilizes her eggs with it. The fertilized eggs are carried by the female shrimp under her abdomen until they hatch. The gestation period for Red Cherry Shrimp eggs is typically around 4-6 weeks, depending on the water temperature. Once the eggs hatch, the baby shrimp, known as fry, are free-swimming and immediately begin to feed on algae and other small organisms. The fry will grow and develop through several stages, molting their exoskeletons as they grow. It takes approximately 3-4 months for the fry to reach adulthood and become sexually mature. It's important to provide proper care and nutrition during the breeding period to ensure a successful breeding cycle and healthy offspring.
How to Set Up A Shrimp Tank for Red Cherry Shrimp
The first thing shrimp keepers need to prepare before adding their shrimp to the tank is fully setting up a shrimp tank with the required equipment. Here are some of the must-need equipment for a Red Cherry Shrimp tank.
1. Aquarium Tank
When setting up a tank for Red Cherry Shrimp, it is important to choose the right size and type of aquarium to ensure their well-being and happiness. The size of the aquarium tank will depend on the number of shrimp you plan to keep. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 2 shrimps and one gallon of water. For a small group of 5-10 shrimp, a 10-gallon aquarium is a good starting point. If you plan to keep a larger group of shrimp, you will need a larger aquarium. There are a lot of types of tanks for Red Cherry Shrimp but we recommend using Rimless tank which is known for its modern and minimalist design. This type of tank provides an awesome view for shrimp keepers enjoying their aquarium tank.
2. Filter
Another necessary equipment for a shrimp tank is an aquarium filter. A good filter for Red Cherry Shrimp should be gentle enough not to harm the shrimp, but powerful enough to remove waste and debris from the water. It should also be able to maintain stable water parameters, such as pH and hardness. There are a few different types of filters that are suitable for Red Cherry Shrimp. Sponge filters are a popular choice because they are gentle and easy to maintain. They are also relatively inexpensive and can be easily customized to fit the specific needs of your aquarium.
3. Air pumps
An aquarium air pump is an essential piece of equipment for keeping Red Cherry Shrimp. It provides oxygen to the water, which is necessary for the shrimp to breathe. Aquarium air pumps also help to circulate the water, which prevents it from becoming stagnant.
There are a few things to consider when choosing an air pump for your Red Cherry Shrimp tank.
- Size: The size of the air pump you need will depend on the size of your tank. A small pump is sufficient for a 10 gallon tank, while a larger pump is needed for a larger tank.
- Power: The power of the air pump is measured in watts. A more powerful pump will be able to circulate more water and provide more oxygen.
- Noise level: Some air pumps can be noisy, which can be disruptive to you and your shrimp. Look for a pump that is quiet or has an adjustable flow rate so you can control the noise level.
4. Aquarium Lights
While it’s not compulsory to have aquarium lights for shrimp tank, it still provides some benefits for your aquarium, especially if the tank has aquarium plants because some lighting is important for plants’ growth. Furthermore, fish tank aquarium light can enhance the aesthetic of your shrimp aquarium and make the shrimp color more vibrant. Fish tank lights will make the shrimp tank more colorful and be an attractive spot at your home.
5. Aquarium Soil
Aquarium soil is an essential part of a Red Cherry Shrimp tank. Aqua Soil provides a natural substrate for the shrimp to walk and feed on, and aqua soil also helps to buffer the water and maintain stable water parameters. The best aquarium soil substrate for Red Cherry Shrimp is soil that is high in organic matter and low in nutrients. This type of soil will help to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, which are essential for breaking down waste and maintaining a healthy ecosystem in the shrimp tank. Some of the best soils for Red Cherry Shrimp include Oase Scaperline Soil and UNS Controsoil. These soils are all high in organic matter and low in nutrients, and they will provide a healthy and natural environment for your Red Cherry Shrimp.
6. Shrimp Salt
Shrimp salt is a specialized additive designed for freshwater shrimps like Red Cherry Shrimp, enriching aquarium water with essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It supports stable water parameters, particularly General Hardness (GH) and Carbonate Hardness (KH), crucial for shrimp health and successful molting. By promoting vibrant coloration, and healthy growth, and aiding in the molting process, shrimp salt ensures the vitality of Red Cherry Shrimp. It should be dosed according to manufacturer instructions during water changes to maintain optimal mineral levels without the use of harmful additives, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for these crustaceans.
7. GH/KH Test Kits
GH/KH test kits are essential tools for monitoring water quality parameters crucial to the health of Red Cherry Shrimp. GH (General Hardness) measures the concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium, vital for shrimp shell formation and overall health. KH (Carbonate Hardness) indicates the buffering capacity of water, which affects pH stability and shrimp well-being. These test kits provide accurate readings to help maintain optimal GH and KH levels in the aquarium, ensuring a stable environment that supports healthy molting and growth of Red Cherry Shrimp. Regular testing and adjustments with appropriate supplements or water changes based on test results are recommended to promote the best conditions for these freshwater shrimps.
8. TDS Pens
TDS pens are electronic devices used to measure the total dissolved solids (TDS) in water. TDS refers to the concentration of dissolved minerals, salts, metals, and organic matter in water. For Red Cherry Shrimp, maintaining optimal TDS levels is crucial for their health and well-being. TDS pens provide a quick and convenient way for shrimp keepers to monitor and adjust the TDS of their aquarium water. By ensuring the TDS is within the recommended range for Red Cherry Shrimp, shrimp keepers can create a suitable environment for their shrimp to thrive.
9. Aquarium Lid/Cover
The aquarium lid is an essential accessory for shrimp keepers, designed to prevent shrimp from escaping, protect them from predators, reduce water evaporation, control humidity in the tank, and block out external contaminants that potentially harm your shrimp. However, if your Red Cherry Shrimp doesn’t jump and your tank isn’t prone to excessive evaporation, a lid might not be essential. Just do what you think is best for your shrimp tank.
What Are The Best Tankmates for Red Cherry Shrimp?
It will be lonely for the shrimp if there is just only one in the aquarium. So, adding some tankmates can make your shrimp tank more diversified and attractive. Consider our recommendations of tankmates for your Red Cherry Shrimp.
Invertebrates
The first of this list is invertebrates. Suitable invertebrate tankmates include Mystery Snails such as Purple Mystery Snails, Blue Mystery Snails, and Black Mystery Snails, beneficial algae eaters that aerate the water; Nerite Snails, colorful and long-lived algae eaters; and Ramshorn Snails, prolific breeders that also help aerate the water. However, Bladder Snails should be avoided due to their rapid reproduction, competition for food, and potential to carry parasites harmful to shrimp. Research and quarantine new invertebrates before adding them to your tank to ensure compatibility and prevent the introduction of parasites or diseases.
Freshwater Fish
When choosing tankmates for Red Cherry Shrimp, it's important to select peaceful, non-predatory freshwater fish that will not harm the shrimp. Some good options include:
- Pygmy Corydoras: These small, peaceful corydoras catfish are excellent tankmates as they are bottom-dwellers and will not bother the shrimp.
- Fancy Guppies: Guppies are another peaceful, non-predatory fish that can be kept with Red Cherry Shrimp. Guppies fish are also relatively small, so they will not pose a threat to the shrimp. However, guppies species might accidentally eat the baby shrimp
- Betta Fish: Betta fighting fish can be kept with them, but it is important to choose a Betta with a docile temperament. Some Bettas may be aggressive towards shrimp, so it is important to observe the Betta before introducing it to the tank.
- Silver Tip Tetra: Silver Tips Tetras are small, schooling fish that are peaceful and non-predatory. They are also very active, which can add interest to the tank.
- Ember Tetra: Ember tetras are another small, schooling fish that are peaceful and non-predatory. They are also very colorful, which can add a splash of color to the tank.
It is important to note that even peaceful fish can sometimes harm shrimp, so it is important to monitor the tank closely and remove any fish that are showing signs of aggression towards the shrimp.
Tankmates to Avoid
Besides some peaceful tankmates that can live with Red Cherry Shrimp, there are still some types of freshwater fishes that are very aggressive and competitive and may harm or eat the shrimp. One of them is Cichlid fish. The main reason these aggressive fish do not live with freshwater shrimp is the different parameters that can importantly affect the shrimp's health.
The other unsuitable tankmates for Red Cherry Shrimp are large freshwater fish including Goldfish which can grow 12 inches big, Discus Fish growing big 6 inches, and German Golden Rams which can grow to 3.5 inches big. When choosing tankmates for freshwater shrimp, water flow is also an important factor that needs to be considered. For example, the Hillstream Loach is one of the freshwater fish that like strong water flow so they can't live with Red Cherry Shrimp
Freshwater Plants for Red Cherry Shrimp
Besides tankmates, live aquarium plants can also be added to shrimp tanks to make them more attractive and provide hiding places for the shrimp. Here are some freshwater plants that shrimp keepers can add to the shrimp tank.
- The Marimo Moss Ball is a spherical ball of algae that serves as a natural hiding place for shrimp and thrives in various water parameters.
- Christmas Moss forms dense mats on the substrate or driftwood, providing shelter for shrimp and filtering the water.
- Java Moss, known for its fast growth, can cover driftwood, rocks, or decorations while also serving as a hiding spot and water filter.
- Anubias such as Anubias Nana, Anubias Butterfly, and Anubias Broad Leaf are all slow-growing plants with dark green leaves that can be attached to aquarium driftwood or rocks or planted in the substrate. They also can reach up to 12 inches tall and provide a high surface area with their big leaves.
Conclusion
Red Cherry Shrimp are a beautiful and fascinating addition to any aquarium tank. They are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things you need to know to keep them healthy and happy. By following the tips in this blog post, you can create a thriving environment for your Red Cherry Shrimp. At Splashy Fish Store, we supply a wide range of freshwater fish which come from reliable sources. We further guarantee that all of our Discus fish will go through the quarantine process for a period of 14-day before sale. We care about the quality and strive to provide you the best we can. Visit our fish store online or our aquarium in washington dc area to find what surprise is waiting for you.
FAQs
What are the best water parameters for Red Cherry Shrimp?
The ideal water parameters for Red Cherry Shrimp are:
- pH: 6.5 to 7.5
- GH: 5 to 10 dGH
- KH: 0 to 2 dKH
- Temperature: 72 to 78°F
How long does the Red Cherry Shrimp live?
The Red Cherry Neocaridina Shrimp can live typically 1 - 2 years.
How often should I clean my Red Cherry Shrimp tank?
You should gravel vacuum your Red Cherry Shrimp tank once a week if you also have other nano fish in the same tank, otherwise, you can clean your tank every other week. This will help to remove waste and debris and keep the water clean and healthy for your shrimp.
