Red Cherry Shrimp: A Vibrant Addition to Your Freshwater Tank
The Red Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) is a captivating freshwater invertebrate, prized for its stunning red coloration and remarkable ease of care. These hardy shrimp are perfect for both beginner and experienced aquarists, adding a touch of elegance and a natural cleanup crew to your planted tank.
General Information:
- Scientific Name: Neocaridina davidi
- Lifespan: 1-2 years with proper care
- Maximum Size: Up to 1.5 inches (4 cm)
Thriving in Harmony: Water Quality
Red Cherry Shrimp are adaptable, but they flourish in pristine water conditions. Regular water changes are crucial for their health and vibrant color. Here’s a breakdown of their ideal water parameters:
- pH Level: Aim for a neutral pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Shrimp can tolerate a slightly wider range, but this zone is optimal for successful molting and overall well-being.
- GH Level: A moderate General Hardness (GH) of 4 to 8 degrees of German Hardness (dGH) is ideal. GH represents the minerals dissolved in the water, which are important for shrimp to build their exoskeletons.
- KH Level: Moderate Carbonate Hardness (KH) of 3 to 10 dKH is recommended. KH buffers the pH level, preventing sudden fluctuations that can stress your shrimp.
TDS Level: Red Cherry Shrimp thrive in a range of TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) but ideally on the lower end. Here’s a breakdown:
- Ideal: 250-300 ppm (parts per million)
- Acceptable: 150-400 ppm
Important Note: While they can tolerate a wider range, it’s best to keep TDS stable to avoid stressing the shrimp.
Dietary Delight:
These resourceful omnivores are natural scavengers, constantly on the lookout for tasty morsels. Their diet consists of:
- Algae: They’ll happily consume algae growing on rocks and plants, keeping your tank clean.
- Biofilm: The thin layer of organic matter that builds up naturally in the tank is a food source for shrimp.
- Leftover Fish Food: They’ll scavenge for uneaten food from your fish, reducing waste.
To ensure optimal health and a vibrant red color, supplement their diet with high-quality shrimp food specifically formulated for their needs. These foods are often enriched with minerals and vitamins to support growth and reproduction.
Peaceful Pals: Choosing Tank Mates
Red Cherry Shrimp are peaceful community dwellers who prefer the company of their own kind and other peaceful fish. Ideal tank mates include:
- Neon Tetras
- Dwarf Gouramis
- Corydoras Catfish
Avoid housing Red Cherry Shrimp with larger or predatory fish.
Creating a Shrimp Utopia: Substrates and Decorations
The right environment is key to keeping your Red Cherry Shrimp happy and thriving. Here’s what to consider:
- Substrates: Opt for smooth gravel or sand with a fine grain size. This prevents injury to their delicate legs as they move around the tank. Avoid sharp rocks or crushed coral that can damage their bodies.
- Hiding Spots: Provide plenty of hiding spots for your shrimp to feel secure. Rocks, driftwood, and live plants are all excellent choices. Shrimp will use these areas to molt, breed, and avoid stress.
Suitable Plants: A Haven for Food and Shelter
Live plants offer a multitude of benefits for your Red Cherry Shrimp:
- Food Source: Shrimp will graze on algae growing on the plants and biofilm that forms on the leaves.
- Shelter: Lush greenery provides hiding spots for shrimp, especially important for stressed or molting individuals.
- Water Quality: Plants help maintain good water quality by absorbing nitrates and providing oxygen.
Some excellent plant choices for a Red Cherry Shrimp tank include:
- Moss varieties
- Guppy Grass
- Hornwort
Sexing: It’s all about body size and shape!
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- Females: Typically larger with a wider abdomen, often carrying visible eggs (bright yellow or green saddle) underneath their bodies.
- Males: Generally smaller and slimmer than females.
Breeding: The female carries the fertilized eggs for several weeks, attached to her swimmerets. Once hatched, the tiny shrimplets (miniature versions of their parents) emerge into the water column. However, these shrimplets are vulnerable and require mature tank water with established microfauna to survive. Microfauna are tiny organisms that serve as the shrimplets’ first food source.
Maximum Size and Longevity:
Red Cherry Shrimp can grow up to 1.5 inches (4 cm) in length and live for 1-2 years with proper care.
Behavior:
These active shrimp graze constantly, adding a mesmerizing touch to your tank. They are shy creatures and may hide during the day, emerging at night to forage.
Things to Consider Before Buying:
- Copper Sensitivity: Red Cherry Shrimp are extremely sensitive to copper. Ensure all medications and decorations are copper-free.
- Acclimation: Properly acclimate your shrimp to your tank’s water parameters to avoid stress and mortality.
A Fun Fact:
The vibrant red color of Red Cherry Shrimp is not natural! It’s a result of selective breeding over many generations. Wild Neocaridina davidi are actually a translucent brown or grayish color.
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