Yellow Cherry Shrimp

Introduction: Welcome to the vibrant world of the Yellow Cherry Shrimp, a delightful and eye-catching freshwater shrimp species that adds a splash of color and a touch of elegance to any aquarium. Known for their bright yellow coloration and active behavior, these shrimp, scientifically named Neocaridina davidi (formerly Neocaridina heteropoda), are a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts. Their hardy nature and relatively easy care requirements make them an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists.

Scientific Name: The Yellow Cherry Shrimp is scientifically known as Neocaridina davidi, though it is commonly referred to as Yellow Cherry Shrimp or simply Cherry Shrimp.

Water Quality and Temperature: To ensure the health and vibrancy of your Yellow Cherry Shrimp, maintain the following water parameters:

• Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 68°F to 78°F (20°C to 26°C).
• pH Level: Maintain a pH level between 6.5 and 8.0 to replicate their natural slightly acidic to alkaline habitat.
• GH Level: Aim for a general hardness (GH) level of 6 to 12 dGH.
• KH Level: Keep the carbonate hardness (KH) within the range of 3 to 8 dKH to ensure stable water conditions.

Feeding: Yellow Cherry Shrimp are omnivorous and will benefit from a varied diet. Provide the following:

• Shrimp Pellets: High-quality shrimp or invertebrate pellets specifically formulated for their dietary needs.
• Algae Wafers: Supplement their diet with algae wafers, which they graze on to obtain necessary nutrients.
• Blanched Vegetables: Offer occasional blanched vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or carrots for added fiber.
• Biofilm and Algae: They will naturally graze on biofilm and algae that develop in the tank.

Tank Mates: Yellow Cherry Shrimp are peaceful and can be kept with a variety of tank mates, provided the companions are not aggressive or predatory. Suitable tank mates include small, peaceful fish and other non-aggressive invertebrates. Avoid larger fish or those known to prey on shrimp.

Substrates and Tank Decorations: A fine, sandy or gravel substrate is ideal for Yellow Cherry Shrimp, as they enjoy foraging and burrowing. Incorporate plenty of hiding spots using rocks, driftwood, and plant cover to provide them with safe spaces. Live plants such as Java Moss, Anubias, and Cryptocoryne are excellent choices as they offer additional shelter and grazing opportunities.

Suitable Plants: Yellow Cherry Shrimp thrive in tanks with live plants, which help provide hiding spots and a natural environment. Hardy plants such as Java Moss, Java Fern, and Anubias are ideal, as they can withstand shrimp activity and provide ample surface area for biofilm growth. Floating plants like Hornwort can also offer additional cover and shade.

Sexing: Sexing Yellow Cherry Shrimp can be challenging, but generally, females are larger and have a more pronounced, rounder body shape compared to males. Females also tend to have a noticeable saddle (a yellow or orange patch of eggs) on their abdomen when they are carrying eggs.

Breeding: Breeding Yellow Cherry Shrimp is relatively straightforward. They are prolific breeders and can reproduce quickly in a well-maintained aquarium. Females carry eggs under their abdomen, where they will hatch into tiny shrimp after about 3 to 4 weeks. Providing plenty of hiding spots and maintaining stable water conditions will support successful breeding and ensure the fry have a safe environment to grow.

Maximum Size and Longevity: Yellow Cherry Shrimp typically reach a maximum size of about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 4 cm) in length. With proper care, they can live up to 1.5 to 2 years in captivity.

General Information: The Yellow Cherry Shrimp is a vibrant and hardy addition to any aquarium. Known for their bright yellow coloration and engaging behavior, they add both beauty and functionality to a tank by helping control algae and organic waste. Their peaceful nature and ease of care make them a favorite among both novice and experienced aquarists.

A Fun Fact: The bright yellow coloration of the Yellow Cherry Shrimp is a result of selective breeding. They are part of the Neocaridina davidi species, which also includes other color variations such as red, blue, and green, showcasing the diversity within this shrimp family.