Cherry Shrimp or Red Cherry Shrimp is a freshwater Shrimp variety from Taiwan. This Shrimp species is very popular in the aquarium trade for their striking red color and low maintenance level. There are similar Shrimp species with different coloration such as Black Cherry Shrimp and Yellow Cherry Shrimp.
Table of Contents
Scientific Classification
Animalia
Arthropoda
Malacostraca
Decapoda
Atyidae
Neocaridina
Neocaridina heteropoda var
Table Of Content
Table of Contents
Scientific Classification
Animalia
Arthropoda
Malacostraca
Decapoda
Atyidae
Neocaridina
Neocaridina heteropoda var
Table of Contents
Scientific Name
Description
The brilliant coloration of this Shrimp makes them so popular for freshwater aquariums.
Size: Adult Red Cherry Shrimps grow approximately 4 cm (1.6 inches) in length. The females are larger than the males.
Color: Their natural coloration is green-brown. But, the red morph of this species is more popular. The females are more brightly colored compared to the males and they have a “saddle” marking on their backs when developing eggs.
Diet
These omnivorous Shrimps eat both organic and plant materials. They prefer algae, but they also feed on detritus and microscopic organisms.
Picture 1 – Cherry Shrimp
Behavior
This species of Shrimp have the following behavior patterns:
They are quite peaceful in nature.
They remain active throughout the day.
These Shrimps are commonly seen grazing on the algae growing in their tank or foraging for detritus among gravels.
They are very active when kept in aquariums where there are no predators.
Female pregnant Red Cherry Shrimps tend to remain hidden in dark places.
The females carry their eggs underneath their bodies until hatching.
They abandon their eggs if threatened by a predator.
Predators
Most large aquarium fishes like the Angel fish are known to prey on the Cherry Shrimp. Large invertebrates like crabs and many carnivorous Shrimps also feed on them.
Adaptation
They can adapt well to various water conditions. The Red Cherry Shrimp secretes a kind of mucus from their skin to protect themselves from various parasites and infections. This slimy secretion also helps them to move faster through the water.
Mating Season
Mating can take place any time of the year for these invertebrates.
Breeding
It is very easy to breed them in captivity. They have very high reproduction rates. The eggs developing in the ovaries of the female Red Cherry Shrimps can be detected as yellow or white triangular “saddle” markings on their backs. The females release pheromones to signal their availability to the males. Female Cherry Shrimps lay the eggs after a brief mating process. They attach the eggs to their swimmerets for carrying them around until they hatch. These Shrimps circulate water over their eggs with the help of their legs. This ensures good health of the offspring.
Life Cycle
The eggs turn darker in color gradually until they hatch after approximately three weeks. The newly hatched Shrimps are around 1 mm long. They look like miniature versions of the adults. This species do not have any planktonic larval stage. The baby Cherry Shrimps initially hide among rocks and plants where they feed on the biofilm on plant surfaces. After a few days, they emerge from their hiding places and start grazing on algae growing in their tank.
Picture 2 – Cherry Shrimp Image
Lifespan
They have an average lifespan of 1 to 2 years.
Skin Shedding
These Shrimps occasionally shed their skin or exoskeleton. Their bodies turn a “u” shape as they attempt to touch their tails in order to molt. The molting happens very fast as they take less than a few seconds to come out of the old skin.
As Pets
They are among the most popular Shrimps kept in freshwater aquarium. This hardy species is quite easy to take care of as it does not require much maintenance. Here is some information about keeping them as pets.
Housing: Two to four Shrimps can be kept in a 1.1 to 2.1 gallon (4 to 8 liters) aquarium. An 11 gallon (40 liters) tank can be sufficient for keeping an active colony. They should be provided with ample amounts of aquatic vegetation as they like to spend time sitting on them. They also hide in them, mainly after molting.
Water Plants: Plants like the Java fern and Java moss are excellent for their tanks as their required condition are similar to these Shrimps. They are also beneficial for the pet Shrimps and their green color provides a lovely contrast with the bright red Shrimps. Various water plants like water sprite, Ceratophyllum (hornwort), Elodea and water hyacinth can serve as natural water filters for removing nitrates while they also look beautiful in the aquariums.
Substrate: Their coloration depends on the background and tank substrate. They tend to become paler and transparent if their tank has light colored substrate. So, it is important to keep them in a tank with dark colored substrates so that they can develop their full color.
Temperature: The temperature of the aquarium should ideally range from 57 °F to 86 °F (14 °C to 30 °C). Temperatures around 72 °F (22 °C) are most comfortable for them.
Water pH Level: The pH level of the tank water should be between 6.5 and 8.
Feeding: One can feed the Red Cherry Shrimps with any kind of aquarium food. But they prefer algae and like to eat compressed algae disks or algae wafers. They can occasionally be provided with blanched vegetables like spinach, zucchini (courgette), pea and baby carrots. Commercial fish or shrimp food that does not contain any copper can also be used. Copper is very harmful for this Shrimp species.
Temperament: These Shrimps are quite peaceful in nature and can be housed along with other peaceful Fishes and Shrimps.
Tank Mates: They are the primary target of large Fishes, mainly Cichlids like Angel fish, which are kept with them in the same tank. Fishes too small to eat the Shrimps also tend to harass and disturb them. These fishes may even bite the Shrimp’s limbs off. Adult Shrimps of this species can be kept together along with some non-aggressive fishes such as Otocinclus Catfish, Dwarf Rasbora, Dwarf Gouramis, Neon Tetra, Cardinal Tetra and some killifish species.
Breeding of the Cherry Shrimp should be done in isolation because any large fish is likely to eat the baby Shrimps.
Interesting Facts
Find out some interesting facts about this Shrimp:
The skin shed by the Shrimp should be left in the tank as it obtains valuable minerals by eating the shell.
The hollow exoskeleton looks very similar to a living Cherry Shrimp.
Their color intensity depends on the water temperature, pH level of the tank as well as the types of food available.
Foods with high protein contents help to increase their color.
