Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Minimum Tank
5 Gallons
Adult Size
1 inches
Temperature
65-80°F (18-27°C)
pH Range
6.5-8.0
Lifespan
2 years
School Size
10+ fish
About Cherry Shrimp
The cherry shrimp is a small, vibrantly colored freshwater shrimp selectively bred from the wild Neocaridina davidi of Taiwan. Through selective breeding, color grades range from nearly transparent with red spots (low grade) to deep, opaque cherry-red (Painted Fire Red, the highest grade). Cherry shrimp are the most popular freshwater shrimp in the aquarium hobby, valued for their algae-eating ability, fascinating behavior, and ease of breeding. They spend their time methodically grazing every surface for algae, biofilm, and decaying plant matter. A colony of cherry shrimp in a planted tank creates a living cleanup crew while adding vibrant color. They are excellent indicators of water quality, as they are among the first inhabitants to show stress from deteriorating conditions.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 5-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
- • pH: 6.5 - 8.0
- • Category: Shrimp
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Cherry shrimp thrive in a well-cycled, planted tank of at least 5 gallons with stable parameters at 65-80°F and a pH of 6.5-8.0. They are very sensitive to ammonia, nitrite, and copper, so never add them to an uncycled tank or use copper-based medications. Avoid sudden parameter changes by performing small, frequent water changes rather than large ones. Provide hiding spots with moss, plants, and driftwood where molting shrimp can shelter safely. Feed sparingly with shrimp-specific foods, blanched vegetables, and biofilm that grows naturally. Avoid housing with fish large enough to eat them. A healthy colony will breed readily on its own. Use a sponge pre-filter on filter intakes to prevent baby shrimp from being sucked in.
Quick Facts
19L
Min Tank (5gal)
3cm
Adult Size (1")
2yr
Lifespan
10+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Cherry Shrimp
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Neocaridina davidi var.
Crystal Red Shrimp
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Tank Mates for Cherry Shrimp
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Otocinclus
Otocinclus sp.
moderate · 10+ gal
Malaysian Trumpet Snail
Melanoides tuberculata
easy · 5+ gal
Mystery Snail
Pomacea bridgesii
easy · 10+ gal
Least Killifish
Heterandria formosa
easy · 5+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Cherry Shrimp need?
A Cherry Shrimp needs a minimum tank size of 5 gallons (19 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 10.
What water parameters does a Cherry Shrimp need?
Cherry Shrimp thrive in water between 65-80°F (18-27°C) with a pH of 6.5-8.0.
Are Cherry Shrimp easy to care for?
Cherry Shrimp are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 2 years.
How big do Cherry Shrimp get and what do they eat?
Cherry Shrimp reach about 1 inch and are omnivores. Cherry shrimp thrive in a well-cycled, planted tank of at least 5 gallons with stable parameters at 65-80°F and a pH of 6.5-8.0. They are very sensitive to ammonia, nitrite, and copper, so never add them to an uncycled tank or use copper-based medications. Avoid sudden parameter changes by performing small, frequent water changes rather than large ones. Provide hiding spots with moss, plants, and driftwood where molting shrimp can shelter safely. Feed sparingly with shrimp-specific foods, blanched vegetables, and biofilm that grows naturally. Avoid housing with fish large enough to eat them. A healthy colony will breed readily on its own. Use a sponge pre-filter on filter intakes to prevent baby shrimp from being sucked in.