Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi · family Atyidae
Also: Red Cherry Shrimp
Parameters
- Temperature
- 18–28 °C
- pH
- 6.5–8
- Hardness
- 6–18 °dGH
- Tank volume
- from 20 L
- Maximum size
- up to 3 cm
- Group size
- min 6, ideal 10
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Lifespan
- 1–2 years
Pros and cons
- The toughest beginner aquarium shrimp
- Breeds without special setup — no brackish water needed for larvae
- Effective cleaners — eat leftover food and algae
- Compatible with most peaceful fish (provided the fish won't eat an adult shrimp)
- Color lines available: red, yellow, blue, black, orange
- Color forms interbreed — offspring lose vibrant coloration
- Sensitive to copper in water (algicides are lethal)
- Almost every fish eats juveniles — breeding needs separate tanks
- Lifespan only 1–2 years
Description
The toughest and most popular shrimp for beginners. A selectively bred color form of wild Neocaridina with enhanced red. Breeds easily: under the right conditions the population doubles every 2 months.
FAQ
- Which fish can be kept with cherry shrimp?
- Small peaceful species: chili rasboras, otocinclus, mosquito rasboras. Anything over 5 cm will eat the juveniles and may take adult shrimp too.
AuthorGoldie Editorial
Goldie editorial team
Practising aquarists with a combined 30+ years of experience · Biologists and editors, fact-checking against FishBase and Seriously Fish · Every piece is reviewed by a qualified ichthyologist before publication
Reviewed byGoldie Science Board
Scientific board — ichthyologists and veterinarians
Ichthyologists and veterinarians with university degrees · Reference FishBase, Seriously Fish and peer-reviewed literature · Sign every reviewed article with their credentials shown
Sources
- Wikipedia: Neocaridina davidi · Wikipedia · 2026-05-22