Cherry shrimp are one of the more popular species of dwarf shrimp that aquarists keep. They are easy to care for and add a lot of color and depth to your tank.

Cherry shrimp are native to Taiwan, where they inhabit ponds and streams packed with plants and other rocky materials. They require a tank that mimics this habitat, with lots of plants and crevices for hiding and algae nibbling opportunities.

Feeding

Cherry shrimp are easy to feed and a great addition to any freshwater aquarium. They can eat a variety of foods including algae wafers, pollen, snowflake pellets, and decaying plant matter.

They also eat excess nutrients like nitrates and ammonia, which helps keep your water clean. They’re omnivores, so they can also eat meaty foods such as prawns and crab meat.

Females are typically larger than males and have a yellowish spot on their back called a saddle. This is a sign that the shrimp is ready to breed.

Red cherry shrimp are extremely hardy and will adapt to most water conditions. However, they do best in tanks with plenty of live aquarium plants, like cladophora algae and Ceratopteris thalictroides.

Water Conditions

Cherry shrimp thrive in freshwater tanks that include plenty of plants. They like the hiding spaces and shelter that live aquarium plants provide. These plants also shed edible organic material that can be eaten by the shrimp.

These omnivores prefer tank water that is consistent in quality. The water should be free of ammonia, nitrites and nitrates.

It is important to keep the water temperature between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit (22 and 28 degC). The water pH should be between 6.5 and 8.0, and the nitrate concentration should be maintained at 20 ppm.

Red Cherry Shrimp are sensitive to nitrites and nitrates, so it is essential to add them to a fully cycled tank system. Before adding them, you should test the water for traces of nitrites and nitrates. Then, add a de-chlorinator to the water. This ensures that the nitrite levels will remain low, and helps prevent stress in the shrimp.

Breeding

Cherry shrimp are a very attractive aquarium invertebrate. They are also a very good choice for beginners as they are relatively easy to breed, are hardy and don't need much upkeep. They are especially suited to species only tanks with live moss and plants that they can forage in and hide in.

When you're breeding cherry shrimp, it is important to maintain a stable water temperature that is between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (near room temperature). This will allow them to produce healthy eggs. If the water is too cold, it can negatively affect their health and behaviour.

Health

Cherry shrimp are a popular choice for aquarium hobbyists because of their affordability and ease of care. These freshwater invertebrates can be kept in a variety of tank sizes, and they’re known for their algae-cleaning abilities.

The health of cherry shrimp depends on a number of factors, including water quality, temperature, pH, and food intake. The most common issues affecting these invertebrates include shell diseases, molting problems, and parasites.

Red cherry shrimp, also called Bloody Mary and Painted Fire Red shrimp, are among the most common and recognisable Neocaridina species. They come in a wide range of color grades, with high-grade shrimp being more consistent and brighter red than their low-grade counterparts.

The health of cherry shrimp is easy to maintain, as long as they’re provided with a variety of healthy foods. In addition to pellets, these shrimp also like algae wafers and blanched vegetables. When feeding them, remove any leftover food two hours after they consume it.