Red Cherry Shrimp
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
A great dwarf shrimp for beginners to experts. BadmansTropicalFish.com
[edit] Overview
Here is a dwarf shrimp that is easy to keep and that breeds freely in the aquarium as long as predatory fishes are absent.
Developed by aquaculturists in Germany and Taiwan, the red form of this shrimp can take on a bright scarlet hue with maturity and reasonably good water conditions. They do best in moderately soft, slightly acidic water, but are quite tolerant of less-than-ideal water conditions.
Their popularity has grown with the interest in planted aquariums, and they are regarded as useful algae grazers and scavengers and may be kept in groups, which will grow as reproduction occurs.
They can survive cool temperatures but will only breed at about 70ºF (21º C) or higher.
Family: Atyidae
Other common name(s):
- Cherry Shrimp
Native range:
Maximum length: 3 cm (1 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 38 L (10 gal)
Water: Freshwater 22 °C (295 K, 72 °F) - 26 °C (299 K, 79 °F)
[edit] Feeding
In an established aquarium, they will subsist on biofilms, algae, uneaten food, and detritus. Their diet can be supplemented with fish foods and soft vegetables.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Can be kept in peaceful aquariums without predatory fishes or larger crustaceans. Will do well with other species of dwarf shrimps.
[edit] Special Care
pH 6.5 8.0; 3-15 dKH.
All shrimp are vulnerable to sudden changes of temperature and pH. Acclimate slowly to new water.
Copper remedies are deadly to these shrimp, and most other aquatic invertebrates. Do not medicate a tank housing these shrimp.
[edit] Breeding/Propagation
Reproduces readily in good conditions, with benthic (bottom-dwelling) larvae that do not go through various planktonic stages as is true with many crustaceans. Newly hatched young are miniature versions of the adults and easy to raise.
Males are smaller, with red spots on a clear body. Mature females will often sport a "saddle" which is a sign of eggs developing in their ovaries.
[edit] Notes
This species was formerly known as Neocaridina denticulata sinensis (var. Red).
A good source of information (and various species of freshwater shrimp_ is: The Shrimp Farm
An array of excellent, anonymous shared images can be found at: Badman's Tropical Fish Gallery
| Common name | Red Cherry Shrimp +, and Cherry Shrimp + |
| Family | Atyidae + |
| Genus | Neocaridina + |
| Maximum length | 1 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 10 gal + |
| Native range | China +, and Taiwan + |
| Specific name | heteropoda + |
| Text credit | JL + |
| Water max temp | 299 K (26 °C, 79 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 295 K (22 °C, 72 °F) + |
| Water type | Freshwater + |