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Understanding red cherry shrimp grades is crucial for distinguishing their quality and value. As experts in premium aquatic life, Betta USA offers this guide to help you identify different grading levels and make informed choices for your aquarium.

Understanding Red Cherry Shrimp Grades: What To Look For

Evaluating a shrimp's visual characteristics is key to understanding its value and aesthetic appeal. The following criteria and grades will guide your selections.

Key Criteria For Red Cherry Shrimp Grading

Three primary criteria determine red cherry shrimp grades:

• Coloration: The quantity and vibrancy of red pigmentation. More intense red signifies a superior grade.

• Opacity: Higher-grade shrimp have solid, opaque bodies with minimal translucent areas.

• Gender: Males are typically smaller and less vibrant, often placing them in a lower grade than females.

Regular Red Cherry Shrimp Grade (Very low)

The Regular grade, also known as "Cherry Shrimp," is the lowest grade. They are mostly transparent with scattered, light reddish spots, which can create a "pixelated" look on their shells.

• Color: The red color has a weak density and looks like reddish dots on a clear body.

• Body: The carapace and abdominal segments are largely transparent.

• Legs: The legs are generally colorless.

• Males: Males show minimal to no color and are almost entirely transparent.

Regular cherry shrimp are a great starting point for new hobbyists.

Sakura Red Cherry Shrimp Grade (Low)

The Sakura Red Cherry Shrimp is a higher quality variant of the common Red Cherry. They have a denser red coloration, but some transparent patches are still visible, especially on the lower body.

• Color: The red color is more solid, and the pixelation effect is no longer present.

• Body: The carapace and abdomen are mostly red, but the lower parts may still be clear.

• Legs: Legs often have spotted or striped transparent patches.

• Saddle: The saddle (ovarian development) in females is still very easy to see.

Low-grade Red Fire / High-grade Sakura Grade (Medium)

At this grade, the shrimp is almost completely red. The color intensity is relatively deep, but there may be small translucent spots or minor cracks in the coloration on the carapace.

• Color: The red is deep, though some shells may have a slight orange tint.

• Body: The body is red with some small imperfections in the color coverage.

• Legs: The legs are mostly red but might have some slight spotting.

• Saddle: Saddles and eggs are still visible under regular lighting.

Red Fire Cherry Shrimp Grade (High)

Red Fire shrimp are completely red with a highly intensive and vibrant coloration. At this grade, it becomes more difficult to distinguish males from females based on color alone.

• Color: The intensity of the red color is very deep and solid.

• Body: The carapace and abdominal segments are solid red with no cracks or holes.

• Legs: The legs are also consistently red.

• Saddle: Saddles and eggs are difficult to see under regular lighting.

Painted Fire Red Shrimp Grade (Excellent)

Painted Fire Red shrimp represent one of the highest grades available. They have a solid, deep red coloration with no transparent areas, making them stand out sharply in any aquarium.

• Color: The color is completely opaque with full coverage.

• Body: The carapace and abdomen have a deep red coloration with no clear spots.

• Legs: The legs are completely and solidly red.

• Saddle: Saddles and eggs are only visible under special lighting conditions.

Bloody Mary Shrimp Grade (Excellent)

Bloody Mary shrimp have an extremely deep, intense, crimson red. Their key distinction is that the red color is in their flesh (tissue), not their shell, which is semi-transparent.

• Color: An extremely deep, intense crimson red that appears to glow.

• Body: The shell is translucent, but the tissue underneath is deep red.

• Legs: The legs are completely red.

• Males: Males are nearly as red as the females, which is rare in other grades.

Kanoko Sakura Red Cherry Shrimp Grade

The name Kanoko means “baby deer” in Japanese, referring to the deer-like spots on the shrimp's back. This shrimp has one of the darkest red colors, accented with round black spots.

This morph is still very rare and not widely established. Some hobbyists consider it a "Pattern" grade due to its unique spotted appearance rather than a solid color grade.

Red Rili Shrimp Grade (Pattern)

Red Rili shrimp are a unique color morph featuring a combination of intense red and clear or whitish transparent parts. They were developed from Red Cherry shrimp through selective breeding.

Unlike other grades where solid color is prized, the quality of a Red Rili is often judged by the clean separation and pattern of its colored and transparent sections.

Sakura Red Cherry Shrimp Grade

The Sakura grade has more red coloration than the regular grade, though some transparency remains on the lower body and legs. The "pixilation" effect is absent, and female saddles are visible. This grade is for aquarists wanting more color without perfect uniformity.

High Sakura / Aa Red Cherry Shrimp Grades 

High Sakura (AA) grades have almost complete red coverage with greater opacity and deeper red hues. Slight translucence or minor color "cracks" may be present. Legs are more consistently colored, and saddles or eggs are still visible.

Fire Red Cherry Shrimp Grade

The Fire Red grade features intensely opaque, vibrant red across nearly the entire body. The pigmentation is so dense that eggs and saddles are hard to see under normal light. Legs are uniformly colored, and even males can display impressive red coverage.

Bloody Mary Red Cherry Shrimp Grade

The Bloody Mary grade has a deep, crimson red that surpasses Painted Fire. Its key distinction is the red pigment residing in the tissue, not the shell, which is semi-transparent. This grade is also noted for a shorter rostrum.

Kanoko Sakura Red Cherry Shrimp Grade

The Kanoko Sakura grade is named "Baby deer" for its distinct round black spots on a dark red body. The base color is the darkest among red morphs, and gravid females carry black eggs. This rare grade is valued for its unique pattern.

Red Rili Shrimp Grades 

Red Rili grading is based on pattern, not solid color. These shrimp have a mix of intense red patches and clear, unpigmented body sections. Higher grades are denoted by increased transparency between the red areas, creating a sharper contrast.

Can I keep different Cherry grades together?

Whether you should keep different Cherry shrimp grades together depends on your goal. It's important to remember that all common variants—such as ordinary Cherry, Sakura, Fire Red, Painted Fire Red, and Bloody Mary—belong to the Neocaridina species.

Because they can interbreed, their beautiful, vibrant colors that breeders have worked hard to achieve will eventually fade. After a few generations, you will likely end up with wild-colored shrimp, losing the distinct grading you paid for.

What Factors Influence Red Cherry Shrimp Grades?

Several factors determine the final grade of a Red Cherry Shrimp:

• Selective Breeding: The primary driver for enhancing aesthetic traits.

• Genetics: Determines the potential for color expression.

• Color & Opacity: The intensity, uniformity, and coverage of red pigmentation are critical.

• Environment & Care: Good conditions can impact vibrancy, but genetics set the grade potential.

Selective breeding enhances the vibrant red color in cherry shrimp.

Fire Red Shrimp Vs. Red Cherry Shrimp: Key Differences

While both are Neocaridina davidi, Fire Red and Red Cherry Shrimp have key differences in aesthetics and grading that are important for aquarists.

Similarities Between Fire Red Shrimp And Red Cherry Shrimp

As the same species, they share fundamental care requirements.

• Species: Both are color morphs of Neocaridina davidi and can interbreed.

• Tank Requirements: Both thrive in stable water with temps of 65–80°F (18.3–26°C) and a pH of 6.5–7.5.

• Temperament: Peaceful and suitable for community tanks with non-aggressive fish.

• Diet: Omnivorous scavengers that consume algae, biofilm, and commercial shrimp foods.

• Lifespan & Size: They grow to about 1–1.5 inches and live for 1-2 years.

• Breeding Behavior: Prolific breeders in stable conditions, with females carrying eggs until they hatch.

• Algae Control: Both are excellent algae eaters, helping maintain tank cleanliness.

Key Differences: Fire Red Shrimp Vs. Red Cherry Shrimp

The primary distinctions lie in their appearance and breeding outcomes.

• Coloration & Opacity: Fire Red Shrimp have an intense, uniform, opaque red covering their entire body. Red Cherry Shrimp are more translucent with variable red patches.

• Shrimp Grading: Fire Red Shrimp are a higher grade than standard Red Cherry Shrimp, falling between Sakura and Painted Fire Red.

• Breeding: Mixing the two dilutes the color line, often resulting in brownish, wild-type offspring. To preserve pure colors, keep them in separate tanks.

A Guide To Caring & Breeding For Red Cherry Shrimp

Red Cherry Shrimp are hardy and adaptable, but understanding their specific needs is crucial for a thriving colony.

Optimal Water Parameters For Red Cherry Shrimp

Maintaining stable water conditions is paramount for their health.

• Temperature: Optimal range is 77-81°F (25-27°C) to encourage growth and reproduction.

• pH: Ideal range is 6.2-7.3 for robust health and color.

• Nitrite & Ammonia: Must be 0 ppm. A fully cycled tank is mandatory.

• Nitrate: Keep below 20 ppm; closer to 0 ppm is ideal.

• Water Changes: Perform a 30% water change weekly, using a dechlorinator.

Introducing Red Cherry Shrimp To Your Aquarium

Red Cherry Shrimp are sensitive to new environments. Use a slow drip acclimation method over 20-30 minutes to minimize stress before netting them into the aquarium.

Slow drip acclimation helps shrimp safely adjust to their new home.

Feeding Red Cherry Shrimp

A varied diet is essential for health, color, and breeding success.

• Vegetables: Supplement with blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach.

• Processed Foods: Use high-quality flakes, pellets, and specialized shrimp foods to ensure a balanced diet and enhance coloration. Remove uneaten food promptly.

Potential Dangers In The Planted Aquarium For Shrimp

Certain common practices in planted tanks can be hazardous.

• CO2 Injection: Can cause lethal pH swings and oxygen deprivation, especially without light.

• Fertilizers: Strictly avoid any fertilizers containing copper or other heavy metals, as they are highly toxic to shrimp.

Breeding Red Cherry Shrimp Successfully

These shrimp are among the easiest to breed with the right conditions.

Triggering Breeding

Slowly increasing the temperature to around 81-82°F (27°C) and raising water hardness can stimulate breeding activity.

Setup

A well-planted tank with dense moss provides crucial hiding spots for breeding females and protection for fry.

Berried Females

A "berried" female will carry visible rows of eggs under her tail, constantly fanning them to provide oxygen.

Protecting Fry

Baby shrimp are tiny and vulnerable to filter intakes. Use a sponge filter or cover intakes with a fine mesh or foam to protect them.

A sponge filter provides a safe environment for delicate shrimp fry.

Identifying Sex

Males are generally smaller, with less intense red coloration. Females are larger and develop a deeper, more crimson hue, especially when carrying eggs.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do Fire Red Shrimp Cost More Than Red Cherry Shrimp?

Yes. The higher price reflects the selective breeding required to achieve their superior and consistent solid red coloration.

How Is Blue Dream Shrimp Grading Determined?

Blue dream shrimp grading is based on the intensity, uniformity, and opacity of their blue color. Higher grades have a deep, solid blue covering the entire body with no transparency.

What Are The Standards For Green Jade Shrimp Grading?

Green jade shrimp grading focuses on a vibrant, consistent, and opaque green hue. Top grades have a solid jade green across the whole body, including the legs, with no pale or brown spots.

Top grade green jade shrimp display a solid and opaque green color.

Is There An Official Grading Chart For Green Jade Shrimp?

No single "official" chart exists industry-wide. Breeders use internal grading scales based on common criteria like color intensity and coverage. Always clarify standards with your supplier.

Understanding red cherry shrimp grades, from the basic Regular Cherry to the premium Painted Fire Red, is key for aquarists. By recognizing the grading criteria of color, coverage, and opacity, you can make informed choices for your aquarium. Betta USA Aquatic offers high-quality shrimp and expert resources to support your aquatic hobby in 2025 and beyond.

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