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An Introduction To Red Cherry Shrimp

Red Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi), also known as Fire Shrimp, are dwarf freshwater crustaceans from Taiwan. Originally greenish-brown, selective breeding has produced vibrant red, blue, and yellow morphs that are popular among aquarists.

They are favored for their peaceful nature, ease of care, and algae-eating habits, which help maintain a clean aquarium. These small invertebrates typically reach a size of about 1 to 1.5 inches (3cm) and have a lifespan of one to two years, making them a delightful addition to any freshwater tank.

Tiny shrimplets explore their new world right after hatching

Understanding Red Cherry Shrimp Size

The red cherry shrimp size directly influences habitat planning and care. Understanding their growth patterns helps in maintaining a healthy, thriving colony.

Red Cherry Shrimp reach a maximum size of 1 to 1.5 inches (approx. 3 cm). Females are generally larger and more colorful than males. Understanding how big do red cherry shrimp get helps with stocking; their minimal bioload allows dozens to live comfortably in a 10-gallon tank.

To tell if a cherry red shrimp is male or female, you can observe distinct physical differences once they mature. Females are typically larger and have a more robust body shape to carry eggs.

In summary, males are smaller with a narrower abdomen. Females are bigger and have a wider, more rounded abdomen equipped with larger swimmerets designed for carrying eggs.

Red Cherry Shrimp: Anatomy, Appearance, And Key Characteristics

The Red Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) features a slender body with ten pairs of legs used for walking and grasping food. Its head is equipped with stalked eyes and four sensory antennae. Females are distinguished by their pleopods (swimmerets), which are used to carry eggs.

Coloration varies significantly, from the Standard Red Cherry with clear patches to the Painted Fire Red, which boasts a solid red color. Females are typically larger and more brightly colored than males. It's also common for their color to fade temporarily due to stress or old age.

Red Cherry Shrimp are celebrated for several key attributes that make them a popular choice for aquarists:

• Hardiness: They adapt well to a wide range of water parameters, making them ideal for beginners.

• Coloration: They are characterized by their bright red bodies, which can range from a deep crimson to a lighter shade depending on their environment and diet. The intensity of their vibrant color can also vary. 

• Standard Cherry Shrimp: The most common grade, featuring a mostly transparent or pale body with patches of red.

• Sakura Cherry Shrimp: Offers more red coverage than the standard grade but still has noticeable clear areas.

• Fire Red Cherry Shrimp: This grade is almost entirely red. It is often split into a lower grade (mostly red) and a higher grade where only the legs remain clear.

• Painted Fire Red Cherry Shrimp: Considered the highest grade, this shrimp displays a solid, opaque red color that covers its entire body, including the legs.

• Body Shape: The body is elongated and slightly flattened, typical of the Neocaridina genus.

• Active Nature: They are constantly foraging for food, adding lively activity to the tank.

• Peaceful Temperament: They coexist peacefully with small, non-aggressive tank mates.

• Effective Cleaners: They consume algae and biofilm, and their small size of 1 to 1.5 inches means they have a minimal bioload.

What To Know Before Buying Red Cherry Shrimp

Before purchasing Red Cherry Shrimp, consider these key points to ensure their well-being.

• Stocking: Their small bioload and red cherry shrimp size (1-1.5 inches) allow dozens to inhabit a 10-gallon tank.

• Beginner-Friendly: Their robust nature makes them an ideal "first pet" for new aquarists.

• Sourcing: Purchase from reputable breeders or local stores. If buying online in 2025, verify ethical shipping practices.

• Breeding: Start with at least 10 shrimp to ensure a good male-to-female ratio for reproduction.

• Tank Mates: They are vulnerable to fish. A shrimp-only tank or companions like snails are safest to maximize their red cherry shrimp lifespan.

• Environment: They thrive in heavily planted tanks. Avoid all copper-based products, as copper is toxic to shrimp and affects how long do red cherry shrimp live.

Proper tank setup is crucial for Red Cherry Shrimp to thrive

How To Set Up A Tank For Your Red Cherry Shrimp

Setting up an appropriate, established aquarium is crucial for the health and longevity of your Red Cherry Shrimp, as they are sensitive to changes in water chemistry.

Ideal Tank Size For Red Cherry Shrimp

A minimum tank size of 5 gallons is recommended to maintain stable water parameters, despite the small Red Cherry Shrimp size. A good guideline is 5 to 10 shrimp per gallon. Densely planted tanks are ideal, providing hiding spots and surfaces for biofilm. Knowing how big do red cherry shrimp get is key to avoiding overstocking.

Water Parameters For Healthy Red Cherry Shrimp

Stable, clean water is essential, as shrimp are sensitive to fluctuations. Ensure the tank is fully cycled before introduction. Key parameters are:

• Temperature: 65°F to 85°F (12-28°C)

• Ammonia: 0 ppm

• Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Nitrate: < 20 ppm

• pH Level: 6.5 to 8.0

• General Hardness (GH): 7.0 to 14.0 dGH

• Carbonate Hardness (KH): 3.0 to 7.0 dKH

Use a sponge filter or a pre-filter sponge on other filter types to protect shrimp. Perform weekly 30% water changes to manage toxins.

Tank Décor And Substrate For Red Cherry Shrimp

Ample cover is crucial, especially in community tanks. Live plants like Java moss, along with driftwood and rocks, offer shelter and surfaces for algae growth. While substrate type is not critical, a darker color will make their red coloration pop.

Red Cherry Shrimp Care And Diet

Red Cherry Shrimp (RCS) primarily graze on biofilm and algae in the aquarium. Supplement their diet with specialist shrimp foods, algae wafers, and frozen options like daphnia for optimal health. Provide calcium-rich foods like shrimp sticks or blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach) to support healthy molting, which is vital for a good red cherry shrimp lifespan. Avoid overfeeding to maintain water quality.

A balanced diet helps Red Cherry Shrimp maintain their bright color

Red Cherry Shrimp Temperament And Tank Mates

Red Cherry Shrimp are peaceful but can be shy, requiring ample hiding places. Their small red cherry shrimp size makes them vulnerable to predation. Choose tank mates carefully to ensure a healthy red cherry shrimp lifespan.

• Suitable Mates: Small, peaceful fish like tetras, guppies, Corydoras, otocinclus, and other invertebrates.

• Avoid: Large or aggressive fish, including most bettas, as they will likely eat shrimp, regardless of how big do red cherry shrimp get.

Breeding Red Cherry Shrimp

Breeding Red Cherry Shrimp is straightforward in optimal conditions. A healthy starting group of at least ten shrimp in a well-established, planted tank is ideal.

Ideal Breeding Conditions

Stable conditions and shelter are key to breeding. Warmer water (81-82°F) encourages reproduction, while activity slows below 70°F (21°C) or in acidic water. A heavily planted tank provides essential hiding spots and grazing surfaces for shrimplets.

The Breeding Process

After molting, a female releases hormones to attract males. Once mated, she transfers the fertilized eggs from her "saddle" to her swimmerets, at which point she is considered "berried."

Red Cherry Shrimp Eggs And Babies

A "berried" female carries 43 to 60 eggs for about 30 days, fanning them to provide oxygen. The eggs hatch into miniature, fully-formed shrimp (1-2 mm), bypassing a larval stage. This initial red cherry shrimp size allows them to immediately graze on biofilm. Shrimplets reach sexual maturity in about 30 days.

A berried female carefully tends to her bright yellow eggs

Red Cherry Shrimp Lifespan And Life Cycle

The typical red cherry shrimp lifespan is one to two years. Longevity depends on stable water quality, a balanced diet, and consistent temperature. To maximize how long do red cherry shrimp live, avoid copper-based medications, which are fatal to them. They grow by molting; young shrimp molt every 1-2 weeks, while adults molt every 3-4 weeks. Poor water conditions can cause fatal molting issues.

Other Interesting Facts

Here are some other interesting facts about Red Cherry Shrimp:

• While cherry shrimp typically live for about a year, they can live up to twice that long in optimal conditions. Their sensitivity to changing water conditions in home aquariums often shortens their lifespan.

• Cherry shrimp are very social and thrive in large groups of 10 or more. Keeping a larger group also increases the chances of successful breeding.

• Shrimp and other invertebrates are highly sensitive to copper and certain water treatments like malachite green. Always monitor tank conditions carefully to protect your shrimp.

• Young cherry shrimp molt every one to two weeks, while adults molt every three to four weeks. Poor water quality can lead to molting issues like the "White Ring of Death," where the shrimp gets stuck in its old shell and dies.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Here are answers to some common questions aquarists have about Neocaridina shrimp varieties.

What Is The Typical Blue Dream Shrimp Size?

The typical blue dream shrimp size is 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm), similar to other Neocaridina varieties. Females are usually slightly larger than males.

What Is The Average Bloody Mary Shrimp Size?

The average bloody mary shrimp size is 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm). Like other Neocaridina shrimp, females tend to be larger and more vibrantly colored.

An adult Bloody Mary Shrimp is compared to a one inch ruler

What Is The Average Snowball Shrimp Size?

The average snowball shrimp size is 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm), consistent with other common Neocaridina dwarf shrimp species.

Understanding Red Cherry Shrimp size, typically 1 to 1.5 inches, is key for proper aquarium care. Their compact nature suits diverse setups but requires stable water and a good diet to reach their Red Cherry Shrimp lifespan of one to two years. These peaceful, active shrimp are an excellent choice for any aquarist. Explore our selection of healthy Red Cherry Shrimp at Betta USA Aquatic today and start building your vibrant colony!

Read more:

• The Beauty of Betta Fish: Why They’re Called the “Jewel of the Aquarium”

• Guppy Fish Care: The Ultimate Guide for Healthy Fish

• Blue Dream vs Blue Velvet Shrimp: Key Differences Guide