Neocaridina davidi (cherry shrimp) is the easiest hobby invertebrate to breed. A stable colony of 10-20 specimens grows to 100+ within 4-6 months without intervention. Once you understand the basic conditions, the colony breeds itself.
10-20 gallon planted tank with inert substrate, sponge filter, no copper-based equipment. Target TDS 200-300, GH 8-10, KH 3-6, pH 7.0-7.8, temperature 70-76°F.
Mix of males and females. Males are smaller and slimmer; females are larger with a saddle (visible egg sac on the back) and broader tail underside.
Bee Shrimp Foods (Mosura, Shirakura, Bacter AE), blanched zucchini or spinach. Overfeeding causes bacterial blooms that crash colonies. Only feed what they consume in 2-3 hours.
A "berried" female carries 20-30 eggs under her tail for 3-4 weeks. Eggs are visible as a yellow or green cluster. Hatchlings are tiny replicas of adults - no larval stage like marine shrimp.
Java moss, Christmas moss, or Riccia provides cover for hatchlings during their first 1-2 weeks. Adult shrimp don't typically prey on their young, but having cover reduces juvenile stress.
Once the colony exceeds 50+ specimens, remove the lowest-color individuals (light pink, transparent) and keep only the most intensely colored. Over 3-4 generations the colony shifts dramatically toward the desired color profile.