Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, sourcing, and tankmate intelligence on Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team and cross-verified against vendor records on the live marketplace.
Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) at a glance
Adult size: 1 inch · Minimum tank/pond: 5 gallons · Difficulty: beginner · Diet: omnivore · Lifespan: 1-2 years.
Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) (Neocaridina davidi) is a freshwater invertebrate kept by aquarists for planted-tank cleanup crew + breeding-line collecting. Hardy and forgiving of typical beginner mistakes when given proper water chemistry.
Where Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) comes from
Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) (Neocaridina davidi) is native to freshwater habitats across multiple continents. The captive-bred Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) sold at most LFS comes from generations of farmed stock and is generally hardier and better-acclimated to tank conditions than wild-caught equivalents. Wild specimens are occasionally available for keepers chasing original-bloodline coloration or biotope-accurate stocking.
Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) tank size and setup
Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) requires a minimum of 5 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on the species' adult size (1 inch), territorial range, and behavior pattern. Most Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) sold at small juvenile size will reach full adult size within 12-24 months and the system must be sized to the adult, not the juvenile.
For a Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) setup: mature planted tank or low-stocked community tank with stable parameters, mineralized substrate (or remineralized RO/DI for Caridina), low-flow filtration that does not suck up shrimplets, and minimal copper exposure (avoid copper-treated medications).
Use dechlorinator on every water change. Test parameters weekly during cycling, biweekly once stable. Stable consistency beats sliding-scale "ideal" parameters.
What Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) eats
Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) is a omnivore. Eats a varied diet of pellets, frozen foods, and supplemental greens. Quality flake or pellet (Hikari, New Life Spectrum, Tetra) plus frozen mysis or bloodworms 2-3x weekly produces best color and behavior. Feed Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) appropriately for its size + activity level. Overfeeding is the #1 cause of water-quality crashes in tanks of all sizes.
Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) tankmates and compatibility
Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) works alongside peaceful community fish. Avoid mixing with fin-nippers (some tetras, barbs), aggressive cichlids, or large predators. Best in shrimp-only or mostly-shrimp tanks for breeding success - any larger fish will eat shrimplets.
Browse care guides for tankmate-compatibility tables for Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) and similar species.
Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) adult size and lifespan
Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) reaches 1 inch at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 1-2 years with proper care. Females carry eggs under the abdomen until hatch; in stable tanks, breeding populations sustain themselves indefinitely.
Can you breed Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry)?
Yes - Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) is one of the more readily-bred freshwater invertebrates. Provide stable parameters, a mineralized substrate, plenty of biofilm, and avoid copper. Females carry eggs 25-30 days; shrimplets are immediately free-living and eat biofilm/algae.
Common Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) diseases and problems
Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) is susceptible to standard freshwater diseases (ich, columnaris, fin rot, bacterial infections). Quarantine new Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) for 4 weeks before adding to your display tank. Treat fish in a separate hospital tank to avoid affecting plants and inverts. Most disease outbreaks trace back to poor water quality, chronic stress, or skipped quarantine.
Where to buy Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) online
Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) is sold at LFS (local fish stores), online retailers, and direct from breeders/wholesalers. Pricing varies widely by source, size, and quality:
Browse live Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping (FedEx Priority + UPS Next Day), climate-aware hold logic, and a 4-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims. Captive-bred or aquacultured specimens cost more upfront but arrive healthier and integrate faster.
Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) FAQ
How big does Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) get?
1 inch at adulthood within 12-24 months.
How long does Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) live?
1-2 years with proper care.
What is the minimum tank/pond size?
5 gallons, with larger systems strongly recommended.
Is Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) hard to keep?
Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) is rated beginner difficulty.
What does Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) eat?
Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry) is a omnivore; appropriate diet matches its natural feeding pattern.
Cherry Shrimp taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.