Red Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Edited by Ivan F. · Reviewed
Beginner verdict
A bright red dwarf shrimp that is the classic first invertebrate and breeds readily in a planted tank. It grazes algae and biofilm all day. Stable water matters more than perfect numbers, and most fish will eat its babies, so give it moss and very calm companions.
Care at a glance
- Min tank size
- 5 US gal
- Temperature
- 59–86 °F
- pH
- 6.5–8
- Hardness
- 4–10 dGH
- Swim zone
- Bottom
- Min group
- 6 or more
- Lifespan
- 1–2 years
Red Cherry Shrimp tank mates
Boraras brigittae
Corydoras aeneus
Corydoras paleatus
Corydoras panda
Corydoras pygmaeus
Corydoras aeneus (albino)
Paracheirodon innesi
Adult Red Cherry Shrimp are usually safe with Neon Tetra, but baby shrimp will be eaten. Add moss for cover.
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Adult Red Cherry Shrimp are usually safe with Cardinal Tetra, but baby shrimp will be eaten. Add moss for cover.
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Adult shrimp are safe, but embers will pick off baby shrimp. Add moss so the young can hide.
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
Adult Red Cherry Shrimp are usually safe with Black Neon Tetra, but baby shrimp will be eaten. Add moss for cover.
Common tank-mate questions
Red Cherry Shrimp feeding and care
How to feed
- Let them graze biofilm and algae on plants and hardscape.
- Supplement with shrimp pellets, algae wafers or blanched vegetables.
- Feed small amounts and remove leftovers, because uneaten food fouls a small tank fast.
Red Cherry Shrimp care mistakes to avoid
- Add them only to a mature tank, because they graze the biofilm that new tanks lack.
- Avoid copper. Many fish medicines and plant products containing it are fatal to shrimp.
- Change water in small amounts. Big, sudden swings can cause fatal molting problems.
- Keep predatory fish out, since most fish will eat babies and many will eat adults.
Red Cherry Shrimp tank setup
The essentials for a small, gently filtered tank.
TankAt least 5 US gal (19 L)
The smallest tank our sources give for Red Cherry Shrimp. We list only tanks that hold this volume (allowing 10%, so a standard size counts).
Picks for Spain are still being checked. The options below are for the US, and we have not confirmed that they are sold in Spain.
Aqueon Standard Glass Aquarium 10 Gallon US
Tetra Complete LED Aquarium Kit 10 Gallon US
Why we chose these (Best 10-Gallon Fish Tank: What to Look For). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Starter kitA kit with the tank, filter and light in one box
We list only kits whose tank fits Red Cherry Shrimp, up to twice its minimum volume. A kit whose heater has a fixed setting shows only when that setting is inside Red Cherry Shrimp's temperature range.
Tetra Crescent Kit 5 US
No heater included
Tetra Complete LED Aquarium Kit 10 Gallon US
No heater included
Tetra Starter Line LED Aquarium 30 L Spain
No heater included
Why we chose these (Best Aquarium Starter Kit: What to Look For). Nobody here has used or tested them.
FilterAir-driven sponge filter
Gentle flow that small fish and long fins can handle, plus a safe home for good bacteria.
Aquarium Co-Op Coarse Sponge Filter (Small) US
Fluval AquaClear 20 Power Filter US
Tetra Brillant Filter Spain
Fluval AquaClear 20 Power Filter Spain
Why we chose these (Best Filter for a 10-Gallon Tank). Nobody here has used or tested them.
HeaterKeep it at 59–86 °F (15–30 °C)
Adjustable heater, about 5 W per gallon: 25 W at 5 gallons, 50 W at 10. Keeps a small tank stable. Adjustable models let you set the temperature your species needs. Size up for a cold room.
Fluval T50 Fully Electronic Aquarium Heater US
Aqueon Pro Adjustable Heater 50 W US
Fluval T50 Fully Electronic Aquarium Heater Spain
Eheim Thermocontrol e 50 Heater Spain
Why we chose these (Best Heater for a 10-Gallon Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Water conditionerDechlorinator such as Seachem Prime
Tap water contains chlorine or chloramine that harms fish.
Seachem Prime US
Fritz Complete Water Conditioner US
API Betta Water Conditioner US
sera aquatan Spain
Tetra AquaSafe Spain
Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal · Sold at zooplus.es · Maker's details
Why we chose these (Best Water Conditioner for Betta Fish). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Test kitLiquid kit such as API Freshwater Master
Tracks ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH while the tank cycles.
API Freshwater Master Test Kit US
API General & Carbonate Hardness Test Kit US
See it at The Shrimp Farm (a retailer; affiliate link) · Sold at Bulk Reef Supply · Maker's details
sera aqua-test box (Cl) Spain
JBL PROAQUATEST COMBISET Plus NH4 Spain
Why we chose these (Best Test Kit for a Freshwater Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Hiding places and decorWants plenty of hiding places, especially in a community tank.
We are still choosing products for this.
PlantsSafe with live plants
Browse all aquarium plants.
Cycle the tank before adding animals. See our guide on how to cycle a fish tank.
Where to buy Red Cherry Shrimp
Stores that list it under the same scientific name as this page. Links marked as affiliate links may earn us a commission. We have not bought from them, so check each store's own terms.
See it at The Shrimp Farm (a retailer; affiliate link)
We have not found a store that sells Red Cherry Shrimp under its scientific name yet. We add stores as we confirm them.
Live animals and plants travel by courier. Check the store's live-arrival guarantee, and only buy once your tank has cycled (see how to cycle a fish tank).
Some US states restrict certain species. Check our US state aquarium rules table and your state's own rules before you buy.
Red Cherry Shrimp FAQ
What size tank do Red Cherry Shrimp need?
Our sourced minimum is 5 US gallons (19 liters). A bigger, mature tank is always easier to keep stable.
What can live with Red Cherry Shrimp?
Good matches on our list include Chili Rasbora, Bronze Corydoras and Peppered Corydoras. Avoid Gold Barb and Endler's Livebearer.
How long do Red Cherry Shrimp live?
Care guides report about 1–2 years. Stable water and a good diet make the biggest difference.
Do cherry shrimp need a heater?
Usually not in a typical heated home, because they tolerate a wide range. Keep the temperature steady, as swings cause more trouble than the exact number.
Red Cherry Shrimp facts and sources
- Type
- Shrimp
- Native to
- Taiwan and China
- Adult size
- 1.2 in (3 cm)
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Diet
- Algae Grazer
- Live plants
- Yes - Loves Plants
- Breeds in freshwater
- Yes
Sources
- Shrimp Science: Care and water figures
- The Shrimp Farm: Supporting figures
Spotted something wrong? Report a parameter correction.