Neocaridina davidi, commonly known as cherry shrimp, are small, freshwater invertebrates popular in the aquarium hobby. These dwarf shrimp are appreciated for their vibrant colors and their active, peaceful demeanor, making them suitable for various freshwater tank setups. They are easy to care for, appealing to both beginners and experienced aquarists.
Identifying Neocaridina Davidi
Neocaridina davidi shrimp reach 2.5 to 3.5 centimeters (1 to 1.4 inches) in length, with females larger than males. Their lifespan is one to two years in stable aquarium conditions. Selective breeding has led to an extensive range of color variations.
These color morphs include bright reds, blues, yellows, green jades, black, and clear varieties. All these color strains, including Red Cherry, Blue Dream, and Yellow Shrimp, belong to the same species, Neocaridina davidi. Their coloration can intensify or fade based on diet, water parameters, and stress levels.
Essential Care and Tank Setup
Maintaining Neocaridina davidi requires stable water parameters for their health. Temperature should be 20-26°C (68-78°F), pH between 6.5 and 8.0, GH 4-8 dGH, and KH 2-6 dKH. Consistency is more beneficial than striving for exact, fluctuating numbers.
A minimum 19-liter (5-gallon) tank is recommended for a small colony, as larger tanks offer greater water chemistry stability. The aquarium must be fully cycled and mature, providing a stable environment with beneficial bacteria. Maturity helps process waste and maintain water quality, benefiting these sensitive invertebrates.
Sponge filters are suitable as they provide gentle filtration without risking small shrimp or shrimplets. Lighting should be moderate, sufficient for live plants without promoting excessive algae. An inert substrate, like sand or specialized shrimp substrate, is preferred to avoid altering water parameters. Live plants, including Java moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri) and various Anubias species, are highly beneficial. They provide shelter, grazing surfaces for biofilm, and contribute to water purification.
Suitable tank mates for Neocaridina davidi are limited to very small, peaceful fish like Otocinclus catfish or small snails. Any fish large enough to fit a shrimp in its mouth should be avoided, as they will likely prey on the shrimp. Aggressive or predatory fish are entirely unsuitable and will cause stress or directly consume the shrimp.
Diet and Breeding
Neocaridina davidi are omnivorous scavengers, primarily feeding on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter within the aquarium. Their diet can be supplemented with commercial algae wafers, specialized shrimp pellets, and blanched vegetables like zucchini slices or spinach. It is important to feed them small amounts two to three times per week, removing any uneaten food within a few hours to prevent water fouling. Overfeeding can quickly degrade water quality, posing a risk to the shrimp.
Identifying gender in Neocaridina davidi is relatively straightforward, as females are generally larger and more robust, often displaying a “saddle” which consists of unfertilized eggs visible behind their head. Once fertilized, these females become “berried,” carrying green or yellow eggs tucked under their swimmerets. The molting process often precedes successful breeding, as it allows the female to release pheromones that signal her readiness to mate.
The eggs are incubated by the female for approximately 25 to 35 days, during which she constantly fans them to provide oxygen and prevent fungal growth. After this incubation period, miniature versions of the adult shrimp, known as shrimplets, hatch directly from the eggs. These shrimplets are self-sufficient and do not require specialized food in a well-established tank, as they will graze on the abundant biofilm and microscopic organisms present.