Red Cherry Shrimp

Red Cherry Shrimp | Neocaridina davidi var. red — Vivid Red Colour for a Planted Aquarium

Red Cherry Shrimp, also known as Red Sakura Shrimp, is a selectively bred Neocaridina variety with a brighter red colour than the Cherry Shrimp. Its vivid appearance makes it an eye-catching addition to a planted freshwater aquarium. The species is easy to keep and can be maintained in tap water.

Provide well-filtered water, dense planting and floating plants to soften the lighting. A dark-coloured substrate can enhance the shrimp’s red appearance. Red Cherry Shrimp accepts shrimp food, boiled spinach and other vegetables, and reproduces readily in suitable conditions.

Specifications

• Common name: Red Cherry Shrimp, Red Sakura Shrimp

• Scientific name: Neocaridina davidi var. red

• Origin: Selectively bred variety; wild colour varieties are found in China, Taiwan and Vietnam

• Colour: Bright red

• Minimum aquarium size: 20 litres

• Suggested stocking: 10–12 shrimp in a 30-litre aquarium

• Temperature: 22–28°C

• pH: 6–8

• Water hardness: Not critical

• Filtration: Well-filtered water is essential

• Diet: Shrimp food, boiled spinach and other vegetables

• Breeding: A fertilised female carries around 20–25 eggs; young shrimp hatch after about a week and reach sexual maturity at around four months

• Life expectancy: 1–2 years

How to Keep Red Cherry Shrimp

1. Choose a suitable aquarium: Use an aquarium of at least 20 litres. A 30-litre tank can accommodate around 10–12 shrimp.

2. Provide plants and cover: Densely plant the aquarium and add floating plants to soften the lighting.

3. Use effective filtration: Maintain well-filtered water for the shrimp.

4. Maintain suitable water conditions: Keep the temperature between 22–28°C and the pH between 6 and 8. Water hardness is not critical.

5. Offer a varied diet: Feed shrimp food and supplement it with boiled spinach and other vegetables.

6. Maintain the red colour variety: Avoid mixing them with other Neocaridina varieties if you want to preserve the red colour in future generations.

Care & Maintenance Tips

• A dark substrate can make the shrimp’s red colour more noticeable.

• Use floating plants to soften the aquarium lighting.

• Keep the aquarium well filtered and maintain stable conditions within the stated temperature and pH ranges.

• Watch for berried females carrying eggs; young shrimp hatch after about a week.