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Cherry Shrimp

Cherry Shrimp

Origin

🇹🇼

Taiwan

Habitat Size

20-50 Liters

Water Type

Fresh Water

Water Temperature

18º-26ºC

Cost in India

₹50 - ₹100

Size

1 - 1.5 inches (Nano)

Diet

Omnivore

A translucent red cherry shrimp with bright red spots rests on a vibrant green leaf
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by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 1 Dec 2025

Cherry Shrimp (scientific name Neocaridina davidi) are small freshwater shrimp loved by aquarium keepers. They often show bright red colors (though other color forms exist) and are gentle in nature. They are popular because they are pretty, fun to watch, and not too hard to care for.

Origin of Cherry Shrimp

  1. These shrimp originally come from parts of eastern China and northern Taiwan.
  2. Over time, because of the aquarium trade, they have been introduced elsewhere, too.
  3. The red color form (which most people call “Cherry Shrimp”) is a color-selected variety made by breeders.

Cherry Shrimp Temperament

  1. Cherry Shrimp are peaceful and non-aggressive creatures.
  2. They like to move around slowly, graze on surfaces, and explore.
  3. When they molt (shed their shell), they are vulnerable and often hide until their new shell hardens.

Compatibility

Good companions include other small, peaceful creatures, such as:

  1. Otocinclus catfish
  2. Small snails
  3. Other dwarf shrimp

Avoid fish that are large or aggressive (ones that can eat the shrimp).

For best breeding success, many people keep Cherry Shrimp in a shrimp-only aquarium.

Cherry Shrimp Price Range

  1. Single Cherry Shrimp (normal grade): ₹50-₹70 per shrimp
  2. Imported Pair/Higher Grade: ₹350-₹400 for a pair
  3. Pack of 5: ₹125

Characteristics

Temperament

Aggressive

Friendly

Compatibility with other fishes

Not Friendly

Super Friendly

Habitat Size

Small

Large

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Cherry Shrimp Habitat Requirements

Initial Setup Cost

₹3,000 - ₹6,000

Water Temperature

18º -26ºC

Water Type

Fresh Water

PH Level

6.5 - 7.5

Tank Type

  1. Cherry Shrimp live in freshwater tanks (not saltwater or brackish).

Cherry Shrimp Aquarium Size

  1. A colony can do well even in a 5-gallon (≈19 L) tank, though a larger tank is safer and more stable.
  2. Very small tanks are harder to maintain and more likely to have unstable water.

Water Conditions

  1. Temperature: 65–85 °F (18–29.5 °C)
  2. pH level: 6.2 to 8.0, but many keepers aim around 7.0 – 7.8
  3. Water Hardness (gH): 4–10 dGH is good
  4. Carbonate Hardness (kH): Moderate values (somewhere like 3–15)
  5. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): 150–250 ppm in many cases

Essential Equipment

Aquarium tank

Water filter

Heater

Light

Substrate

Cherry Shrimp Environment Needs

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹50 - ₹ 100

  1. Plenty of hiding spots make them feel safe: plants (especially moss), rocks, and driftwood are great.
  2. Plants not only look nice but also grow biofilm, which shrimp eat.
  3. Use gentle filtration, such as a sponge filter or just a filter that has a sponge cover, so baby shrimp don’t suck them in.
  4. Lighting needs to be regular rather than too harsh so that algae and microorganisms can grow.
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Cherry Shrimp Nutritional Guide

Common Health Issues

Fungal infections

Bacterial infections

Parasitic infections

Ammonia poisoning

White spot / ick

Fungus

Signs of good health

Active

Bright coloration

Good apetite

Undamaged fins

Signs of sickness

Loss of appetite

Lethargic behaviour

White film

Dull coloring

Tattered fins

Diet Type

  1. Cherry Shrimp are omnivores (they eat both plant matter and small bits of animal matter).
  2. They are also opportunistic detritivores (they eat decaying material) and graze on biofilm.

Suitable Foods

  1. Commercial shrimp food, such as:
  2. Sinking pellets
  3. Algae wafers
  4. Small flakes
  5. Blanched vegetables, such as:
  6. Zucchini
  7. Spinach
  8. Cucumber (after being cooked, a bit soft)

They also feed on algae and microorganisms growing in the tank.

Cherry Shrimp Feeding Frequency & Tips

  1. Feed a small amount once per day—only what they can finish in a couple of hours. Overfeeding can pollute water.
  2. If the tank is well planted and matured, they may find enough natural food (biofilm) and need less extra food.
  3. Remove leftover food if it does not get eaten, so water quality stays good.

Prerequisites for a Fish

Adequate tank space

Cleanliness

Effort & commitment

Enriching Environment

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Written by

Happy Pet Team

Author

Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Cherry Shrimp easy to care for?

Yes, Cherry Shrimp are considered beginner-friendly due to their hardy nature and low maintenance requirements. They thrive in stable freshwater aquariums with adequate hiding places and plant cover.

What tank mates are compatible with Cherry Shrimp? What tank mates are compatible with Cherry Shrimp?

Ideal tank mates include small, peaceful fish like tetras, rasboras, and small catfish species. Avoid keeping them with large, aggressive fish or species known to prey on shrimp.

Can Cherry Shrimp live with plants in the aquarium?

Yes, Cherry Shrimp appreciate live plants like Java Moss, Anubias, and Hornwort, which provide them with hiding places, grazing surfaces, and contribute to water quality. Plants also help simulate their natural habitat.