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Red Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)
Photo: DirkBlankenhaus, CC BY-SA 3.0

Red Cherry Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Edited by Ivan F. · Reviewed

EasyFigures from specialist keeper sources

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 fish
Lifespan
1–2 years

Red Cherry Shrimp care mistakes to avoid

  1. Add them only to a mature tank, because they graze the biofilm that new tanks lack.
  2. Avoid copper. Many fish medicines and plant products containing it are fatal to shrimp.
  3. Change water in small amounts. Big, sudden swings can cause fatal molting problems.
  4. Keep predatory fish out, since most fish will eat babies and many will eat adults.

Red Cherry Shrimp tank mates

Common tank-mate questions

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 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.

Where to buy Red Cherry Shrimp

Stores that list it under the same scientific name as this page. We earn nothing from these links. We have not bought from them, so check each store's own terms.

Shop in:

Sold at The Shrimp Farm

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.

Complete the tank

The essentials for a small, gently filtered tank.

Shop in:

  • Tank size for this species

    At least 5 US gallons (19 L)

  • Filter

    Air-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

      Check the voltage: this filter runs from an air pump, which plugs in. Mains power is about 120 V in the US and about 230 V in Spain, so choose a pump sold for your own country.

      Maker's page

    • Fluval AquaClear 20 Power Filter US

      Check the voltage: this model is listed for the US. Mains power is about 120 V in the US and about 230 V in Spain, so do not assume it suits another country.

      Maker's page

    • Tetra Brillant Filter Spain

      Check the voltage: this filter runs from an air pump, which plugs in. Mains power is about 120 V in the US and about 230 V in Spain, so choose a pump sold for your own country.

      Maker's page

    • Fluval AquaClear 20 Power Filter Spain

      Check the voltage: this model is listed for Spain. Mains power is about 120 V in the US and about 230 V in Spain, so do not assume it suits another country.

      Maker's page · Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal

    Why we chose these (Best Filter for a 10-Gallon Tank). Nobody here has used or tested them.

  • Heater

    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

      Check the voltage: this model is listed for the US. Mains power is about 120 V in the US and about 230 V in Spain, so do not assume it suits another country.

      Maker's page

    • Aqueon Pro Adjustable Heater 50 W US

      Check the voltage: this model is listed for the US. Mains power is about 120 V in the US and about 230 V in Spain, so do not assume it suits another country.

      Maker's page

    • Fluval T50 Fully Electronic Aquarium Heater Spain

      Check the voltage: this model is listed for Spain. Mains power is about 120 V in the US and about 230 V in Spain, so do not assume it suits another country.

      Maker's page · Sold at zooplus.es

    • Eheim Thermocontrol e 50 Heater Spain

      Check the voltage: this model is listed for Spain. Mains power is about 120 V in the US and about 230 V in Spain, so do not assume it suits another country.

      Maker's page · Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal

    Why we chose these (Best Heater for a 10-Gallon Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.

  • Water Conditioner

    Dechlorinator such as Seachem Prime

    Tap water contains chlorine or chloramine that harms fish.

    Why we chose these (Best Water Conditioner for Betta Fish). Nobody here has used or tested them.

  • Test Kit

    Liquid kit such as API Freshwater Master

    Tracks ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH while the tank cycles.

    Why we chose these (Best Test Kit for a Freshwater Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.

Cycle the tank before adding animals. See our guide on how to cycle a fish tank.