Cherry Shrimp Red (Neocaridina davidi)

Neocaridina davidi 'Red' (Red Cherry Shrimp or RCS) is the most widely kept and recommended freshwater dwarf shrimp in the world. A selectively bred strain of Neocaridina davidi — a Taiwanese freshwater shrimp species — the Red Cherry displays vivid red colouration that has been intensified through generations of selective breeding. Higher grades (Sakura, Fire Red, Painted Fire Red) display deeper, more uniform red with increasing intensity.

Females are more vividly coloured than males, a reverse of the typical aquarium fish pattern. Mature females display solid red colouration and are notably larger, particularly noticeable when carrying a clutch of green eggs in the saddle below the dorsal carapace — these eggs are transferred to the abdominal pleopods (swimmerets) after moulting, where the female fans them until hatching approximately 21–28 days later.

Red Cherry Shrimp are among the hardiest of all freshwater shrimp, tolerating a wide range of water conditions with remarkable robustness. They adapt to moderately hard tap water without issue and breed prolifically under good conditions — a single female can produce 20–30 young per clutch, and populations grow quickly in established, predator-free tanks.

In the planted aquarium, Red Cherry Shrimp serve as excellent detritivores and algae grazers — consuming hair algae, diatoms, soft algae, and organic waste. A colony of 20–30 in a 60-litre tank provides meaningful cleaning assistance while creating a dynamic, lively addition to the aquarium.

Tank Setup: A minimum 20-litre planted nano tank for a starter colony. Provide ample hiding places: moss (Java moss, Christmas moss), dense plants, biofilm-covered rocks and wood. Fine substrate. Sponge filter recommended — protects shrimp from being sucked up and provides biofilm for grazing.

Water Parameters: Temperature 18–28°C; pH 6.5–8.0; GH 6–15 °dH; KH 3–10 °dH. Remarkably adaptable — most Belgian tap water is suitable. Avoid copper (toxic to all shrimp), extremes of pH, and sudden parameter changes.

Feeding: Omnivore/detritivore. Primary food is biofilm and algae grazed from all surfaces. Supplement with blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, cucumber), shrimp-specific pellets (Shrimp King Complete, Bacter AE for biofilm), and algae wafers. Feed every 1–2 days — avoid overfeeding.

Tank Mates: Keep with peaceful nano fish only: small tetras, Ember Tetras, Otocinclus, Pygmy Corydoras, and other small peaceful species. Most fish 4 cm+ will eat adult shrimp. Avoid cichlids, loaches, Bettas (may attack), and any fish large enough to eat them.

Behaviour: Active grazers — constantly moving over surfaces picking at algae and biofilm. Females carry eggs for 21–28 days. Freshly moulted shrimp are vulnerable for several hours — this is normal. Colony populations grow steadily if conditions are right.

Health: Hardy. Main risks are copper exposure (instantly lethal), sudden pH/parameter changes, and predation. Never use copper-based plant fertilisers or fish medications. Weekly 10–15% water changes are sufficient for established colonies.