Cherry Shrimp – Cherry

Neocaridina davidi, commonly referred to as cherry shrimp, are tiny, vibrant freshwater shrimp that have gained immense popularity among aquarium enthusiasts. They are a wonderful addition to any freshwater tank because of their vivid red color and laid-back personality.

These microscopic animals are not only lovely to look at, but they also improve the ecosystem in aquariums. As skilled scavengers, they consume algae, leftover food, and decomposing plant matter, which keeps the tank clean. Because of this, they’re a fantastic option for aquarists of all skill levels who want to keep their tanks balanced and healthy.

Because of their adaptability and hardiness, cherry shrimp are easy to raise and breed in captivity. They are peaceful enough to coexist with many other species and thrive in a range of water conditions.

Compatibility of cherry shrimp with fish and shrimp

Shrimp cherries

Cherry shrimp are easily turned into a live meal by nearby large, hostile fish. Apistogramma, a small fish, is capable of pecking and consuming them. As a result, caution should be used when selecting neighbors. Cherry shrimp can coexist peacefully with small, non-aggressive fish like corydoras, otocinclus, dwarf gourami, neons (other small haracinks), rasboras, and some types of killifish. However, any fish will probably eat shrimp babies. Ample moss, cover, and grass (ant grass) balance this issue.

Feeding cherry shrimp – cherry

Shrimp cherries

Feeding cherry shrimp is very easy, they accept virtually any type of food: blanched spinach, zucchini, seaweed, fish food, bloodworms and more. In a word – the cherniks are unacceptable to any food.
If shrimp are kept in a species aquarium, it is better to feed them once or twice a week. The amount of food needed for shrimp should be enough for them to eat it within ~ 2 hours. Excess food has a bad effect on shrimp. Overfeeding can lead to their death, and also affect the quality characteristics of the water in the aquarium (nitrogen/phosphates). Remember that shrimp are waste collectors in the wild. They eat everything they find 24/7.

The aforementioned is especially relevant to a shrimp-filled species aquarium. All shrimp, incidentally, adore dry leaves of almond, birch, and walnut. You can harvest these in the summer, dry them, and then occasionally toss them into the aquarium to keep the shrimp-eaters happy. Specialized foods are available for aquarium shrimp as well. Take the Tetra Crusta Menu, for instance, for a wide selection and comprehensive nutrition of crayfish and shrimp.

Cherries don’t need special attention when it comes to nutrition if the aquarium is a common one that contains fish. They will scavenge algae and consume fish food that sinks to the bottom for sustenance.

Moulting of cherry shrimp

It is no secret that all crustaceans periodically molt. Changing the old chitinous shell to a new one is the only way to grow. During the molting period, it is especially important for shrimp to have a shelter where the animal stays until its new shell hardens. Also, molting is a way to restore lost limbs. Shrimp lose them under a variety of circumstances (Airborne Forces Day, calling the mother-in-law a mop, etc.d.=). Also, a shrimp can lose its legs during the molting itself – if it cannot extract any limb from the old shell, the leg comes off. In general, if you suddenly saw a legless shrimp, do not worry, the leg will soon grow back during the next molt.

Many factors affect the molt’s success. The water’s calcium content is one of them. The building block of chitin for the shell is calcium. Iodine is one such element that is also crucial. It is a coenzyme involved in the production of chitin. The likelihood of the shrimp dying from inability to molt is very high if there is an iodine shortage. Iodinol is therefore your best friend if you have crustaceans in your aquarium. We can suggest Tetra Vital, a branded medication that also contains iodine.

Aquarium enthusiasts favor cherry shrimp because of their vibrant red color and ease of maintenance. By consuming leftover food and algae, these tiny, colorful shrimp not only look great but also contribute to the cleanliness of the tank. Cherry shrimp are a fun addition to any freshwater aquarium because they are easy to breed and add a vibrant splash of color. They are suitable for both novice and expert aquarists.

Reproduction and breeding of cherry shrimp

Like rabbits, or even better than them, shrimp are extremely fertile and reproduce readily. Cherry colonies multiply swiftly, and the females are always carrying eggs on their heads. It takes three weeks for an egg to hatch from a pregnant woman.

An image of cherry shrimp eggs

Determining the sex of cherry shrimp: male and female

It’s very simple to determine the sex of cherry shrimp. The female has a curved lower abdomen, is larger than the male, and is colored a darker shade of red. After a short while, having brought in shrimp, you will have no trouble determining the sex.

It is worth noting that the female cherry has a "saddle". It received this name due to its similarity in appearance to a saddle used for horses. Most "saddles" are yellow, but they can also be green. "Saddles" are a sign of sexual maturity, as well as a good indicator that you should expect the appearance of eggs in the near future. It is believed that green saddles arise due to the type of genetics of wild representatives. Cherry shrimp eggs are mostly yellow, but can also be green. If the "saddle" is green, then the eggs will be green and vice versa. There are no differences between green and yellow eggs, i.e.color does not affect the quality of the eggs and is not an indicator of the health of. saddle – a green or yellow saddle-shaped triangle on the back of the head (the ovaries are located here).

Shrimp cherries

Shrimp cherries

Shrimp cherries

Shrimp cherries

Shrimp cherries

Information about the shrimp Cherry, Skakur, and Faerah can be found online quite frequently, but in reality, they are all variants of Neocaridina shrimp with different colorations.

Specific variations of cherry shrimp

Let’s focus on Dennerle Shrimp King Active Soil, a specialized soil that many aquarists have already used and are satisfied with.

This substrate has been sawed specifically to meet the needs of shrimp farmers. It effectively reduces pH and kH and encourages plant growth in an aquarium containing shrimp.

Cherry shrimp are an excellent option for novice and seasoned aquarium keepers alike. They are a captivating addition to any tank because of their vivid red color and lively behavior. They are a flexible choice for various setups because they are simple to maintain and can flourish in a range of water conditions.

Cherry shrimp can contribute to the upkeep of a clean tank, which is one of the main advantages of keeping them. Because they are inherently scavengers, they maintain the equilibrium of the aquarium’s environment by feeding on leftover food and algae. This makes them useful additions to a community tank in addition to being aesthetically pleasing.

Cherry shrimp are a great option if you want to add some color to your aquarium or just enjoy the peaceful presence of these little creatures. They will delight any aquarist with their lively nature and easy care requirements.

Video on the topic

Like the Cherry shrimp, but much brighter

Cherry shrimp. A beautiful and easy-to-keep aquarium cleaner. // Clever Cricket

All about cherry shrimp or a cherry garden in an aquarium