Cherry shrimp – ideal for a beginner aquarist

Cherry shrimp are a well-liked option for novices who have never kept an aquarium. Not only are these tiny, colorful creatures stunning to look at, but they are also hardy and simple to take care of, which makes them ideal for beginners.

Cherry shrimp liven up any tank with their vivid red coloring. They are frequently suggested for beginning aquarists because they are tranquil, low-maintenance, and able to flourish in a range of environments.

Cherry shrimp are visually pleasing, but they also contribute to tank cleanliness by consuming leftover food and algae. They are a useful addition to your aquarium and will help keep the environment healthy for all of your aquatic life because of their inherent cleaning ability.

Habitat and features of life in nature

Shrimp from freshwater Neocaridina Davidi inhabits the rivers, streams, and lakes of China, Korea, and Japan, as well as other South Asian nations.

The abundance of aquatic vegetation and the dense tropical forests that encircle the reservoirs are characteristics of these areas. Trees release leaves into the water, which saturate it with tannins and humic substances that prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria. The pH drops as a result of this as well.

Due to deliberate or inadvertent migration, this species of shrimp has spread to other parts of the world, including Western Germany (Rheft), Hawaii (around Oahu), and other places.

It spreads to new areas primarily through aquarists releasing extra pets (the shrimp reproduces actively).

Ecologists view this as a severe issue since Neocaridina Davidi rapidly supplants regional rivals.

The difference between a male and a female

External characteristics that set the female Cherry apart from the male include:

• Large sizes (4 cm versus 2 in the male);
• Darker and more saturated color;
• Rounded abdomen (in males it is flat);
• The presence of a mating period of t.n. Cryptocoryne Gudoro can be found along the banks of some rivers that are characterized by a fast current and high mineralization.

The eggs’ color is determined by the saddle’s color.

Cherry shrimp are a perfect choice for beginner aquarists due to their hardy nature, easy care, and vibrant color. Eating algae, these little peaceful shrimp are great at keeping tanks clean and thrive in a variety of water conditions. They are a flexible addition to any freshwater aquarium because they get along well with a wide variety of other species. For those who are new to the hobby, they are a great place to start because of their adaptability and low maintenance requirements.

Keeping conditions

Cherry shrimp are housed in clusters of five. When there are fewer of them, they will act covertly.

One liter is the minimum and two liters is the ideal amount of water for each animal. Using a larger aquarium is preferable, t.to. Neocaridina Davidi procreates expeditiously.

It is appropriate to use oxygen-rich water with a total salt content of 150–180 (TDS). The use of preparations based on copper is strongly discouraged since the concentration of this element should not be greater than 0.125 mg/l.

For instance, copper sulfate is a component of numerous anti-snail and medicinal complexes. However, since there is very little cuprum in them, using copper microfertilizers for plants is not prohibited.

The Cherry shrimp is intolerant of nitrogen-containing toxins in addition to copper:

Drop tests must be used to keep an eye on these substances’ concentrations.

Add bark or leaves of the Indian almond tree to the aquarium on a regular basis to guarantee that the water has the same restorative qualities as natural reservoirs in the tropics and subtropics.

Soil and vegetation

Any type of soil will work, even fertile ones. Dark is a better option.

There should be more vegetation because it both acts as a haven during the molting season and processes the waste products of the colony, which are too abundant and oppressive. Clusters of shrimp enjoy feeding on food that has dropped onto the leaves while perched atop shoots.

They are particularly susceptible to:

If there are fish in the aquarium, mossy thickets are a great addition because the young fish can hide here during their first few weeks of life. Even non-aggressive species will swiftly consume bare ground when coexisting.

Nutrition

Shrimp with red cherries are omnivores. Fish food, algae, vegetable porridge, blanched spinach, zucchini, bloodworms, etc. are all happily ingested by them. Although specialized food is also sold, it is not required to purchase it.

The red pigment astaxanthin is required in the animals’ diet to maintain their distinctive cherry color. It comes from a variety of sources, including the microscopic algae Haematococcus Pluvialis and the yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous.

It is also useful to give spirulina: it is rich in vegetable protein, amino acids, vitamins and minerals necessary for maintaining health and immunity.

For shrimp, overfeeding poses a serious risk. Animals are negatively impacted by this because it causes the water to become saturated with phosphates and nitrogen contaminants. Feed in enough so that it is consumed in full in two hours.

Crustaceans are not fed separately if there are fish in the aquarium in addition to "cherry blossoms." They feast on plant remnants and consume fish food that has dropped to the bottom. By the way, under ideal circumstances, their primary food consists of algae and decaying leaf litter on the bottom.

Breeding

At three to four months, Neocaridina Davidi reach sexual maturity and are incredibly fertile. In comfortable circumstances, females almost completely replace one another during pregnancy.

For two to three weeks, they produce 20 to 30 eggs (depending on the temperature). Initially, the mother places them in the saddle before moving them to the abdomen.

The eyes’ maturity, which is visible under a magnifying glass, speaks of the eyes’ maturity. Another indicator of impending spawning is the development of a new saddle on the upper portion of the female shell.

It is important to consider that cherries and other NeoCaridina Davidi representatives have an intolerable color.

In order to protect it, the breeders select the young animals through breeding, keeping the ones with the brightest colors.

For the same reason, crossing shrimp with different colors is not allowed; the resultant offspring will either be transparent, have poor paint jobs, or revert to the "wild" coloring of a gray-green camouflage variety. For example, individuals of the same sex must be kept together in the aquarium if you wish to keep red and yellow (lemon) fish. The broodstock must be kept in a different container in order to replenish the species.

Crustaceans stop reproducing when the water quality is poor or when they are disturbed by hostile fish. Additionally, there are documented instances of young females shedding their eggs prior to their first spawning. The precise reason is unknown; it could be because of the shrimp’s small size or lack of experience.

Because they require little maintenance and can easily adjust to a variety of aquarium conditions, cherry shrimp are an excellent option for novices. Because of their vivid color, which enhances the beauty of any tank, they are well-liked by aquarists of all skill levels.

Cherry shrimp can live peacefully in community tanks with many types of fish and other aquatic life because of their peaceful nature. As a result of their scavenging behavior, which includes eating leftover food and algae, the tank remains clean.

Cherry shrimp add aesthetic appeal and usefulness to your aquatic environment, making them a low-maintenance and rewarding addition to any aquarium.

Video on the topic

Cherry Shrimp

CHERRY SHRIMP. KEEPING AND BREEDING .

Cherry Shrimp, Amano. Keeping experience

CHERRY SHRIMP. KEEPING AND BREEDING IN AN AQUARIUM

Cherry shrimp, cherry, reproduction, keeping, feeding and compatibility with fish in an aquarium!