The Neocaridina davidi, better known as the red cherry shrimpis a freshwater crustacean native to Asia. Easy to rear, it is commonly chosen by aquarium beginners for its aesthetic qualities and robustness.
Who is she?
Red cherry shrimp, from its scientific name Neocaridina davidiIt is distinguished by its bright red colour and small size. As an adult, this crustacean measures between 2 and 3 cm. With five pairs of legs and a segmented carapace, it has a fan-shaped tail for easy movement. They are gregarious animals, living in colonies and mainly active during the day.
La red cherry shrimp moults regularly to renew its exoskeleton. It is during these moults that the females become fertile. Reproduction takes place in freshwater and the females incubate the eggs under their abdomen. After a few weeks, they give birth to fully formed juveniles.
Males are generally smaller and lighter than females and lack the yellow ovarian spot on the back of the head. This distinction makes it easy to recognise the two sexes.
How do red cherry prawns live?
The lifestyle of the red cherry shrimp is mainly based on foraging and survival. They are mainly detritivorous and algivorous, feeding on algae and decomposing organic matter. In the aquarium, they are undemanding in terms of food, accepting most commercial foods as well as specific products for dwarf shrimp.
To keep these shrimps, you need suitable aquariums. They can live in water at temperatures ranging from 4 to 28°C, although 25-26°C is ideal. The pH should be between 6 and 8, and the water hardness (GH) should exceed 5° to ensure good shell renewal. Regularly test the water is imperative for maintaining a healthy, stable environment, particularly for monitoring nitrite and nitrate levels.
They are extremely sensitive to copper, so it is vital to avoid any products containing copper sulphate. To maximise their well-being, an environment rich in hiding places is recommended to offer them shelter during moulting.
How do red cherry prawns reproduce?
La reproduction of red cherry is easily achieved in captivity under certain conditions. The females incubate the eggs under their abdomen for several weeks before giving birth to fully formed juveniles. To encourage reproduction, it is advisable to use a special aquarium or to ensure that cohabiting fish are not predators.
Here are some key steps for successful aquarium reproduction:
- Ensure appropriate water parameters: stable temperature around 25°C, pH between 6 and 8, and water hardness greater than 5° GH.
- Maintain a low population density to reduce stress.
- Use water conditioners and bacteria activators to maintain a healthy environment.
By following these tips, you can maintain a thriving, self-regulating population of red cherry shrimp.
Aquarium maintenance
For those wishing to start a red cherry shrimp farm, here are a few essential points to bear in mind:
An aquarium of at least 20 litres is recommended to house at least five individuals. If you're new to aquarium keeping, this species is an excellent idea, thanks to its robustness and adaptability. Red cherry shrimp cohabit well with small, non-predatory fish, such as the aquarium shrimps.
Water parameters must be closely monitored to prevent any dangerous build-up of nitrites, nitrates and chlorine. Using water conditioners is also good practice for eliminating harmful substances. You can also consult this complete guide to successful shrimp aquarium breeding for detailed advice on optimum maintenance.
Red cherry shrimps like an environment rich in hiding places, which helps to reduce stress and protect individuals during moulting. Here's a list of things to consider when setting up your aquarium:
- Stones and roots create natural hiding places.
- A variety of aquatic plants to provide extra cover.
- Substrate designed to facilitate shrimp movement and activity.
Here is a table summarising the ideal conditions for maintaining red cherry shrimp:
| Parameter | Ideal value |
|---|---|
| Water temperature | 25-26 °C |
| pH | 6 – 8 |
| Water hardness (GH) | >5° |
| Minimum aquarium volume | 20 litres |
To find out more
If you're passionate about aquarium shrimp and want to explore other species, you can consult detailed resources at the best species to improve your aquatic ecosystem. To feed your shrimp efficiently, visit this site a complete guide to the right diet.
For those looking for reliable places to buy quality aquarium shrimp, here are a few suggestions best addresses and advice for your purchases.
As a young pet shop floor manager, I'm often struck by the popularity of red cherry shrimp among beginners. They offer a rewarding first experience of aquarium keeping, thanks to their resilience and ease of reproduction.
Finally, remember that every little helps to maintain a healthy habitat. Regular aquarium maintenance and monitoring of water parameters will ensure the health and longevity of your red cherry shrimps.
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