If you’re new to aquariums and looking for something small, colorful, and interesting, red cherry shrimp are often one of the first creatures people hear about. They’re tiny, bright red, constantly moving, and surprisingly fun to watch. At the same time, beginners often feel confused about them. Are they fish or something else? Are they hard to keep? Do they need special tanks?
The truth is, red cherry shrimp are one of the best beginner-friendly aquarium animals you can keep, as long as you understand a few basics. They don’t need fancy equipment, they don’t need much space, and they can live peacefully in planted tanks when conditions are right.
This guide explains exactly what red cherry shrimp are, where they come from, how they live, and why so many aquarists love them.
What Exactly Are Red Cherry Shrimp
Red cherry shrimp are small freshwater shrimp known for their bright red color. Their scientific name is Neocaridina davidi. You might also hear them called cherry shrimp or simply neocaridina shrimp.
They are not fish. They are invertebrates, meaning they don’t have a backbone. Instead of scales, they have a hard outer shell called an exoskeleton. As they grow, they shed this shell in a process called molting.
In the aquarium hobby, red cherry shrimp are popular because they are hardy, adaptable, and easy to breed.
Where Do Red Cherry Shrimp Come From
In the wild, neocaridina shrimp are native to parts of East Asia, especially Taiwan and nearby regions. They live in slow-moving streams, ponds, and shallow rivers with lots of plants, rocks, and biofilm.
The red color we see in aquariums is not common in the wild. It was developed through selective breeding over many generations. Breeders chose shrimp with stronger red coloration and bred them together, slowly creating the bright red shrimp we know today.
This selective breeding is why red cherry shrimp come in different color intensities.
Why Red Cherry Shrimp Are So Popular
One reason red cherry shrimp are loved is their behavior. They are always busy. They walk across plants, wood, rocks, and glass, constantly grazing on tiny food particles and algae.
They are also peaceful. They don’t attack fish, plants, or other shrimp. In a calm tank, they simply go about their business.
Another big reason is that they are forgiving. Compared to many shrimp species, red cherry shrimp can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. This makes them perfect for beginners who are still learning.
Different Grades of Red Cherry Shrimp
Not all red cherry shrimp look the same. They are often sold in grades based on color strength.
Lower-grade shrimp have lighter red or even transparent patches. Higher-grade shrimp are deep red, sometimes called sakura or fire red shrimp.
For beginners, grade does not matter much. Lower-grade shrimp are usually cheaper and just as hardy. In fact, many beginners prefer them because they handle small mistakes better.
Color improves naturally over generations if conditions are good.
How Big Do Red Cherry Shrimp Get
Red cherry shrimp stay small. Adults usually reach about 2.5 to 3 centimeters in length. Females are slightly larger and more colorful than males.
Because of their size, they can live comfortably in small tanks. Even a nano tank can support a healthy shrimp colony if it is set up properly.
Red Cherry Shrimp Behavior
Shrimp behavior is calm and interesting to watch. They spend most of their time grazing. Sometimes they swim suddenly for short bursts, especially after a water change or during breeding.
Molting is a normal behavior. You may see an empty shell in the tank and think a shrimp died. That’s just the old shell. The shrimp hides for a while after molting because it is soft and vulnerable.
Seeing molts regularly is actually a good sign that shrimp are growing.
What Do Red Cherry Shrimp Eat
Red cherry shrimp are omnivores and scavengers. They eat a wide variety of food.
In a planted tank, they feed on:
• Algae
• Biofilm
• Decaying plant matter
• Microorganisms
You can also supplement their diet with shrimp pellets, algae wafers, blanched vegetables, or specialized shrimp food.
Overfeeding is a common beginner mistake. Shrimp need very little food. In many tanks, feeding two or three times a week is enough.
Tank Setup for Red Cherry Shrimp
Red cherry shrimp do best in stable tanks. A planted tank is ideal, but not mandatory.
Important things include:
• Gentle filtration
• Stable temperature
• Plenty of hiding places
Sponge filters are especially popular because they don’t suck up baby shrimp and provide extra grazing surfaces.
Plants, moss, driftwood, and rocks help shrimp feel safe and encourage natural behavior.
Water Conditions They Prefer
Red cherry shrimp are adaptable, but stability matters more than exact numbers.
They generally prefer:
• Neutral to slightly alkaline water
• Moderate hardness
• Stable temperature
Sudden changes are dangerous for shrimp. Even if water parameters are not perfect, shrimp do well as long as conditions stay consistent.
Do Red Cherry Shrimp Need a Heater
In most homes, red cherry shrimp can live without a heater if room temperature stays stable. They tolerate a wide temperature range.
However, extreme cold or rapid temperature swings can cause stress. In colder regions, a heater is helpful to maintain consistency.
Can Red Cherry Shrimp Live With Fish
Yes, but carefully.
Peaceful, small fish that don’t hunt shrimp can live with them. However, baby shrimp are tiny and can be eaten by many fish.
Shrimp do best in:
• Shrimp-only tanks
• Heavily planted tanks
• Tanks with very peaceful fish
Even with friendly fish, expect some baby shrimp loss. That’s normal.
Breeding Red Cherry Shrimp
One of the most exciting things about red cherry shrimp is how easily they breed.
When conditions are good, females carry eggs under their abdomen. These eggs hatch into tiny shrimp that look like mini adults.
No special breeding setup is required. Stable water, enough food, and hiding spots are usually enough.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Most shrimp problems come from simple mistakes.
Common issues include:
• Overfeeding
• Sudden water changes
• Using medications unsafe for shrimp
• Adding copper-containing products
Shrimp are sensitive to copper, so always check product labels.
Are Red Cherry Shrimp Right for You
If you enjoy watching small details, calm movement, and natural behavior, red cherry shrimp are a great choice. They don’t need much space or constant attention, but they do reward patience.
They are perfect for beginners who want to learn balance and observation rather than constant intervention.
Final Thoughts
Red cherry shrimp are more than just tank cleaners. They are living creatures with interesting behavior, gentle personalities, and surprising resilience. When kept in a stable environment, they thrive, breed, and turn any aquarium into a living ecosystem.
For beginners, they are one of the best introductions to the shrimp-keeping side of the hobby. Simple care, peaceful nature, and beautiful color make them a favorite for a reason.