Shrimp · Neocaridina davidi

Cherry shrimp care guide

Also called: Red cherry shrimp, Neocaridina shrimp, Neo shrimp, Neocaridina heteropoda, Sakura shrimp, Fire red shrimp, Blue dream shrimp, Blue velvet shrimp, Yellow shrimp, Orange sakura shrimp, Green jade shrimp, Chocolate shrimp, Rili shrimp

Cherry shrimp are small, hardy freshwater shrimp bred in red, blue, yellow, orange, green and black. They graze algae and leftovers and breed readily in a planted tank, but they need stable water, no copper and no fish big enough to eat them.

Cherry shrimp need a tank of at least 5 gallons (19 L), a group of 10 or more, and water at 20–27°C (68–81°F) with a pH of 6.5–8. They grow to about 3 cm (1.2 in) and are peaceful.

Plan a tank with cherry shrimpSee all tank mates

Cherry shrimp quick facts

Scientific nameNeocaridina davidi
FamilyAtyidae
OriginStreams and ponds of Taiwan, eastern China, Korea and Vietnam (the colour forms are captive-bred)
Adult size3 cm (1.2 in)
Minimum tank5 gallons (19 L)
Temperature20–27°C (68–81°F)
pH6.5–8
Hardness (GH)6–12 dGH
Group size10 or more (colony)
TemperamentPeaceful
Swims atBottom
DietOmnivore
Care levelEasy
Lifespan1–2 years
Safe with plants?Yes

Tank setup

A 5-gallon (19 L) tank is the smallest that stays stable enough for a starter colony of 10, and 10 gallons (38 L) or more is easier. Use a sponge filter or cover the intake with foam so babies aren't sucked in. Moss and plants give them food and hiding places. Only add shrimp to a fully cycled, mature tank.

How many cherry shrimp in a tank?

The smallest common tank that suits cherry shrimp is a 5 gallon. Here is roughly how many fit in each size when they are the only fish, based on adult size and waste output. Leave room if you want tank mates.

TankCherry shrimp (alone)
3 gallonToo small
5 gallon10–69
10 gallon10–139
15 gallon10–209
20 gallon10–279
20 gallon long10–279
29 gallon10–405
40 gallon10–559
55 gallon10–769
75 gallon10–1049
125 gallon10–1748

What you need for cherry shrimp

Sized for a 5 gallon tank, the smallest common size that suits a group of 10 cherry shrimp. For a different tank or a mix of fish, use the stocking calculator for a list sized to your plan.

Tank and equipment

Food and extras for cherry shrimp

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Water parameters

Aim for 20–27 °C (68–81 °F), pH 6.5–8.0 and 6–12 dGH; most homes are warm enough without a heater. They need minerals in the water to molt properly, and stable water matters more than exact numbers, so make small, regular water changes. Copper is deadly to them, so check medications, fertilizers and foods.

Best tank mates for cherry shrimp

These popular species share cherry shrimp' water needs and temperament. See the full list of 72 good matches.

Avoid keeping cherry shrimp with

  • Angelfish: Angelfish eats small shrimp like cherry shrimp.
  • Betta fish: Betta fish eats small shrimp like cherry shrimp.
  • Common goldfish: Common goldfish eats small shrimp like cherry shrimp.
  • Dwarf gourami: Dwarf gourami eats small shrimp like cherry shrimp.
  • Fancy goldfish: Fancy goldfish eats small shrimp like cherry shrimp.
  • Oscar: Oscar eats small shrimp like cherry shrimp.

Feeding

They graze algae, biofilm and leftover food all day. Feed a small pinch of shrimp pellets or sinking food a few times a week, plus blanched zucchini or spinach. Remove uneaten food after a few hours. Leave molted shells in the tank, as they eat them for minerals.

Behavior

Completely peaceful and safe with plants, snails and other peaceful shrimp. Any fish that can fit a shrimp in its mouth may eat them, and many small fish pick off babies. The safest companions are snails, otocinclus and tiny peaceful fish, with plenty of moss for cover. Keep one Neocaridina colour per tank, since mixed colours interbreed.

Breeding

They breed easily in a mature tank without hungry fish. A berried female carries 20–30 eggs under her tail for about three to four weeks, and tiny, fully formed shrimp hatch with no larval stage. Young mature in about two to four months. Females are larger and more colourful, often with a yellow 'saddle' of developing eggs behind the head.

Tips from experienced keepers

  • Never use copper-based medicine in a shrimp tank. Check plant fertilizers and fish foods for copper too.
  • Acclimate new shrimp slowly, ideally by drip, over about an hour. Sudden changes can cause failed molts.
  • Add moss or dense plants so babies can hide and find food.
  • Keep one colour per tank. Mixed Neocaridina colours breed together, and the young fade toward wild brown.
  • Feed lightly. Leftover food fouls a small tank quickly.

Frequently asked questions

How many cherry shrimp should I start with?

Start with at least 10. A group that size almost always includes both males and females and gives the colony a good start.

Can cherry shrimp live with a betta?

Sometimes, but it's risky. Many bettas hunt adult shrimp and most will eat babies. If you try it, use a heavily planted tank with lots of moss and expect some losses.

Do cherry shrimp need a heater?

Often not. They do well at normal room temperature, about 20–27 °C (68–81 °F). Use a heater only if the room gets colder than that, and avoid sudden temperature swings.

Sources

We checked these references when writing this page. Values are for healthy long-term keeping, not survival limits. Last reviewed 2026-10-13. See our editorial policy.