Neocaridina heteropoda var. red Note: Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Synonyms None Distribution The wild form of this species occurs in China, Taiwan and Vietnam. Sexual Dimorphism Females are fuller bodied and usually a deeper red colour compared to the males. Mature females can be seen carrying eggs. Maximum Size 3cm (1.2") Water Parameters Will acclimatise to a wide range of conditions. pH: 6.0-8.0, dH: 6-25 degrees. Temperature 18-28 deg C (64-82 deg F) Compatibility Community Lighting No special requirements Care The beautiful Cherry Shrimp is an aquarium cultivated red form of Neocaridina heteropoda. These shrimp are highly social creatures and are best kept in large colonies. They are suitable for aquariums containing communities of small, peaceful fish only, as larger tankmates will regard them as a snack. Cherry shrimp are excellent algae eaters and will browse on many different algae types. Highly recommended for planted aquaria, they will not damage the plants, but instead, large groups of this species will keep the leaves free from algae. Floating plants seem to be particularly favoured, and these shrimp can often be seen 'hanging around' in the plant cover near the water's surface. Like most species of shrimp, a high nitrate level will not be tolerated; ensure high standards of water quality are maintained at all times. Cherry shrimp will moult regularly whilst growing, and the sudden appearance of perfectly formed shrimp casings on the floor of the aquarium can cause alarm to fishkeepers who have not seen this before. Once the shrimp has moulted, it will remain hidden for a time until the new shell hardens and it has a bit more protection. Feeding Will browse on algae. Supplement the diet with algae wafers, sinking pellets, small frozen foods such as daphnia and baby brineshrimp. Vegetable matter such as blanched spinach. Breeding Cherry shrimp often breed freely in the home aquarium given optimal conditions. Whilst they can be maintained in quite a wide range of water conditions, they do not tend to breed in water that is too acidic, or in water with a temperature below 21 deg C. The eggs are held underneath the female until hatching takes place (approx. 1 month), and will be visible as a yellow area on the abdomen. Unlike some species, the young do not go through a larval stage and, are instead, born as miniature replicas of the adult shrimp. Many aquarists like to cover the intakes of power filters with fine sponges to prevent the tiny youngsters from being drawn in.
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