The world of aquariums can be exciting and fulfilling. Whether you’re an experienced aquarist or a beginner, adding shrimp to your tank can take your hobby to the next level.
In this article, we will focus on one of the most popular shrimp species in the aquarium hobby – the Cherry Shrimp.
General Info and Species Summary
Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina heteropoda) are a freshwater shrimp species originating from Taiwan and Japan. These freshwater invertebrates are small and colorful, making them a popular choice for many aquarium enthusiasts.
Cherry Shrimp are usually less than an inch long, with a lifespan of up to two years. These shrimps are easy to breed, making them a great choice for those interested in raising their own shrimp colony.
Cherry Shrimp have different grades based on the intensity of their red coloration. There are four grade levels: C, B, A, and SSS (Super Snow White).
Color grading of Cherry Shrimp
Cherry Shrimp are a popular choice of shrimp for their bright red coloration. They come in different color grades based on the intensity and consistency of their color.
The grading system starts from low-grade C to high-grade SSS. While the C grade shrimps have a faded and less intense color, the B grade shrimps have a more consistent red.
The A-grade shrimps are more vibrantly red, but SSS are the highest-grade with pure white bodies and solid red coloration.
Lifespan and Breeding Potential of Cherry Shrimp
Cherry Shrimp have a lifespan of up to two years. They are easy to breed, making them a great choice for those interested in raising their own shrimp colony.
To breed Cherry Shrimp, you need to provide them with a safe and comfortable environment that mimics their natural habitat.
The breeding process starts with female shrimps carrying their eggs for about three to four weeks before hatching.
Shrimp breeders usually keep the eggs safe in a separate environment to prevent them from being eaten by other fish species in the aquarium.
Cherry Shrimp Care
Base Water Parameters for Cherry Shrimp
Cherry Shrimp can thrive within a wide range of pH levels, but the ideal range is between 7-8 pH. The water temperature should be maintained between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Using a high-quality water conditioner is crucial in maintaining the water quality. Also, using a test kit, you can monitor the nitrite and nitrate levels in your tank.
Proper water conditions are essential for the well-being of the shrimps.
Water Cleanliness and Filtration Systems
Maintaining water quality is critical in keeping shrimp healthy. The nitrite and nitrate levels should be kept under control, and the water should be clean.
Adding a filtration system to your tank can help in maintaining cleanliness by removing toxins, debris and other pollutants. When cleaning your aquarium, you should avoid using soap or other chemicals that could harm the shrimp.
A gravel cleaner can help in removing any uneaten food or debris.
Adding Cherry Shrimp to a New Tank
Adding Cherry Shrimp to a new aquarium can be potentially stressful for the shrimps. The acclimation process is key to making sure the shrimps adapt to their new environment.
When adding the shrimp to the tank, it is important to use a net to avoid any damage or injury to the shrimps. Cherry Shrimp Tank Setup, Size and Habitat Suggestions
When setting up your tank, it is advisable to use a substrate that is safe for shrimp such as sand or small pebbles.
The ideal tank size should be at least 5 gallons or more, providing ample space for the shrimp to swim and explore.
Adding live aquatic plants can provide hiding places for the shrimps, giving them a sense of security.
Provide them with enough plants to create a natural and comfortable environment for them. It is also crucial to maintain the water quality by performing regular water changes of about 25% every two weeks.
Conclusion
Cherry Shrimp are an excellent choice for beginners and experienced aquarium enthusiasts alike. They are easy to care for and breed, making them a satisfying addition to any aquarium.
By ensuring their water parameters and habitat are in the optimal range, and by providing ample hiding space, you can enjoy these colorful creatures for years to come.
3) Food and Diet
Cherry Shrimp Diet in Nature
In the wild, Cherry Shrimp are omnivores, feeding on a mixture of plants and small organisms. They spend most of their time scavenging for food and picking algae, biofilms and mosses off rocks and other objects.
These shrimps will also eat small aquatic insects, worms, and other small invertebrates.
Recommended Foods for Cherry Shrimp in Tanks
In a tank set up, there are different diets that shrimp can be fed. Some of the recommended foods for Cherry Shrimp include pellet mixes, vegetables, and even some fruit.
The pellet mix should contain a well-balanced mix of proteins, vitamins, and minerals that can mimic the shrimp’s natural diet. Vegetables like spinach, zucchini and lettuce are also great food sources for Cherry Shrimp.
These vegetables should be blanched before feeding to make them more edible.
Overfeeding and Water Quality
Overfeeding is a common mistake that aquarium enthusiasts make when feeding their Cherry Shrimp. Overfeeding often leads to excess food that can negatively affect the water quality, ultimately leading to poor water conditions.
It is important to feed food in small amounts and not exceed the recommended feeding frequency. Feeding Cherry Shrimp once a day in small quantities is usually adequate.
Leftover food should be removed to avoid fouling the tank and negatively impacting the water quality.
4) Behavior and Temperament
Cherry Shrimp Activity and Docility
Cherry Shrimp are active and busy creatures. They are often seen exploring and scavenging throughout the aquarium, moving from one hiding spot to another.
They prefer hiding spots in the form of aquatic plants, caves, and rocks. One of the reasons Cherry Shrimp is such a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts is their docile and non-aggressive nature.
They are peaceful and social creatures that can live in groups without exhibiting aggressive behaviors. They manage to thrive alongside compatible tank mates.
Cherry Shrimp Shedding Process
Like all crustaceans, Cherry Shrimp have an exoskeleton that they must shed to grow. Cherry Shrimp will regularly shed their exoskeleton to accommodate their growth.
During this process, they are more vulnerable to attacks by other fish species in the aquarium.
Shrimp will consume their old exoskeleton to recover the nutrients and minerals they require to grow a new one.
The frequency of the molting process can vary, but it is common to see Cherry Shrimp molting once a month.
Cherry Shrimp Tank Mates
Cherry Shrimp can thrive within a community of compatible tank mates. Their non-aggressive nature makes them suitable for living alongside other aquatic species.
Some of the compatible tank mates for Cherry Shrimp include Amano shrimp, Ghost shrimp Vampire shrimp, and other non-aggressive fish species. Amano shrimp are one of the most popular tank mates for Cherry Shrimp.
They coexist peacefully, and they share the same diet requirement. The ghost shrimp is also a great option since they are inexpensive and live well with Cherry shrimps.
Vampire shrimp are omnivores like Cherry Shrimp, but they have a more peculiar look with their long legs and antennas. When kept with compatible tank mates like Cherry Shrimp, vampire shrimp are typically docile and stay out of trouble.
In conclusion, Cherry Shrimp are a popular and easy-to-care-for species in the aquarium hobby. By providing them with their ideal water conditions and the right diet, most hobbyists can breed and raise these colorful creatures successfully.
Although they may be small and docile, they are active and social creatures that bring life to any aquarium. Keeping them alongside compatible tank mates can make them more enjoyable by adding to the vibrant array of colors in the tank.
5) Breeding Cherry Shrimp
Cherry Shrimp are known to be easy to breed and often start breeding without requiring any specific treatments or conditions. While breeding Cherry Shrimp, it is important to provide an optimal environment, food sources, and the right tank mates.
Preparatory Phase for Breeding Cherry Shrimp
To prepare for breeding Cherry Shrimp, hobbyists need to create a conducive environment. The ideal temperature should be around 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Providing vegetation like java moss or other aquatic plants can provide hiding and breeding places for your shrimps. High-protein food should also be provided to the Cherry Shrimp a few weeks before breeding commences.
This will help in boosting their fertility. Special feeds like brine shrimp or high-quality dry food are recommended to keep them healthy and prepare them for breeding.
Signs of Breeding in Cherry Shrimp
The most noticeable sign of breeding in Cherry Shrimp is the presence of a berried female. Berried females are female shrimps that carry visible eggs attached to their swimmerets.
The eggs can range from transparent to green or yellow color. Another sign is the presence of a group of shrimp that are positioned in a specific part of the tank.
Usually, these shrimp groups are all male or all female, indicating that breeding is about to commence. Once shrimps are in the breeding process, ensure that they are kept in their groups to prevent stress.
Hatching and Raising Baby Cherry Shrimp
When the eggs are laid by the female Cherry Shrimp, they are usually attached to the female’s swimmerets. They typically take around three weeks to hatch.
After the newborn shrimps are hatched, they remain hidden during their early stages of life. Hobbyists can use a brine shrimp net to carefully catch the larvae or tiny shrimp and move them to nursery tanks for further growth.
Newborn Cherry Shrimp require specific food and conditions in order to survive and grow. Feeding them with specific high-quality foods like chewing vegetable matter, specialized shrimp food, or freshly hatched brine shrimp is essential to their survival, growth, and development.
Providing moderate-level water flow to replicate the natural conditions is also necessary. In addition to feeding, breeders must keep a close watch on the water parameters because sensitivity to poor water quality could compromise the young shrimp that are still in their early development stage.
It is recommended to keep their water in optimal conditions similar to adult shrimp parameters. Breeding Cherry Shrimp can be a rewarding and satisfying process for aquarium enthusiasts.
By providing them with their ideal environment, diet, and optimal water conditions, they tend to breed naturally without any specific treatments. With proper preparation and care, beginner to experienced aquarists can successfully raise these colorful and friendly creatures and sustain generations of thriving shrimp colonies.
Cherry Shrimp are a popular and easy-to-care-for species in the aquarium hobby, known for their bright colors and peaceful nature. Breeding Cherry Shrimp is a rewarding process that requires providing a conducive environment, the right food, and optimal water conditions.
Overfeeding and poor water quality can cause the shrimp harm, so it’s important to provide a healthy diet and maintain water conditions regularly. Cherry Shrimp are active, social creatures that can coexist peacefully alongside compatible tank mates.
By following the right guidelines, beginners and experienced aquarists can successfully breed and raise these creatures and sustain generations of thriving shrimp colonies.