Cherry shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Many cultivated colours; young develop in freshwater and colour forms can interbreed. A freshwater shrimp that gathers biofilm and small food particles. It is particularly vulnerable after moulting.
At a glance
- Scientific name
- Neocaridina davidi
- Dutch name
- Vuurgarnaal
- Water temperature
- 22–27 °C
- pH
- 7–7.6
- Adult length, up to approximately
- 4 cm
- Experience
- Basic knowledge
- General hardness (GH)
- 6–11 °dGH
- Starting footprint
- 45 × 30 cm
- Swimming or living zone
- Surfaces & plants
- Flow
- Gentle, with adequate oxygen
This is a documented adult size, not a measured average. SL means body length excluding the tail fin. Sex, origin and cultivated form can affect size.
Care guidance; origin and captive breeding can change requirements. Some ranges are deliberately narrower than natural extremes in the source. Adjust water gradually and keep ammonia and nitrite at zero.
Tank sizes are editorial starting points for adults, not guarantees for a complete stocking plan. Group size, tank height, swimming length and territories may require a larger aquarium.
Origin
Asia — Taiwan
Habitat & setup
Vegetated freshwater habitats; provide plants and quiet refuges.
Diet
Biofilm, small shrimp foods and occasional vegetable supplements. Feed sparingly and remove leftovers.
Behaviour & grouping
Group; dense cover for small and newly moulted animals.
Living with other animals
A shrimp-only aquarium is safest. Small calm fish may sometimes coexist, but can still eat juvenile shrimps.
Reproduction
Females carry eggs beneath the abdomen; development differs by species.
A suitable cover helps prevent escape and jumping. Protect intakes for small animals. Do not use copper-based fish medication with invertebrates.
Sources & image credits
Data compiled on: 2026-09-27. Species sources support identity and care; group sources give general starting points. Practical recommendations are an editorial synthesis.
Photo: Red_Cherry_Shrimp_1.jpg — TheJammingYam ( talk ). CC BY-SA 3.0.