What causes the White Ring of Death in Cherry Shrimp?

The White Ring of Death is a fatal molting complication where the old chitinous exoskeleton fractures unevenly across the cervical groove, exposing a white or clear band of hypodermis. It is triggered by general mineral deficiencies (GH

How do you distinguish male from female Neocaridina shrimp?

Females exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism: they are larger (up to 1.5 inches), feature deeper, rounded abdominal pleura designed to carry eggs, and display a dorsal 'saddle' (developing ovaries) behind the cephalothorax. Males are smaller, more slender, less vibrantly pigmented, and exhibit a straight, streamlined abdomen lacking protective lateral plates.

Neocaridina davidi (Cherry Shrimp) (Neocaridina davidi)

Q: What is the scientific classification of Cherry Shrimp?

Cherry Shrimp belong to the species Neocaridina davidi (formerly classified as Neocaridina heteropoda or Neocaridina denticulata sinensis ). They are decapod freshwater shrimp of the family Atyidae native to eastern China and northern Taiwan. While selective breeding has established morphs like Red Cherry, Blue Dream, Yellow Golden Back, Orange Sunkist, and Green Jade, they represent the identical biological species and will crossbreed.

Q: Are Neocaridina shrimp compatible with fish?

The only truly harmless fish companion is the herbivorous Otocinclus catfish. While adult shrimp can coexist with small, peaceful nano species (such as Chili Rasboras, Celestial Pearl Danios, and Ember Tetras), any fish with a mouth large enough to swallow a 2 mm shrimplet will opportunistically prey upon them. For maximum breeding yields, establish a dedicated species-only aquarium or provide extensive cover using dense Java moss and botanicals.

Atyidae Familypeacefulbeginner Care

Quick Answer

Neocaridina davidi (Cherry Shrimp) is a hardy freshwater invertebrate reaching 1.5 inches (3.8 cm). It thrives in stable, mature aquariums with a pH of 6.8 to 7.8, GH of 6 to 8 dGH, KH of 2 to 5 dKH, and TDS of 150 to 220 ppm. They spend their time grazing on biofilm and require plenty of hiding spaces, making them ideal for planted nano tanks.

Lifespan 2 years

Max Size 1.5 in (3.8 cm)

Difficulty beginner

Diet Omnivore

Quick Facts

Scientific Name	Neocaridina davidi
Common Names	Cherry Shrimp, Red Cherry Shrimp, RCS, Fire Red Shrimp
Family	Atyidae
Genus	Neocaridina
Temperament	peaceful
Care Difficulty	beginner
Lifespan	2 years
Maximum Size	Up to 1.5 in (4 cm)
Diet	Omnivore
Temperature	70–75°F (21–24°C)
pH	6.8–7.8
Hardness	6–8 dGH

Key Takeaways

peaceful
2 lifespan
Omnivore diet
Up to 1.5" adult size
70–75°F

Compatible Tank Mates

African Butterflyfish

Fair Match

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African Cichlid

Fair Match

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African Leaf Fish

Fair Match

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African Red Eyed Tetra

Fair Match

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Angelfish

Fair Match

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Apistogramma

Fair Match

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African Butterflyfish

Fair Match

More fish guides

African Cichlid

Fair Match

More fish guides

African Leaf Fish

Fair Match

More fish guides

African Red Eyed Tetra

Fair Match

More fish guides

Angelfish

Fair Match

More fish guides

Apistogramma

Fair Match

More fish guides

Neocaridina vs. Caridina Shrimp Husbandry

Feature	Neocaridina (Cherry)	Caridina (Crystal Red)
Scientific Name	Neocaridina davidi	Caridina cantonensis
Difficulty	Beginner	Intermediate to Advanced
pH Preference	6.8 – 7.8 (Neutral to Hard)	5.5 – 6.5 (Acidic / Soft)
Substrate Requirement	Inert Sand or Fine Gravel	Active Buffering Aquasoil
General Hardness (GH)	6 – 8 dGH (100–145 ppm)	4 – 6 dGH (70–105 ppm)
Carbonate Hardness (KH)	2 – 5 dKH (Buffers pH)	0 – 1 dKH (Zero buffer required)
Water Stability Needs	Adaptable; requires stable parameters	Obligate specialist; highly sensitive to shifts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific classification of Cherry Shrimp?

Cherry Shrimp belong to the species Neocaridina davidi (formerly classified as Neocaridina heteropoda or Neocaridina denticulata sinensis). They are decapod freshwater shrimp of the family Atyidae native to eastern China and northern Taiwan. While selective breeding has established morphs like Red Cherry, Blue Dream, Yellow Golden Back, Orange Sunkist, and Green Jade, they represent the identical biological species and will crossbreed.

What are the exact water parameters for Neocaridina shrimp?

Target a pH of 6.8 to 7.8, General Hardness (GH) of 6 to 8 dGH (approx. 100–145 ppm), Carbonate Hardness (KH) of 2 to 5 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) of 150 to 220 ppm, and water temperatures of 70 to 75°F (21 to 24°C). Parameter stability is far more critical than chasing exact figures; sudden osmotic shifts or GH depletion below 4 dGH interrupt ecdysis, causing fatal molting entrapment (the White Ring of Death).

What do Neocaridina shrimp eat?

They are continuous micro-grazers that feed primarily on naturally occurring biofilm, epiphytic microalgae, and decaying organic matter. In a mature aquarium, supplement 2 to 3 times weekly with high-calcium sinking shrimp pellets, spirulina wafers, or blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini). Always remove uneaten food within 2 hours to prevent bacterial surges and lethal planaria infestations.

Are Neocaridina shrimp compatible with fish?

The only truly harmless fish companion is the herbivorous Otocinclus catfish. While adult shrimp can coexist with small, peaceful nano species (such as Chili Rasboras, Celestial Pearl Danios, and Ember Tetras), any fish with a mouth large enough to swallow a 2 mm shrimplet will opportunistically prey upon them. For maximum breeding yields, establish a dedicated species-only aquarium or provide extensive cover using dense Java moss and botanicals.