Neocaridina heteropoda var. red
Note: Due
to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image
provided.
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Synonyms |
None |
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Distribution |
The wild form of this species occurs in China,
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Sexual Dimorphism |
Females are fuller bodied and usually a deeper
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Maximum Size |
3cm (1.2") |
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Water Parameters |
Will acclimatise to a wide range of conditions.
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Temperature |
18-28 deg C (64-82 deg F) |
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Compatibility |
Community |
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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.