One of the most popular and hardy freshwater invertebrates in the hobby. They come in a rainbow of selectively bred colors. They are excellent scavengers and algae eaters, perfect for nano planted tanks. They are completely peaceful and have a negligible bioload, though they are highly vulnerable to predation by almost any fish with a mouth large enough to eat them.
Cherry Shrimp At a Glance
Cherry Shrimp Tank Requirements
Will Cherry Shrimp fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Cherry Shrimp needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Cherry Shrimp against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Cherry Shrimp Water Parameters
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Cherry Shrimp Temperament & Compatibility
Cherry Shrimp Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Color Morphs
Sold in various vibrant color grades and morphs. Regardless of color, their husbandry, size, and behavior remain identical. They are best kept in colonies. Note: Mixing different color morphs in the same tank will result in offspring reverting to 'wild-type' (brown/clear) over a few generations.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Blue Dream Shrimp, Yellow Golden Back, Green Jade Shrimp, Rili Shrimp, Bloody Mary, Snowball Shrimp, Fire Red, Sakura
Cherry Shrimp Care Guide Summary
The Cherry Shrimp, scientifically known as Neocaridina davidi, belongs to the Invertebrates family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 3 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a fast growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Cherry Shrimp requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 19 litres and a tank length of at least 30 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 18°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6.5–8 and a general hardness of 6–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Cherry Shrimp is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. The Cherry Shrimp is typically available in one standard form.
Cherry Shrimp Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Cherry Shrimp, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, an established tank with natural algae growth, as they depend on it as a primary food source, and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress.
Cherry Shrimp Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Cherry Shrimp is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Cherry Shrimp Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Cherry Shrimp.
5 Gallon
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
Show 27 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Shrimp
How big does Cherry Shrimp get?
Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 3 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a fast growth rate.
What tank size does Cherry Shrimp need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 19 litres and a tank length of at least 30 cm are recommended for Cherry Shrimp. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Cherry Shrimp need?
Cherry Shrimp thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 18–28°C, a pH between 6.5 and 8, and a general hardness of 6–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Cherry Shrimp peaceful or aggressive?
Cherry Shrimp is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 0 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Cherry Shrimp should be kept together?
Cherry Shrimp is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Cherry Shrimp have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Cherry Shrimp benefits from established algae (otocinclus), plants - densely covered, and leaf litter/blackwater in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Cherry Shrimp
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Cherry Shrimp based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Japanese Ricefish (Medaka)
Oryzias latipes
Ideal Tank MatesPopondetta Blue-eye
Pseudomugil connieae
Ideal Tank MatesParkinson's Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia parkinsoni
Ideal Tank MatesPacific Blue Eye
Pseudomugil signifer
Ideal Tank MatesOgilby's Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia ogilbyi
Ideal Tank MatesOrange Delight Shrimp
Caridina loehae
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Cherry Shrimp
These plants pair well with Cherry Shrimp based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Carolina Fanwort
Cabomba caroliniana
Fish Similar to Cherry Shrimp
Blue Pearl Shrimp
Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis
A hardy, peaceful dwarf shrimp species closely related to the popular Cherry Shrimp. They are excellent scavengers that constantly graze on biofilm and algae. Due to their tiny size, they are extremely vulnerable to predation and are best kept in dedicated invertebrate setups or with very small, peaceful nano fish (like rasboras).
Bee Shrimp
Caridina logemanni
A highly prized dwarf freshwater shrimp known for its striking opaque color bands. Native to streams in Southern China, they require specific parameters to thrive: cool, highly oxygenated, acidic, and very soft water. This is usually achieved using RO (Reverse Osmosis) water remineralized with specific shrimp salts and active buffering soil. They are highly sensitive to nitrogen spikes and copper, and are extremely vulnerable to fish predation.
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
Caridina cantonensis
A sensitive, highly prized dwarf shrimp species known for its vivid red/white or black/white banding. Unlike the hardy Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina), Bee Shrimp require cool, soft, acidic water and typically require active buffering soil to thrive. They are peaceful grazers perfect for specific biotope setups.
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
A highly popular, industrious freshwater shrimp renowned for its unmatched algae-eating abilities. Popularized by aquascaper Takashi Amano, they are significantly larger and hardier than most dwarf shrimp (like Cherry Shrimp). They are notorious food-thieves during feeding time and excellent escape artists, requiring a tight-fitting lid. Their larvae require saltwater to develop, so they will not overpopulate in a freshwater aquarium.
Ghost Shrimp
Palaemonetes paludosus
A completely transparent freshwater shrimp native to the southeastern United States. While frequently sold as inexpensive feeder animals, they make fascinating, active scavengers for nano and peaceful community tanks. They tirelessly consume uneaten food and detritus but have a relatively short lifespan of 1 to 2 years.
Bamboo Shrimp
Atyopsis moluccensis
A large, completely peaceful freshwater filter-feeding shrimp. They use specialized fan-like appendages to catch microorganisms and fine food particles from the water column. They require an established aquarium with moderate to high water flow and tall resting places (like driftwood) directly in the current.