Species profile
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Peaceful
Easy care
30 L minimum aquarium
2–3 cm adult size
Bottom all
Minimum group: 6
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Small colourful shrimp; breeds well in stable planted tanks.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
12–28 °C
pH
6–8
GH
6–25 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 6
Tank zone
Bottom all
Territory level
None
Predation risk
None
Bioload factor
0.15
Peaceful colonial shrimp that thrives in mature planted aquaria with biofilm-rich surfaces and abundant fine cover for juveniles.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
Yes
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
30 L
Minimum footprint
30 × 20 cm
Accepted scientific name
Neocaridina davidi
Alternative names
Cherry Shrimp, Red Cherry Shrimp, Neocaridina heteropoda (historical aquarium usage)
Native range
Domestic red aquarium form of an East Asian species; wild Neocaridina davidi occurs in parts of China, Taiwan and Korea.
Natural habitat
Use stable freshwater with plants, mosses, leaf litter or other grazing surfaces. Avoid sudden parameter shifts and copper-containing treatments that are unsafe for crustaceans.
Diet & feeding
Algae/biofilm grazer and detritivore. Supplement sparingly with complete shrimp foods, vegetable matter and occasional protein.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Females are larger, deeper-bodied and usually more intensely coloured; a developing ovarian 'saddle' may be visible behind the head.
Breeding
Direct developer in freshwater. Females carry eggs beneath the abdomen and release miniature benthic shrimp; no brackish larval phase is required.