Cherry Shrimp

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Neocaridina davidi (formerly *Neocaridina heteropoda*) is native to Eastern China, Taiwan, and Korea. It inhabits small, slow-flowing streams, ponds, and rice paddies with dense aquatic vegetation, submerged tree roots, and decaying organic matter over muddy-sandy substrates.

Taxonomy: Belonging to the family Atyidae, this is a small freshwater dwarf shrimp reaching 2.5-3 cm in size. It has a robust, compact body shape. It possesses small, delicate claws equipped with sensory hairs designed to graze and collect fine organic food particles.

Social Behavior: Peaceful, active, and highly gregarious. They spend their time grazing on plants, substrate, and glass. They must be kept in groups of at least 10 individuals to feel secure; a larger colony size reduces stress and encourages active behavior during the day.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Wild specimens are brownish-green, but selective breeding has created many vibrant colors (Red Cherry, Yellow, Orange, Blue, Black). Females are larger, show more intense coloration, have a rounder abdominal profile, and display a visible yellow or green ovarian saddle on their backs.

Tank Setup: A tank of at least 15-20 liters is recommended. Decorate with driftwood, rocks, and plenty of mosses (like Java or Christmas moss) to provide shelter for shrimplets. A sponge filter or a filter intake covered with a fine sponge guard is mandatory.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous detritivores feeding on biofilm, micro-algae, decaying organic matter, and leaf litter. Supplement their diet with high-quality shrimp pellets, spirulina, blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini), and catappa leaves. Do not overfeed.

Water Quality: Very hardy and tolerant of varying values: temperature 18-26°C, pH 6.5-8.0, GH 6-15, KH 3-8, and TDS 150-300 ppm. Keep nitrites and ammonia at zero. Copper-based medications and algaecides are highly toxic.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Best kept in species-only setups or with small, peaceful micro-fish (e.g. Otocinclus, Boraras, small guppies). Do not house with large, active, or predatory fish (such as angelfish, cichlids, or gouramis) that will eat them.

Aquarium Breeding: Extremely easy. Females carry 20-40 eggs under their abdomen for 20-25 days. Direct development occurs; young hatch as tiny fully formed shrimp (1-2 mm long) that immediately feed on biofilm. No larval stage.

Risks and Diseases: Molting issues (failed ecdysis) due to lack of minerals (low GH) or sudden parameter changes. Susceptible to external parasites like *Scutariella japonica* and bacterial infections under poor water hygiene. Highly sensitive to copper.