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Red Cherry Shrimps (Neocaridina davidi)

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Care Requirements

  • Water Parameters: Red Cherry Shrimps thrive in a pH range of 6.5-8.0. They prefer slightly hard to moderately hard water to support molting.
  • Temperature: The ideal temperature range for Red Cherry Shrimps is 22-28°C (72-82°F).
  • Tank Setup: A heavily planted tank with plenty of hiding spots, such as moss, driftwood, and caves, is essential. These hiding spots help reduce stress, especially during molting periods.
  • Water Conditions: Red Cherry Shrimps are sensitive to ammonia and nitrite, so it's crucial to maintain good water quality through regular water changes and filtration.

Feeding Habits

  • Diet: Red Cherry Shrimps are omnivorous scavengers. They feed on algae, biofilm, and detritus in the aquarium.
  • Supplemental Feeding: Provide a balanced diet with shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables (such as spinach and zucchini), and occasional protein sources like bloodworms. Feed a small amount that can be consumed within a few hours to avoid polluting the water.

Behavior

  • Activity: Red Cherry Shrimps are active and social creatures, often seen grazing on plants and surfaces throughout the tank.
  • Social Structure: They thrive in groups and exhibit more natural behaviors when kept in colonies of at least 10-20 individuals.
  • Breeding: Red Cherry Shrimps breed readily in a well-maintained aquarium. Females carry eggs under their abdomen until they hatch into miniature versions of adult shrimps.

Tank Mates

  • Compatibility: Red Cherry Shrimps do well with small, peaceful fish that won’t prey on them. Suitable tank mates include small tetras, rasboras, and other non-aggressive species.
  • Avoid: Avoid keeping them with large or aggressive fish that may see the shrimps as food, such as cichlids and large barbs.

Additional Tips

  • Water Stability: Sudden changes in water parameters can be harmful. Aim for stable conditions and gradual changes if adjustments are necessary.
  • Hiding Spots: Ensure there are plenty of hiding places to reduce stress, particularly for molting shrimps.
  • Observation: Regularly check on the shrimp colony to ensure they are active and feeding. A decline in activity or population could indicate water quality issues or predation.

By adding Red Cherry Shrimps to your aquarium, you enhance its ecosystem with diligent scavengers that help maintain a clean and balanced environment while adding vibrant color and activity.

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