Family: Atyidae
Distribution: The red Neocaridina heteropoda, or Red Cherry Shrimp, originates from the waters of Taiwan. The wild form, however, comes from North Vietnam and China.
PH: 6.5 – 8.0
Temperature: 18 – 28°C (64 – 82°F)
Hardness: gH 12
Description: The Red Cherry Shrimp is the most popular shrimp in the hobby, and an excellent species for beginners. Males will reach 2 cm in length; females can reach up to 3 cm. Females have a much darker red colour and a curved underbelly. This selectively bred species has an intense red colouration that can fluctuate in its intensity dependant on mood. It is possibly the cheapest shrimp in the industry to purchase.
Diet: The Red Cherry Shrimp is not a fussy eater and will go for any typical shrimp food. It also enjoys vegetables, pellets and bloodworms. This shrimp loves to eat and if yours are unenthusiastic about food – instead remaining in hiding – then something is probably wrong.
Breeding: Healthy Red Cherry Shrimp are prolific breeders. This species doesn’t have a larval stage; the female carries her eggs for 3 – 4 weeks and produces young shrimp which measure around 2 mm in length. This is one of the easiest species to breed.
Comments: This species will do best in a tank with sand substrate, plenty of plantation and roots. It is one of the most adjustable species to different conditions, although temperatures below 20°C may affect its ability to breed.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: Smaller tetras – Glowlight, Cardinal and Neon, for example – may make good tank mates. Avoid puffers, loaches and, of course, aggressive cichlids.
Originally posted 2010-01-21 11:32:51. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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