Fire Red Shrimp | Adult-Single

Fire Red Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi), also known as Cherry Shrimp (in their red color morph), are a popular species of freshwater shrimp in the aquarium hobby. These shrimp are known for their vibrant red coloration and ease of care, making them ideal for both beginner and experienced aquarists. Fire Red Shrimp are often kept in community tanks and planted aquariums, where they help maintain tank cleanliness and add a pop of color.
Key Characteristics of Fire Red Shrimp:
Size: Typically grow to around 2.5–4 cm (1–1.5 inches) in length.
Color: The Fire Red Shrimp has a bright, deep red coloration. The intensity of the red can vary based on genetics, diet, and water conditions.
Lifespan: These shrimp can live for 1-2 years with proper care.
Temperament: Peaceful and non-aggressive, making them suitable for community tanks with other peaceful species.
Behavior: Active and social, Fire Red Shrimp often spend time grazing on the substrate, plants, and aquarium surfaces in search of food.
Water Parameters for Fire Red Shrimp:
Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F). They prefer warmer water, so maintaining a stable temperature is important.
pH: 6.5–8.0. Fire Red Shrimp are relatively adaptable but do best in slightly acidic to neutral water.
Hardness: 6–10 dGH (degrees of general hardness). They tolerate a wide range of hardness levels, but softer water is usually preferred.
Ammonia & Nitrite Levels: Must be kept at 0 ppm. These shrimp are sensitive to toxins, so maintaining excellent water quality is crucial.
Nitrate Levels: Keep nitrates under 20 ppm for optimal health.
Aquarium Setup:
Tank Size: A minimum of 10-20 gallons is ideal, but they can also thrive in smaller tanks if well-maintained.
Substrate: A fine, nutrient-rich substrate such as sand or fine gravel works well. Avoid sharp-edged substrates, as they can damage the shrimp’s delicate bodies.
Filtration: Use a sponge filter or a gentle power filter to ensure low water flow. Strong currents can stress the shrimp.
Plants & Decor: Fire Red Shrimp enjoy having plenty of plants (like java moss, anubias, or cryptocoryne), hiding spots, and driftwood to feel secure. Live plants also help maintain water quality by absorbing excess nutrients.
Lighting: Moderate lighting is recommended. Too much light can encourage algae growth, but a balanced light cycle is good for plant growth and overall tank aesthetics.
Diet:
Algae: Fire Red Shrimp are excellent algae eaters and will graze on algae growing on rocks, plants, and substrate.
Shrimp Pellets: Offer high-quality shrimp pellets as a staple food. These are formulated to meet the specific nutritional needs of shrimp.
Vegetables: Occasional treats of blanched vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or cucumber are beneficial. Be sure to remove any uneaten food to maintain water quality.
Supplementary Foods: You can feed them specialized shrimp food, such as spirulina-based flakes or a variety of high-quality fish food.
Breeding Fire Red Shrimp:
Breeding Behavior: Fire Red Shrimp breed easily in a well-maintained tank. Female shrimp carry eggs under their tails (berried) and hatch into tiny larvae after 2–3 weeks.
Water Conditions for Breeding: To encourage breeding, keep water parameters stable, with good filtration and low levels of ammonia and nitrites. A slightly lower pH (6.5–7.0) can also help promote breeding.
Fry Care: The fry are miniature versions of adult shrimp and will molt as they grow. They can feed on algae, biofilm, and tiny organic particles in the aquarium. Make sure the tank is densely planted to give the baby shrimp plenty of hiding spots from larger fish.
Tankmates for Fire Red Shrimp:
Fire Red Shrimp are peaceful creatures and do well in community tanks, but they are small and can be eaten by larger or more aggressive fish. Suitable tankmates include:
Small, peaceful fish such as guppies, tetras, and rasboras.
Other shrimp species, such as other types of Neocaridina, or Amano shrimp.
Snails, such as Nerite or Mystery snails, which won't harm the shrimp.
Avoid tankmates like larger cichlids, aggressive fish, or predatory species, as these could pose a threat to the shrimp.
Benefits of Fire Red Shrimp in the Aquarium:
Algae Control: Fire Red Shrimp are excellent at keeping the aquarium clean by eating algae, uneaten food, and detritus.
Water Quality: By grazing on organic matter, they help maintain water quality by consuming excess nutrients.
Aesthetic Appeal: Their bright red color provides a vibrant contrast to green plants and the natural colors of the aquarium.
Natural Behavior: Observing Fire Red Shrimp adds life and movement to the tank, as they actively explore and interact with their environment.
Conclusion:
Fire Red Shrimp are a fantastic addition to freshwater aquariums, especially for aquascapers or hobbyists looking to add vibrant color and help maintain a clean tank. They are easy to care for, peaceful, and breed readily in stable conditions. With proper water quality, feeding, and tankmates, these shrimp will thrive and contribute to a balanced and beautiful aquarium.