Bee Shrimp Information on this black colored variation of the common Crystal Red Shrimp. 
African Filter ShrimpInformation on this large filter feeding shrimp from Africa.
Amano ShrimpInformation on this very popular shrimp. Its name comes from Takashi Amano, the creator of ADA, who used these shrimp for algae eating purposes. It cannot breed in pure freshwater.
Bamboo ShrimpInformation on this wild caught species which is a filter feeder. It is very common to find in most pet stores and online. It is not possible to breed this species in pure freshwater.
Black Tiger ShrimpInformation on this elusive all black color variation of the common Tiger Shrimp. Its all black coloration is from selective breeding to widen the black stripes of the common Tiger Shrimp.
Blue Bee ShrimpInformation on this newly introduced species to the hobby. Not much is known and they are caught in the wild. Captive breeding is possible.
Blue Pearl ShrimpInformation on this beautiful blue colored species of the wild N. zhangjiajiensis shrimp.
Blue Tiger ShrimpInformation on this blue coloration variation on the common Tiger Shrimp. It is expensive and sometimes hard to find.
Cardinal ShrimpInformation on the very popular shrimp from Sulawesi Indonesia. Its colors are awesome.
Crystal Red ShrimpInformation on this extremely popular, difficult, expensive, and complex shrimp species. Selectively bred for coloration and other features.
Dark Green ShrimpInformation on this beautiful dark green colored shrimp. Its eggs are a nice lime green which really make this shrimp stand out. Its true scientic name and genus are in question.
Ghost-Glass-Grass ShrimpInformation on this wild caught and extremely cheap freshwater shrimp. It carries many different names and can be found in most pet stores. It is considered a feeder shrimp for freshwater aquarium fish.
Golden Bee ShrimpInformation on this all white relative of the Crystal Red Shrimp, Bee Shrimp, Orange Bee Shrimp and others. It is nicely colored but little is known as to its origin.
Harlequin ShrimpInformation on this specific species of shrimp found in Sulawesi Indonesia.
Malaya ShrimpInformation on this newly introduced and soon to be common species of shrimp.
Neocaridina Heteropoda ShrimpInformation on this wild caught grandfather of the selectively bred species Red Cherry Shrimp and Yellow Shrimp. There may be other selectively bred color variations unknown to the hobby at the moment.
Orange Bee ShrimpInformation on this wild species and the grandfather of the Crystal Red Shrimp, Bee Shrimp and others. Can be rare and hard to find.
Purple Zebra ShrimpInformation on this wild caught species. Unfortunately it cannot breed in pure freshwater and has slowly disappeared from the hobby as a result.
Red Cherry ShrimpInformation on the most common and most popular shrimp in the hobby. This is the ultimate beginners shrimp and most hobbyists begin with this species before venturing into more difficult/expensive shrimp.
Red Tiger ShrimpInformation on this red color variation of the common Tiger Shrimp. This color variation is apparently found in the wild and not selectively bred.
Red Tupfel ShrimpInformation on this very rare and almost impossible to find shrimp in the hobby. Hopefully it will someday become more available.
Snowball ShrimpInformation on this beautiful all white selectively bred shrimp. Its name comes from its eggs which are all white resembling snowballs.
Sulawesi ShrimpA gallery of photos of many different kinds of Sulawesi Shrimp from Indonesia. Newly introduced to the hobby in late 2007.
Tiger ShrimpInformation on this somewhat common shrimp. It is the less rare variation than its cousins: Blue Tiger, Red Tiger, Golden Eye and others.
White Bee ShrimpInformation on this elusive and very rare species of Bee Shrimp. It is definitely a cool looking shrimp.
Yellow ShrimpInformation on this selectively bred shrimp from the wild N. Heteropoda species. It breeds very well.
"Cambarellus montezumae" CrayfishInformation on care and breeding of this crayfish species.
"Cambarellus patzcuarensis" CrayfishInformation on care and breeding of this crayfish species.
"Procambarus acanthophorus" CrayfishInformation on care and breeding of this crayfish species.
"Procambarus allenii" CrayfishInformation on care and breeding of this commonly blue colored crayfish species.
"Procambarus clarkii" CrayfishInformation on care and breeding of this popular crayfish species which comes in several different colors.
"Procambarus cubensis" CrayfishInformation on care and breeding of this crayfish species.
"Procambarus enoplosternum" CrayfishInformation on care and breeding of this crayfish species.
"Procambarus sp. marble" CrayfishInformation on care and breeding of this crayfish species.
"Procambarus pubescens" CrayfishInformation on care and breeding of this crayfish species.
"Procambarus spiculifer" CrayfishInformation on care and breeding of this crayfish species.
"Procambarus toltecae" CrayfishInformation on care and breeding of this crayfish species.
"Procambarus vasquezae" CrayfishInformation on care and breeding of this crayfish species.
"Procambarus versutus" CrayfishInformation on care and breeding of this very cool colored species of crayfish.
Apple SnailInformation of the most common snail found in pet stores, the Apple Snail. Are they good or bad for a shrimp tank?
Malaysian Trumpet SnailInformation on the common Malaysian Trumpet Snail. They are great for all aquariums given several reasons.
Zebra Nerite SnailInformation on the beautiful Zebra Nerite Snail.
Pond SnailInformation on the common pond snail. They are not bad snails and are in fact good for any kind of tank especially shrimp-only tanks.
Ramshorn SnailInformation on the Ramshorn Snail including the different color variations and population control.
Sulawesi SnailsPhotos of the various species of Sulawesi Snails. There are more species than are pictured as well.
Aegla sp. argentina Species Info on care and breeding of this non-crab, non-shrimp creature.
Go to Planet Inverts HomeReturn to the homepage for news and update information.
Visit the Planet Inverts ForumGreat online community to exchange information and communicate with fellow hobbyists.
Visit the Planet Inverts StoreBuy Shrimp, Snails, Crayfish and more.
Visit the Photo GalleryAwesome Macro Photos. All photos are 1024x768 for desktop backgrounds.
Contact Planet Inverts at: ryan@planetinverts.com
Acclimating New Shrimp: Information on how to properly acclimate your newly arrived shrimp to your tank.
Are Hydra Harmful to Shrimp? Information on the unwelcomed Hydra in the freshwater aquarium including ways to prevent and remove them.
N. zhangjiajiensis: It's colors Information on this wild species and the many selectively bred color morphs that have evolved from it.
Packing a Winter Shipment Information on how to successfully pack shrimp for a wintertime shipment. Keeping the shrimp warm is very important.
Red Cherry Shrimp Hatching A rare photographic glimpse of a baby Red Cherry Shrimp hatching from an egg.
Information on the N. Palmata The orange coloration is actually the shrimp being infected with Acanthocepala.
Artificially Hatching Eggs Information on how to successfully hatch isolated eggs. Great method if you have a pregnant female die who has eggs.
Breeding Softwater Shrimp Information on how to successfully breed shrimp that require soft water. Tips and advice from user Kenshin.
Babaulti Shrimp: Mislabeled Information on how the Babaulti Shrimp variety is commonly mislabeled as different types of shrimp which vary in color. Good to know.
The Crystal Red Shrimp Grading Guide Information on grading the Crystal Red Shrimp. Includes information on how to identify specific features and what makes the grade.
Do-It-Yourself Shrimp Trap A how-to for making a homemade shrimp trap. Instead of chasing your shrimp with a net, let them do the work themselves.
Is it safe to dose fertilizers in a shrimp tank? An article about dosing fertilizers in a tank with shrimp. What is too much? What will kill them? Is it ok?
Are the shrimp naturally colored or dyed? An experiment conducted to see if imported shrimp are naturally colored or dyed by the supplier. Great article.
Safe Tankmates for Shrimp Information regarding what tankmates are safe for shrimp and what will definitely eat your shrimp. Very important.
Setting up a Shrimp Tank Information about setting up a new shrimp tank including details on exactly what should and shouldn't be used. Great info for beginners.
Shipping Inverts General information about shipping inverts. Proper packaging, insulation, heatpacks, etc. Great info for all hobbyists.
Shrimp and Leaf Litter Information about using leaf litter in a shrimp tank. Do shrimp do better with leaf litter? What leaves to use?
Shrimp Myths vs Truth What is true and what is false about shrimp keeping and everything related to the hobby. There are a lot of false statements out there so it is important to quell them.
Shrimp Rack Journals Two journals on setting up a shrimp rack for keeping multiple tanks using smaller space. Great tutorials with both journals by both Ryan and Pedro.
Sulawesi Expedition A Journal on the expedition conducted by Mimbon Aquarium from Germany. Photos and information about Sulawesi Indonesia as well as underwater photos of the habitat.
Water Change in the Winter Great information by Kenshin about changing the water during wintertime. You do not want very cold water to shock the shrimp. This is a great article for those in cold weather climates.
What is that bug in my tank? Information on the many creatures found inside a tank including planaria, hydra, and many others. Superb article by Satu in Finland.
Will these shrimp interbreed? Information about what shrimp are ok to house together in the same tank, and which ones will interbreed creating a hybrid. Great chart for easy comparision.
Why ship young shrimp? Information about why it is better to ship young shrimp and why it is better to buy young shrimp vs adults. Size is important when introducing shrimp to a new tank.
Awesome Close Up Photos! Great photos submitted by our members. Definitely worth a look.
Invert Tank Gallery Great Invert Tank Photos from our members. Great looking tanks.
Photos by Peter Maquire Awesome macro photos by Peter Maquire. These are some of the best out there!
For the Newcomer: Starting Information for the newcomer to the hobby. How to start, what to use, what not to do.
Why Shrimp? An Editorial What is it about shrimp thats makes the hobbyist love them so much? Great editorial.
So you want to raise Shrimp? Great editorial on gaining knowledge before you even start keeping shrimp.
Low Tech Macro Photography Quick tutorial on taking macro shots with a simple everyday camera and not professional equipment.
If it isn't broke: Don't fix it An Editorial on why sometimes its best to let things stay the way they are.
Aquatic Inverts: An Overview A great Article on the common invertebrates found in the Freshwater Aquarium Hobby.
Red Cherry Shrimp Molting Another great photo series from Peter Maguire featuring a Red Cherry Shrimp molting.
Planet Inverts SitemapNavigate the entire site on a simple page.
Neocaridina DenticulataInformation on this wild variety of shrimp from Taiwan.
Planet Inverts Video ArchiveNewly added videos of shrimp, snails and more.
About Planet Inverts.comJust as the title says...
Red Goldflake ShrimpAnother one of the cool looking shrimp from Sulawesi.
Brown Camo ShrimpAnother one of the Sulawesi Shrimp with a unique "camouflaged" coloration.
Orange Delight ShrimpAnother one of the Sulawesi Shrimp with a unique orange coloration.
Horned Nerite SnailA beautifully colored nerite snail with unique appendages.
Tracked Nerite SnailA red-orange colored snail with "tracks" running along its body
Zebra Nerite SnailInformation on the beautifully striped Zebra Nerite Snail.
Ninja ShrimpInformation on this rapid multi-color changing "Ninja". Many colors including black, red, brown, and more.
Shrimp Reproduction An explanation of the reproduction cycle of a Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp.
Killing Planaria and Hydra Use Fenbendazole to kill Planaria and Hydra without harming your Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp.
Do-It-Yourself Sponge Filters Save money on multiple Sponge Filters. Make them yourself.
Site Search
Quick Info
English name: Red Cherry Shrimp
Scientific name:
Neocaridina heteropoda var. red
Origin: Taiwan
Size male/female: 0.8 inch / 1 in Water temperature: 64 - 82 °F
Water Parameters: pH 6.5 - 8.0
Breeding Rate: very high
Behaviour: non-agressive
Difficulty: very easy
Articles
Members Window
Forum Login
Not a member? RegisterDisclaimer
All Shrimp Species Information have been submitted by members of Planet Inverts.com
Each Species Information Page is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without a formal written request
Red Cherry Shrimp | Neocaridina heterpoda var. red
Red Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina Heteropoda var. Red
Overview
The Red Cherry Shrimp is undoubtedly the most popular shrimp in the hobby due to the relatively easy ability to breed as well as their ability to live in many different water parameters. Most shrimp hobbyists start out with this species because of it easy requirements and to also learn about dwarf shrimp in general. Once acquiring experience in the hobby through keeping the Red Cherry Shrimp most hobbyists move on to the more difficult species like Tiger Shrimp and Crystal Red Shrimp. Other names for this species is Cherry Shrimp, Cherry Red Shrimp and the acronym R.C.S. means simply Red Cherry Shrimp (RCS).
The Beginner Shrimp
I highly recommend that any newcomer to the freshwater aquarium shrimp hobby start off with the Red Cherry Shrimp. This shrimp will teach you a lot, and mistakes causing shrimp deaths can be overcome due to their ability to readily breed. You also don’t want to make a mistake with another more expensive species. Red Cherry Shrimp are the least expensive shrimp in the hobby.
Background
The Red Cherry Shrimp is a selectively bred species, meaning that the red coloration was slowly bred out from the wild variety. A breeder, who is unknown, slowly bred the red trait out of the wild Neocaridina Heteropoda to achieve the all red coloration. Many thanks to whomever it is that completed the tedious task of selectively breeding this species. For more information on the wild type please visit the species information page for the Neocaridina Heteropoda. In the photo below notice the tiny amount of red coloration in the wild type. You can barely see the red speckles. Also notice the green saddle.
Wild Neocardina Heteropoda Female
Water Parameters
The Red Cherry Shrimp can be housed in many different water parameters. I have kept them in a pH range from 6.0 to 8.0, soft and hard water, temperatures from 72F to 84F and in many different soils like ADA Aquasoil and normal gravel. It is common knowledge that the Red Cherry Shrimp can live in almost any freshwater aquarium given that the tank is habitable and does not contain predators of course. Some have even reported putting them in ponds and in filterless tanks which I dont recommend however. In other words, the Red Cherry Shrimp is the hardiest shrimp in the freshwater aquarium shrimp hobby.
Feeding
Feeding the Red Cherry Shrimp is also easy as they accept virtually any kind of shrimp/fish food. They eat anything from blanched spinach, zucchini, algae wafers, shrimp pellets, fish flakes, bloodworms, and more. Red Cherry Shrimp are not picky eaters whatsoever. Feeding time is a good indicator of health and also if your Red Cherry Shrimp are breeding well. If a Red Cherry Shrimp colony is healthy then it will rush towards the food and jump all over each other in an attempt to grab a bite to eat, almost like ants. If they swarm the food that is a great sign, and of course if you see babies that is a sign that things are doing very well. Unenthusiastic feeding and constant hiding of the Red Cherry Shrimp is a good indicator that things are not good.
Feeding is best done once a day. Only feed an amount of food that the shrimp can finish within 2-3 hours maximum. It is not good to feed in excess and have food sitting for too long. Overfeeding is a known cause of death and can also cause water quality issues. Remember that shrimp are scavengers in the wild. They will eat whatever they find and are not used to a constant food source 24/7. Not feeding for one or two days is fine and will not harm this species at all. Sometimes I will not feed for a couple of days in order to let the shrimp cleanse their systems and keep the water clean at the same time.
Breeding
The Red Cherry Shrimp is extremely prolific, meaning that they breed readily and virtually around the clock. A healthy colony will quickly multiply and females will be constantly pregnant. It is typically 30-45 days from pregnancy to hatching. The best way to tell if a female is close to hatching her eggs is by the appearance of a set of eyes inside each egg. This is easy to spot and will let you know that hatching is literally days away. Another way to tell is by the emergence of a new saddle when the female still has eggs. The emergence of the saddle is the indication that the female is prepared to have a new set of eggs and that the current eggs are close to hatching. Please look at the photo below to see Red Cherry Shrimp Eggs with eyes.
Eggs with eyes
Red Cherry Shrimp Baby
Sexing
Sexing the Red Cherry Shrimp is very easy. Females are easy to identify as they are larger than the males, have a much darker red coloration, and also have a curved underbelly. In the photo below you can see how the male is smaller, has very little red coloration and the "under belly" is a straight line with no curved shape. After keeping the Red Cherry Shrimp for a little amount of time you will be able to sex this species without a problem.
Male and Female Red Cherry Shrimp next to each other:
Females will also have a "saddle" which is the common name for eggs which are still in the ovaries, located behind the head on the top of the bottom. It is called a Saddle due to the close appearance to the saddle you would find on a horse. Most "saddles" are yellow in color, however they can also be green. "Saddles" are a sign of sexual maturity as well as soon to come eggs. The theory on why the saddle is green is based on the fact that the wild Neocardina Heteropoda has a green saddle. It is thought that the green saddle re-emerges due to the wild type genetics.
The eggs of the Red Cherry Shrimp are mostly yellow but can be green as well. If the saddle is green then the eggs will be green and vice versa. There is no difference between having yellow eggs or green eggs. One is not better than the other and it is also not a health indicator. Please see the photos below for the different colorations of saddles and eggs on the Red Cherry Shrimp. A photo of this shrimp with yellow eggs can be found at the top of the page.
Female with yellow Saddle
Female with green Saddle
Female with green eggs
Related Pages
