Neocaridina davidi

The Red Cherry Shrimp, a selectively bred color morph of Neocaridina davidi, is a popular invertebrate in the freshwater aquarium hobby, originally native to streams and ponds in Taiwan. For their optimal care, a mature and stable aquarium environment is paramount. While a small tank is sufficient, a slightly larger volume helps maintain stable water parameters, which is crucial for their health. These shrimp are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in water chemistry. A stable pH and general hardness (GH) are vital for successful osmoregulation and, most importantly, for molting. The minerals provided by a moderate water hardness are essential for them to build their new exoskeletons. Ammonia, nitrite, and especially copper are highly toxic to them, so a well-cycled tank and careful use of medications or fertilizers are necessary.

In terms of habitat, a densely planted tank is highly recommended. Live plants, particularly mosses like Java Moss or fine-leaved stem plants, provide ample surface area for biofilm and algae to grow, which is their primary food source. These plants also offer crucial hiding places for freshly molted, vulnerable shrimp and their tiny offspring. A low-flow filtration system, such as a sponge filter, is ideal as it provides gentle water movement and surface area for grazing without the risk of sucking up the shrimp.

As communal and non-aggressive shoal animals, they should be kept in groups. A small colony will quickly establish itself, and their confidence and natural foraging behaviors will be more apparent. When choosing tank mates, caution is essential. Their tiny size makes them a potential meal for most fish. Ideal companions include Otocinclus catfish, small rasboras, neon tetras, and other dwarf shrimp species. Any fish large enough to fit a shrimp in its mouth should be avoided.

Breeding Red Cherry Shrimp is remarkably straightforward. Females are typically larger and more intensely colored than males and will develop a yellowish or greenish cluster of unfertilized eggs in their ovaries, known as a 'saddle'. After molting, they release pheromones to attract a mate. Once fertilized, the eggs are transferred to her swimmerets, where she carries them for about 3-4 weeks. The eggs hatch into fully formed, miniature versions of the adults, requiring no specialized care. Providing a varied diet of high-quality sinking pellets, blanched vegetables, and natural algae will ensure their health and encourage prolific breeding.

The Red Cherry Shrimp is a specific color variant of Neocaridina davidi, a freshwater decapod crustacean belonging to the family Atyidae. Originating from Taiwan, its wild counterparts are typically a less conspicuous brown or green, an adaptation for camouflage. The vibrant red phenotype is the result of intensive selective breeding in aquaculture. Its IUCN Red List status as 'Least Concern' (LC) reflects its robust and widespread wild population.

Physiologically, N. davidi exhibits a low metabolic rate and very low oxygen consumption, traits that contribute to its minimal bioload (bioload_factor: 0.3) in a closed aquatic system. This makes it an efficient inhabitant for nano aquariums, provided that stable water parameters are maintained. Osmoregulation and ecdysis (molting) are two of the most critical biological processes for this species. It requires a General Hardness (GH) between 4-8 dGH (approximately 70-140 ppm) to provide the necessary calcium carbonate and magnesium for proper exoskeleton formation. Fluctuations in Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), for which a level around 200 ppm is a good benchmark, can induce osmotic stress. The species thrives within a temperate range, with instability or extremes outside this range leading to reduced lifespan, failed molts, and reproductive cessation.

Ecologically, N. davidi functions as a detritivore and a primary consumer of biofilm and microalgae. In its ecosystem, both natural and artificial, it occupies a low trophic level, playing a vital role in nutrient cycling by processing organic waste and converting it into biomass. Its compressiform body shape and constant foraging behavior across all tank zones demonstrate its adaptation to scavenging in complex benthic environments with low water-flow.

Reproductive biology is a key factor in its popularity. N. davidi is characterized by direct development. Unlike many crustaceans that have planktonic larval stages, the female broods the eggs on her pleopods until they hatch into fully formed, benthic post-larvae. This reproductive strategy significantly increases offspring survival rates in a contained environment and removes the need for specialized larval rearing protocols. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced; females are larger, exhibit more robust coloration, and develop a visible saddle of oocytes dorsal to the digestive tract prior to fertilization.