Invertebrates
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi · also called red cherry shrimp
Grazing steadily across a bed of biofilm, a vivid red cherry shrimp carries a cluster of eggs beneath its body, a colour so deep and solid that it took generations of selective breeding to transform from the comparatively plain wild shrimp found in Taiwan’s streams.
Overview
The cherry shrimp, Neocaridina davidi, is native to fresh water in Taiwan, though the vividly coloured strains seen in aquariums today are the product of selective breeding. Its deep red colouring, ease of breeding in captivity, and usefulness as an algae grazer make it one of the most popular small invertebrates kept in freshwater aquariums worldwide.
From plain wild shrimp to aquarium favourite
The cherry shrimp’s famous solid red colour did not occur naturally in its wild Taiwanese ancestors, but emerged through generations of careful selective breeding aimed at intensifying and stabilising a colour trait that originally appeared only faintly.
Status
Not Evaluated for conservation status, with the wild form native to Taiwan and selectively bred colour strains now common in aquariums worldwide.
Cherry Shrimp: common questions
Is the cherry shrimp's bright red colour natural?
Not entirely; the vivid, solid red colouring popular in aquariums is the result of selective breeding from a naturally plainer, less colourful wild form found in Taiwan.
Does the cherry shrimp breed easily in a home aquarium?
Yes, it reproduces readily without special intervention, and a stable, well-maintained tank can see its population grow steadily on its own over time.
How does the cherry shrimp carry its eggs?
Females carry a visible cluster of eggs beneath the abdomen until the young hatch directly as fully formed miniature shrimp, without a separate larval stage.
Is the cherry shrimp good for a community aquarium?
Yes, it is small and peaceful, making it compatible with a wide range of calm community fish and other shrimp species.