Head to head
Cherry Shrimp vs Vampire Shrimp
Cherry Shrimp
VS Vampire Shrimp
The cherry shrimp and the vampire shrimp are both popular freshwater shrimp from Asia, but they feed in completely different ways, one grazing algae and biofilm, the other filtering particles directly out of flowing water.
| Cherry Shrimp | Vampire Shrimp | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Neocaridina davidi | Atyopsis moluccensis |
| Feeding style | Grazes algae and biofilm | Filters particles from the water current |
| Size | Small | Relatively large among ornamental shrimp |
| Colouring | Bred into a vivid solid red | Naturally more muted purple-brown tones |
| Breeding ease in captivity | Breeds very readily | Not known as an easy aquarium breeder |
| Water flow needs | Comfortable in still or slow water | Needs a steady current |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore |
| Native range | Taiwan | Southeast Asia |
Cherry Shrimp vs Vampire Shrimp: common questions
How do the feeding styles of the cherry shrimp and vampire shrimp differ?
The cherry shrimp grazes algae, biofilm, and leftover food off surfaces, while the vampire shrimp instead holds out fan-shaped appendages in a current to filter tiny food particles directly from the passing water.
Which is bigger, the cherry shrimp or the vampire shrimp?
The vampire shrimp is bigger, growing larger than many small ornamental shrimp species, including the comparatively tiny cherry shrimp.
Which breeds more easily in a home aquarium, the cherry shrimp or the vampire shrimp?
The cherry shrimp, which reproduces readily without special intervention, unlike the vampire shrimp, which is not known for being an easy aquarium breeder.