Tankwise

Hardy, colourful dwarf shrimp that graze on algae and biofilm. Keep in a group and avoid fish that see them as food.

  • Temperature18–26 °C
  • pH6.5–8
  • Minimum tank20 L
  • DifficultyBeginner
FoodBiofilm & algae; shrimp food or spinach
FeedingA tiny feed every 1–2 days
Water change10–15% weekly or fortnightly

Behaviour and habits

Cherry shrimp graze almost constantly on biofilm and algae, and become far bolder once the tank is thick with cover. They moult as they grow, and a settled colony breeds with no help at all.

What to feed, and how often

In a planted tank they need almost nothing extra, living on algae and biofilm; in a clean tank, offer a shrimp food or a blanched spinach leaf once or twice a week. One tiny feed every day or two is plenty, and any uneaten food should be lifted out so it does not foul the water.

Water changes and maintenance

Change only 10–15% at a time, weekly or fortnightly, and drip the new water back in slowly. Their true enemy is a sudden shift in water, not old water — stability matters far more than volume.

Care and how easy it is

Hardy and easy once the tank is mature; the two rules are stable water and no fish that will eat them.

Lifespan

With good conditions and steady water quality, this species typically lives around 1–2 years in a home aquarium; some individuals live longer.

Common health problems

Mostly affected by moulting problems from unstable water, and occasional bacterial infections.

If it gets sick

The commonest problem is a failed moult from unstable GH or temperature — steady those first. Never use copper-based medicines, which kill shrimp outright.

Good tank mates

OtocinclusIntermediate
OtocinclusOtocinclus vittatus
  • 22–27°C
  • pH 6–7.5
  • 50 L+
Catfish · Peaceful · Herbivore
Nerite snailBeginner
Nerite snailNeritina natalensis
  • 22–28°C
  • pH 7–8.4
  • 20 L+
Shrimp & snails · Peaceful · Herbivore
GuppyBeginner with population planning
GuppyPoecilia reticulata
  • 22-26 C
  • pH 7.0-8.5
  • 60 L+; 60 x 30 cm base
Livebearers | Social; males pursue females | Omnivore
PlatyBeginner
PlatyXiphophorus maculatus
  • 20–26°C
  • pH 7–8.2
  • 50 L+
Livebearers · Peaceful · Omnivore
Neon tetraIntermediate; stable group aquarium
Neon tetraParacheirodon innesi
  • 21-25 C
  • pH 6.0-7.5
  • 60 L+; 60 x 30 cm base
Tetras & rasboras | Peaceful shoaler | Omnivore

Best avoided with

Similar species

Amano shrimpIntermediate
Amano shrimpCaridina multidentata
  • 15-28 C published range
  • pH 6.0-8.0
  • 40 L or more for a small group; editorial starting plan
Shrimp & snails | Group-living grazer | Omnivore
Crystal red shrimpAdvanced
Crystal red shrimpCaridina cantonensis
  • 20–24°C
  • pH 5.8–6.8
  • 20 L+
Shrimp & snails · Peaceful · Omnivore
Blue dream shrimpBeginner
Blue dream shrimpNeocaridina davidi
  • 18–26°C
  • pH 6.5–8
  • 20 L+
Shrimp & snails · Peaceful · Omnivore

Compare at a glance

ParametersCherry shrimpAmano shrimpCrystal red shrimp
Parameters
Temp18–26 °C20–27 °C20–24 °C
pH6.5–86.5–7.55.8–6.8
GH4–15 °dGH5–15 °dGH4–8 °dGH
Min. tank20 L20 L20 L
Size3 cm5 cm3 cm
DietOmnivoreOmnivoreOmnivore
TemperamentPeacefulPeacefulPeaceful
DifficultyBeginnerBeginnerAdvanced

Care guides

GuideThe Best Beginner Aquarium PlantsLive plants are not hard — some are almost unkillable. These easy, low-light species use up waste, look natural and give fish cover, with no special equipment.GuideHow Often Should You Change Aquarium Water?Water changes remove waste that the filter cannot, and keep minerals topped up. There is no single number, but there is a simple way to find yours.GuideHow to Lower Nitrate in an AquariumNitrate is the quiet end of the nitrogen cycle. It is far less toxic than ammonia, but it builds up and is the usual reason algae wins. Here is how to bring it down.GuideYour First Aquarium: A Complete Beginner's GuideEverything a new keeper needs, in order: choosing a tank, cycling it, stocking, feeding, and the weekly routine that keeps fish healthy.GuideFishless Cycling: The Kindest Way to Start a TankFishless cycling builds the filter's bacteria before any fish goes in, so your first fish never lives through toxic water. Here is how to do it.

New to the words? See the aquarium glossary.

Sources and research notes

Parameters are typical ranges for the species in home aquariums and vary with the individual fish and the water you use.