Cherry Red Shrimp, commonly known as Red Cherry Shrimp (RCS), are the most popular color morph of Neocaridina davidi — hardy, beginner-friendly freshwater shrimp known for their bright red coloration and active behavior.
Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neocaridina davidi |
| Common Name | Red Cherry Shrimp |
| Size | 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) |
| Color Grade | Varies from pale red to deep red |
| Lifespan | 1–2 years |
| Behavior | Peaceful, active scavengers |
Color Grading
Red Cherry Shrimp are graded by color intensity:
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| Cherry | Light red, clear patches |
| Sakura | Solid red, some transparency |
| High Sakura | Deep red, more uniform color |
| Fire Red | Bright, opaque red across the body |
| Painted Fire Red | Deep, solid red with almost no transparency |
Higher grades are more vibrant and often used for selective breeding.
Water Parameters (Ideal)
| Parameter | Range |
|---|---|
| Temp | 68–78°F (20–26°C) |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| GH | 6–8 dGH |
| KH | 3–6 dKH |
| TDS | 180–250 ppm |
They are hardy but do best in clean, stable water.
Tank Setup
Size: 5+ gallons
Substrate: Inert or buffered; darker substrate enhances color
Plants: Mosses, ferns, and floaters for cover and grazing
Filtration: Sponge filters preferred to avoid shrimp being sucked in
Tank mates: Small, peaceful fish or shrimp-only tanks
Diet
Algae and biofilm
Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach)
High-quality shrimp pellets, wafers
Occasional protein (boiled egg yolk, bloodworms)
Breeding
Easy to breed: No special conditions needed beyond stable water
Females are larger and more intensely colored
Gestation: ~3–4 weeks; babies are fully formed at birth
Cherry vs. Bloody Mary Shrimp
| Trait | Cherry Red | Bloody Mary |
|---|---|---|
| Pigment Layer | Mostly in shell | Mostly in tissue |
| Color | Bright red, sometimes patchy | Deeper, wine-like red |
| Transparency | More visible segments | More glassy and uniform |