Assorted Culled Shrimps

Neocaridina davidi, commonly known as Assorted Shrimp, are a popular and hardy freshwater shrimp species that are easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists. 

Tank Setup:

• Tank Size: A minimum of 15 litres is recommended, though a 30 litre or larger tank is ideal for a stable environment and larger colonies.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 18–27°C
  • pH: 6.5–8.0
  • Hardness: 6–12 dGH (moderate hardness)
• Neocaridina shrimp are very adaptable, but stable water conditions are important. Avoid sudden changes in water parameters, as they are sensitive to fluctuations.
• Substrate: Inert substrates like sand or gravel are fine, but using dark substrate can help bring out the shrimp’s vibrant colours. 
• Planted tanks with mosses, like Java moss or Christmas moss, are excellent for shrimp, as they provide hiding spaces and surfaces to graze on biofilm.
• Filtration: Gentle filtration like a sponge filter is best because it won’t suck up baby shrimp (shrimplets) and provides biofilm surfaces for them to feed on.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient. Low to medium light is recommended for planted tanks.

Water Quality and Maintenance:

• Regular Water Changes: Perform 20–30% water changes weekly, using dechlorinated water to avoid stressing the shrimp. Cherry shrimp are sensitive to copper, so make sure water additives are shrimp-safe.
• Avoid Overfeeding: Overfeeding can lead to poor water quality, which is one of the main causes of shrimp death in captivity. Only feed small amounts that they can consume in 2–3 hours.

Diet:

Neocaridina shrimp are omnivores and will graze on biofilm, algae, and detritus in the aquarium, but they also benefit from supplemental feeding.

• Shrimp-Specific Food: Offer high-quality shrimp pellets or specialized shrimp foods that are high in plant matter and protein.
• Vegetables: They enjoy blanched vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or kale.
• Protein Supplements: Occasionally offer protein-rich foods like bloodworms or daphnia, but in moderation.
• Algae and Biofilm: They will naturally graze on algae and biofilm, so it's important not to keep the tank too clean, as they depend on these natural food sources.

Behavior and Tank Mates:

• Peaceful Community Shrimp: Neocardinia shrimp are peaceful and non-aggressive, spending most of their time foraging and grazing on surfaces.
• Tank Mates: Ideal tank mates include other small, peaceful fish species like neon tetras, rasboras, otocinclus, and Corydoras catfish. Snails (like nerite snails) also make good companions. Avoid predatory or larger fish that may see shrimp as food, such as bettas, larger cichlids, or angelfish.
• Colony Size: Cherry shrimp are happiest in colonies, so keep at least 10 or more individuals. This also encourages natural breeding behaviour.

Breeding:

• Easy Breeders: Neocaridina davidi are prolific breeders in stable conditions. They will readily breed in the home aquarium without any special intervention.
• Mating Behavior: Females will carry eggs under their swimmerets (pleopods) after mating, which can last 2–4 weeks before hatching. These eggs are visible as tiny green or yellow clusters beneath the female’s abdomen.
• Hatchlings (Shrimplets): Baby shrimp are fully formed but extremely tiny, and they’ll feed on biofilm and small particles in the tank. Ensure the tank is safe for them by avoiding strong currents or predators.

Color Varieties:

Neocaridina davidi comes in many colour varieties, with the red cherry shrimp being the most popular. Higher grades of cherry shrimp, such as Sakura or Fire Red, display brighter, more intense colours. Other varieties include:

• Blue Dream
• Yellow Neon
• Orange Pumpkin
• Green Jade
• Black Rose

Health and Molting:

• Molting Process: Like all crustaceans, cherry shrimp moult as they grow. Provide plenty of hiding spaces, as they are vulnerable right after moulting. If you see a clear, empty shell in the tank, that’s normal, and it’s a sign they are healthy and growing.
• Molting Problems: If shrimp have difficulty moulting, it may be due to insufficient minerals in the water. Make sure calcium and other trace elements are available by feeding mineral supplements or using shrimp-specific mineral blocks.

Aquarium Plants and Décor:

• Plants: Neocaridina shrimp thrive in planted tanks. Plants like Java moss, Java fern, Anubias, and floating plants help create a natural habitat and provide surfaces for biofilm to grow. Live plants also help maintain water quality by absorbing nitrates.
• Décor: Driftwood and cholla wood are excellent for shrimp tanks, providing more surfaces for biofilm and algae growth, which shrimp feed on. Additionally, shrimp caves or small rock formations can serve as hiding places during moulting.

Neocaridina davidi shrimp are low-maintenance, peaceful, and a great addition to any planted tank or shrimp-only setup. Their ability to breed easily and their beautiful colour variations make them a favourite among aquarists. With the right care, they can thrive and multiply, creating a vibrant and active colony in your aquarium.