Fire Red Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)

Fire Red Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)

The Fire Red Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) is a popular species of freshwater shrimp known for its vibrant red coloration and ease of care, making it a favorite among aquarium hobbyists. They are hardy, adaptable, and thrive in a variety of aquatic environments, making them perfect for beginner and experienced aquarists alike.

1. Tank Size

• Fire Red Shrimp are small, reaching only about 1.5 inches (4 cm) in length. A 10-gallon tank (38 liters) is suitable for a small group of shrimp.

• While they can live in smaller tanks, keeping them in a larger tank with plenty of space to roam will help reduce stress and provide more natural behavior.

2. Water Conditions

• Temperature: Fire Red Shrimp prefer slightly warmer water temperatures, ideally between 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). They are quite adaptable but should be kept in stable conditions.

• pH: They thrive in neutral to slightly alkaline water, with a pH range of 6.5 to 8.0.

• Hardness: Moderate to hard water is suitable for Fire Red Shrimp, with a hardness range of 4-8 dGH. They are more tolerant of harder water compared to other shrimp species.

• Water Quality: Fire Red Shrimp are sensitive to poor water conditions. Regular water changes (about 25% per week) are essential to maintain water quality. Be sure to use a gentle filter to avoid sucking them up, and check the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels regularly.

3. Diet

• Fire Red Shrimp are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including:

  • Algae: They naturally graze on biofilm, algae, and detritus in the tank.

  • Shrimp pellets or flakes designed for invertebrates.

  • Vegetable matter, such as blanched zucchini, spinach, or seaweed.

  • Protein-rich foods, like brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms, should be given occasionally.

• They are excellent cleaners and will help keep your tank free of algae, uneaten food, and other detritus.

4. Tank Setup

• Substrate: Fire Red Shrimp prefer a fine-gravel or sand substrate, as it allows them to forage and dig around for food. A dark-colored substrate can make their red coloration stand out more.

• Aquascaping: They enjoy tanks with plants and natural hiding spots. Live plants like Java Moss, Anubias, Java Fern, or Hornwort will provide both hiding spaces and additional grazing opportunities.

• Lighting: Moderate lighting is best for these shrimp, as it supports plant growth and allows the shrimp to feel secure.

• Water Movement: Fire Red Shrimp prefer a gentle filter with low to moderate water flow, as they don’t thrive in strong currents.

5. Tankmates

• Fire Red Shrimp are peaceful and make great tankmates for other small, non-aggressive fish and invertebrates. Some ideal companions include:

  • Small fish like Neon Tetras, Corydoras catfish, and Otocinclus.

  • Other small shrimp species, such as Amano Shrimp or Cherry Shrimp (but avoid mixing too many color morphs of Neocaridina species, as they may crossbreed).

• Avoid keeping them with larger or aggressive fish that may prey on them, such as bettas or cichlids.

• Snails are also great tankmates, as they won’t harm the shrimp.

6. Breeding

• Fire Red Shrimp are easy to breed in a well-maintained tank. They are livebearers, meaning they give birth to fully-formed baby shrimp rather than laying eggs.

• Breeding tank setup: If you want to encourage breeding, provide plenty of hiding spaces and plants in the tank for the shrimp to feel secure.

• Mating: Female Fire Red Shrimp will carry eggs under their abdomen (which can be seen as small yellow or orange eggs). After about 30 days, the female will give birth to fully-formed baby shrimp.

• Fry care: The baby shrimp are miniatures of adults and will immediately begin grazing on algae and detritus. You don’t need to separate them from adults, as they are not usually eaten by the adults unless food is scarce.

7. Health

• Fire Red Shrimp are relatively hardy, but they are sensitive to sudden changes in water quality. Maintain stable water parameters, and ensure the tank is properly cycled before adding shrimp.

• Common issues include shell problems or poor molting, which can be linked to inadequate calcium in the water. Adding calcium-rich supplements or minerals can help prevent these issues.

• Watch out for diseases like blue-green algae or fungal infections, which can occur if the water conditions aren’t optimal.

• Keep an eye on their color; if they become pale, it may be a sign of stress, poor diet, or water quality issues.

Interesting Fact:

Fire Red Shrimp are color morphs of the Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi), which means that the species comes in various colors, ranging from clear to blue, yellow, and red. The vibrant red coloration of the Fire Red Shrimp is a result of selective breeding, and it’s highly sought after by aquarists because of how striking it looks in a planted aquarium. Interestingly, lighting and water conditions can also impact the intensity of their red color—some shrimp may appear more pale or even transparent under stressful conditions, but with proper care, they will flourish into their brilliant red hues.