Cherry shrimp are remarkably hardy, but they thrive best when their environment remains stable. Aim for a temperature between 70°F and 78°F, though they can tolerate slightly cooler water. The ideal pH range is 6.5 to 8.0, providing enough flexibility for most tap water sources.
Water hardness is critical for their shells. You should maintain a General Hardness (GH) of 7-15 and Carbonate Hardness (KH) of 2-10. Using a reliable liquid test kit is the best way to ensure these levels don't drift, as sudden swings are often more dangerous than slightly imperfect numbers.
As cherry shrimp grow, they must shed their old exoskeleton to develop a new one. This process is called molting. If you see a ghostly white shell sitting on the substrate, don't panic—it's a sign of growth. Leave the molt in the tank, as the shrimp will often eat it to reclaim lost minerals.
Molting issues, such as the 'white ring of death' where a shell splits prematurely, are usually caused by improper mineral levels. Ensuring your water has enough calcium and magnesium helps the shrimp form a strong new shell. Avoid doing massive water changes with significantly different parameters, as this can trigger a forced, unsuccessful molt.
Cherry shrimp are natural scavengers that spend most of their day grazing on biofilm and algae. In a well-established tank, they can find much of their own food. However, supplementing their diet with high-quality shrimp pellets or blanched vegetables like spinach and zucchini will ensure they get the nutrients they need.
Feeding foods rich in minerals and carotenoids can help enhance their red coloration. Be careful not to overfeed; any food left untouched after two hours should be removed to prevent ammonia spikes that can quickly crash a small shrimp colony.
While they are peaceful, cherry shrimp are small and easily viewed as snacks by larger fish. The safest approach is a shrimp-only tank or a community with peaceful nano fish like Chili Rasboras or Otocinclus Catfish. Even 'friendly' fish like Guppies may pick at baby shrimp.
Include plenty of live plants and hiding spots. Java moss and Christmas moss are favorites because they provide a large surface area for biofilm to grow and offer protection for shrimplets. Driftwood and leaf litter also help mimic their natural habitat and provide essential tannins.
If your water is clean and food is plentiful, cherry shrimp will likely breed without any extra help. You can distinguish males from females by their size and color; females are larger, rounder, and more vibrantly red. They also develop a 'saddle' of unfertilized eggs behind their head.
Once fertilized, the female carries the eggs under her tail (becoming 'berried') for about three weeks. When the shrimplets hatch, they are miniature versions of the adults. It is vital to use a sponge filter or a pre-filter sponge on your intake to prevent the tiny babies from being sucked into the filtration system.
A 5-gallon tank is a great starting point, though a 10-gallon tank provides more stability and room for the colony to grow.
Yes, provided you use a dechlorinator to remove chlorine and chloramines. Check your local water hardness to ensure it meets their GH and KH requirements.
With proper care and stable water conditions, cherry shrimp usually live for 1 to 2 years.