Feeding Red Cherry Shrimp

 

Scientific Name:
Neocaridina heteropoda

Other Scientific Names:
Neocaridina denticulata sinensis

Common Name:
Red Cherry Shrimp

Other Common Names:
Cherry Shrimp, Cherry Red Shrimp, RCS

>> More about Cherry Red Shrimp
>> Breeding Cherry Red Shrimp
>> Caring for Cherry Red Shrimp

 

 

 

Red Cherry Shrimp Feeding

Red Cherry Shrimp are considered omnivores. That means they will eat both plant matter as well as meaty foods. When keeping Red Cherry Shrimp in the aquarium the three most common foods are algae, blanched vegetable, and prepared aquarium foods. Supplemental feeding is often not necessary, but when it is be sure not to over feed the aquarium as this leads to poor water quality.

Algae is a natural food source for Red Cherry Shrimp. They will eat many types of algae found in the aquarium, and often times, the algae found naturally in aquariums is enough food to support a moderate Cherry Red Shrimp population. Unfortunately they will not eat string / hair algae so they are not a good control measure for those types of algae.

Blanched vegetables make an excellent food for Red Cherry Shrimp. Vegetables such as Zucchini, Lettuce, Spinach, and Carrots are commonly used. When preparing these vegetables, place them in boiling water until they are soft, 2-3 minutes for leafy vegetables and longer for carrots and zucchini. Small amounts of each should be fed at a time and make sure never to leave rotting food in the aquarium.

Juvenile Cherry Red Shrimp eating
a blanched zucchini slice

A bright red female eating an algae waffer.

 

Foods that are prepared for aquarium animals are often a great supplement to algae for Red Cherry Shrimp. There are a few foods that are manufactured specifically for invertebrates, such as Hikari Crab Cuisine, and these foods are readily accepted. Any sinking pellet type food works well as a food source. Also, any common flake fish food that falls to the bottom will be eaten and for this reason, many aquarist use Red Cherry Shrimp as a clean up crew. Be sure to read the ingredients label carefully, any food containing copper should not be used. (Copper Sulfate is a common ingredient in fish foods)

While modest populations of Red Cherry Shrimp will often not need supplemental feedings, there are many options when it becomes necessary. Cherry Red Shrimp do not require a lot of food, and heavy feeding tends to degrade water quality.

Comprehensive Guide to Cherry Shrimp Feeding: Essential Tips for a Healthy Freshwater Aquarium

Introduction:

Cherry shrimp are colorful and lively additions to any freshwater aquarium. These small, red cherry shrimp are a type of neocaridina shrimp that are popular among aquarists for their low-maintenance nature and their ability to help keep tanks clean. Proper feeding is essential for maintaining a healthy cherry shrimp population in your freshwater aquarium. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about cherry shrimp feeding, including their dietary preferences, feeding frequency, special considerations for optimizing their nutrition, and how to create a thriving shrimp freshwater community.


[Index]

Understanding Cherry Shrimp Dietary Preferences
Feeding Frequency: How Often to Feed Your Aquarium Shrimp
Commercial Shrimp Food Options for a Balanced Diet
Supplemental Foods: Natural Options for Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp
Special Considerations for Feeding Shrimp Freshwater
Creating a Thriving Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp Environment
Monitoring Cherry Shrimp Health and Adjusting Feeding Strategies
Conclusion

 

Cherry Shrimp in a Planted Freshwater Aquarium

 

Understanding Cherry Shrimp Dietary Preferences

Cherry shrimp are omnivorous scavengers that eat a variety of foods in their natural habitat. They primarily consume biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter, making them excellent tank cleaners. In addition to this natural diet, cherry shrimp and other neocaridina shrimp can also benefit from high-quality commercial shrimp food, which provides essential nutrients for their growth and overall health.

 

Feeding Frequency: How Often to Feed Your Aquarium Shrimp

As natural scavengers, cherry shrimp and other freshwater aquarium shrimp do not require constant feeding. Overfeeding can lead to poor water quality and negatively impact the health of your shrimp freshwater community. It is generally recommended to feed your cherry shrimp once per day, providing only enough food that they can consume within 2-3 hours. Monitor their feeding habits and adjust the amount as necessary to prevent overfeeding.

 

Cherry Shrimp Feeding on Algae in Freshwater Aquarium

Commercial Shrimp Food Options for a Balanced Diet

There is a variety of high-quality shrimp food available on the market, specifically designed for freshwater aquarium shrimp like cherry shrimp and other neocaridina shrimp species. These foods provide essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals that support cherry shrimp growth and reproduction. When selecting a commercial shrimp food, look for options that cater to the unique dietary needs of cherry shrimp and other aquarium shrimp. It's essential to choose a shrimp food that's tailored to the specific nutritional requirements of your cherry shrimp population.


Caring for Red Cherry Shrimp

Supplemental Foods: Natural Options for Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp

In addition to commercial shrimp food, consider offering your cherry shrimp natural food sources that mimic their diet in the wild. Options include blanched vegetables (such as spinach, zucchini, or cucumber), boiled leaves (like Indian almond leaves or oak leaves), and frozen or live foods (such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms). These supplemental foods can be provided once or twice a week, in small amounts, to your shrimp freshwater community.

Cherry Shrimp Feeding on Vegetables in a Freshwater Aquarium

 

Special Considerations for Feeding Shrimp Freshwater

When feeding your cherry shrimp and other aquarium shrimp, it's essential to be mindful of potential food competition within the tank. Other tank inhabitants, such as fish, may consume the shrimp food before your cherry shrimp have the chance to eat. In these cases, consider using a feeding dish or other methods to ensure your cherry shrimp and other freshwater aquarium shrimp receive the necessary nutrients. Additionally, be cautious about introducing new foods to your shrimp freshwater community, as some ingredients may be harmful to cherry shrimp or other aquarium inhabitants. Always research and consult expert advice before making any significant changes to your cherry shrimp's diet.

Cherry Shrimp Breeding

 


Creating a Thriving Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp Environment

In addition to proper feeding, it's essential to create a conducive environment for your cherry shrimp and other freshwater aquarium shrimp to thrive. This includes maintaining optimal water parameters, such as temperature, pH, and water hardness, as well as providing suitable hiding places and breeding grounds. Aquatic plants, driftwood, and other tank decorations can help create a natural-looking and functional environment that supports the overall well-being of your cherry shrimp population.

 

 

Monitoring Cherry Shrimp Health and Adjusting Feeding Strategies

Regularly monitoring the health and well-being of your cherry shrimp and other freshwater aquarium shrimp is crucial for their long-term success. Observe their behavior, coloration, and activity levels to identify any potential health concerns or changes in their environment. Adjust their feeding strategies and tank conditions as needed to address any issues and ensure a healthy, thriving shrimp freshwater community.

10 Grade AA Red Cherry Shrimp for Your Aquarium


Conclusion

Proper feeding is essential for maintaining a healthy cherry shrimp population in your freshwater aquarium. By understanding their dietary preferences and providing a balanced diet with a combination of commercial shrimp food and natural food sources, you can ensure the well-being and longevity of your cherry shrimp and other neocaridina shrimp species. Remember to monitor their feeding habits and adjust as necessary to maintain a clean and healthy tank environment.

Healthy Cherry Shrimp in Freshwater Aquarium

 

By following the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide to cherry shrimp feeding, you can create a thriving and vibrant community of cherry shrimp and other aquarium shrimp in your freshwater aquarium. Keep in mind that every aquarium is unique, so be prepared to make adjustments as needed based on your specific tank conditions and the needs of your shrimp freshwater community. With proper care and attention, these colorful and lively creatures will provide endless enjoyment for both beginners and experienced aquarists alike.


Cherry Shrimp in a Beautifully Planted Freshwater Aquarium

 

Remember to periodically check for any changes in your cherry shrimp's behavior or appearance, as these can be indicators of their overall health and well-being. By staying informed about the best practices for cherry shrimp feeding and care, you can help ensure a long and happy life for your aquarium's littlest inhabitants.


We hope this guide has provided valuable insights into the world of cherry shrimp feeding and that your aquarium will be a thriving environment for these fascinating creatures. If you have any further questions or need more information about cherry shrimp care, be sure to explore our other articles on The Shrimp Farm website.


Happy shrimp keeping!

Copyright © 2013-present Magento, Inc. All rights reserved.