Fire Red Cherry Shrimp for Sale

Fire Red Cherry Shrimp Care Guide

Fire Red Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) are one of the easiest freshwater shrimp to care for, making them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists. They thrive in established, fully cycled aquariums with stable water parameters and plenty of aquarium plants, mosses, driftwood, and other surfaces where biofilm naturally develops.

Aquarium Setup

A 5-gallon aquarium or larger is recommended, especially if you plan to breed your shrimp. Planted aquariums provide natural grazing areas, improve water quality, and offer shelter for baby shrimp. Gentle filtration, such as a sponge filter, is ideal to prevent shrimplets from being drawn into the filter.

Water Parameters

Fire Red Cherry Shrimp are adaptable to a wide range of water conditions, but they perform best when conditions remain stable.

Recommended Water Parameters

• pH: 6.2–8.0
• Temperature: 65–85°F (18–29°C)
• GH: 4–8 dGH
• KH: 3–15 dKH
• TDS: 150–250 ppm

The Shrimp Farm's Breeding Parameters

Our Fire Red Cherry Shrimp are raised under the following conditions:

• pH: 7.0–7.6
• Temperature: 70–76°F
• GH: 7–9 dGH
• KH: 3–4 dKH
• TDS: 175–250 ppm

Feeding

Fire Red Cherry Shrimp are natural scavengers that constantly graze on algae, biofilm, and microorganisms throughout the aquarium. While they help keep tanks clean, they should also receive a quality shrimp food several times per week to support healthy growth, successful molts, and vibrant red coloration.

Our breeding colonies are currently fed Ebita Breed Quatro 2, along with natural biofilm found throughout the aquarium.

Breeding

Fire Red Cherry Shrimp are one of the easiest freshwater shrimp to breed. Healthy females carry eggs beneath their abdomen for approximately 30 days before releasing fully formed baby shrimp. In a mature, predator-free aquarium with stable water conditions, colonies often reproduce continuously without special intervention.

Tank Mates

These peaceful shrimp do best in species-only aquariums or with other shrimp-safe tank mates.  Peaceful community fish such as rasboras, otocinclus, and pygmy corydoras are generally good companions, while larger or predatory fish may prey on juvenile shrimp.

Real Owner Experience with Fire Red Cherry Shrimp

At The Shrimp Farm, Fire Red Cherry Shrimp have consistently been one of our favorite beginner-friendly Neocaridina shrimp to keep and recommend. Their deep red coloration stands out beautifully against green plants, dark substrates, and natural hardscape, making them one of the most eye-catching shrimp in a freshwater aquarium.

In our experience, Fire Red Cherry Shrimp are hardy, active, and quick to settle into a well-established aquarium. Once acclimated, they spend most of the day grazing on biofilm, algae, and leftover food while constantly exploring every surface of the tank. In stable water conditions, they breed readily and can quickly develop into a thriving colony.

We've also found that maintaining consistent water parameters, avoiding sudden changes, and providing plenty of mosses and live plants results in the healthiest shrimp and the best red coloration. A mature planted aquarium gives young shrimp plenty of places to hide while supporting the natural biofilm they depend on for growth.

Whether you're purchasing your very first freshwater shrimp or expanding an existing colony, Fire Red Cherry Shrimp continue to be one of the most rewarding, colorful, and reliable shrimp we raise at The Shrimp Farm.

How big do Fire Red Cherry Shrimp get?

Adult Fire Red Cherry Shrimp typically grow to 1.25–1.6 inches (3–4 cm). Females are larger and have a broader abdomen for carrying eggs, while males remain slightly smaller and slimmer.

How many Fire Red Cherry Shrimp can I keep per gallon?

There is no fixed number of Fire Red Cherry Shrimp per gallon because the aquarium's filtration, maintenance, and biological capacity are more important than water volume alone. We recommend starting with at least a 5-gallon aquarium, where a healthy colony can naturally grow and regulate itself with proper care.

How long do Fire Red Cherry Shrimp live?

Fire Red Cherry Shrimp generally live 1–2 years. Their lifespan depends on stable water parameters, a quality diet, and minimizing stress from sudden changes in water conditions.

How fast do Fire Red Cherry Shrimp grow?

Fire Red Cherry Shrimp grow quickly. Under ideal conditions, newly hatched shrimp typically reach breeding age in approximately 2–3 months, allowing colonies to expand rapidly.

Are Fire Red Cherry Shrimp easy to breed?

Yes! Fire Red Cherry Shrimp are one of the easiest freshwater shrimp to breed. Mature females carry eggs beneath their abdomen for about 30 days before releasing fully formed baby shrimp. In a mature, well-maintained aquarium, they often reproduce without any special intervention.

Can Fire Red Cherry Shrimp breed with other shrimp?

Fire Red Cherry Shrimp belong to the Neocaridina davidi species and will breed with other Neocaridina shrimp varieties, including Red Cherry Shrimp, Blue Dream Shrimp, Orange Sakura, Yellow Golden Back, Green Jade, and many others. They will not breed with Caridina shrimp such as Crystal Red, Crystal Black, or Taiwan Bee Shrimp. To maintain pure Fire Red coloration, they should not be kept with other Neocaridina color varieties.

Why is my Fire Red Cherry Shrimp losing color?

Fire Red Cherry Shrimp may lose color due to stress, poor water quality, molting, diet, genetics, or being kept on a light-colored substrate. Stable water parameters, quality shrimp foods, and a darker substrate typically help maintain their deep red coloration.

How often do Fire Red Cherry Shrimp molt?

Young Fire Red Cherry Shrimp molt frequently as they grow, often every 1–2 weeks. Adult shrimp generally molt about once every 3–4 weeks. Regular molting is a normal part of healthy growth.

What do Fire Red Cherry Shrimp eat?

Fire Red Cherry Shrimp are omnivores that feed on algae, biofilm, decaying plant matter, and leftover fish food. For optimal health, supplement their diet with a high-quality shrimp food several times per week along with occasional blanched vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or cucumber.

Are Fire Red Cherry Shrimp good algae eaters?

Yes. Fire Red Cherry Shrimp are excellent algae grazers that continuously feed on soft algae, biofilm, and organic debris throughout the aquarium. While they help keep tanks cleaner, they should not be relied upon to eliminate large algae outbreaks by themselves.

Do Fire Red Cherry Shrimp need a heater?

Not always. Fire Red Cherry Shrimp thrive between 65–80°F (18–27°C) and can often be kept without a heater in climate-controlled homes. A heater is recommended if room temperatures fluctuate significantly or regularly fall below their preferred range.

What type of filter is best for Fire Red Cherry Shrimp?

A sponge filter is the best choice because it provides gentle filtration, excellent biological filtration, and protects baby shrimp from being drawn into the filter. Shrimp-safe hang-on-back filters with pre-filter sponges are also good options.

What are the best plants for Fire Red Cherry Shrimp?

Fire Red Cherry Shrimp thrive in planted aquariums. Mosses such as Java Moss, Christmas Moss, and Flame Moss, along with floating plants, Bucephalandra, Anubias, and carpeting plants, provide excellent grazing surfaces, shelter, and protection for baby shrimp.

What is the best substrate for Fire Red Cherry Shrimp?

A dark-colored substrate is often preferred because it encourages Fire Red Cherry Shrimp to display their deepest coloration. They are adaptable and can live on most inert freshwater aquarium substrates as long as water parameters remain stable.

What are the best tank mates for Fire Red Cherry Shrimp?

Fire Red Cherry Shrimp do best with peaceful tank mates that are unlikely to prey on them. Good companions include Otocinclus, Pygmy Corydoras, small Rasboras, peaceful snails, and other shrimp-safe species. Species-only shrimp aquariums are ideal if your goal is maximum survival and breeding success.

Can Fire Red Cherry Shrimp live with bettas?

Sometimes. Success depends on the individual betta's temperament. Some bettas completely ignore shrimp, while others hunt and eat them. If keeping Fire Red Cherry Shrimp with a betta, provide dense plants, mosses, and hiding places, and understand there is always some risk.

What is the best way to acclimate new Fire Red Cherry Shrimp?

The best method is drip acclimation. Slowly drip aquarium water into the shipping container over 1–2 hours to allow the shrimp to adjust gradually to differences in temperature and water chemistry. Proper acclimation significantly reduces stress and improves survival after introduction to a new aquarium.

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