Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Also sold as RCS · Sakura · Red cherry shrimp · Neos · Painted fire red · PFR · Neocaridina
Synonyms Red cherry · Fire red · Neocaridina heteropoda · Blue jelly
Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) is a peaceful freshwater shrimp that reaches about 4 cm (1.6 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 64–79°F (18–26°C) and pH 6.5–8, is kept in groups of 6 or more, and needs a tank of at least 15 L (4 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Shrimp |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 4 cm (1.6 in) |
| Minimum tank | 15 L (4 gal) |
| Group size | 6 or more |
| Temperature | 64–79°F (18–26°C) |
| pH | 6.5–8 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| GH | 5–13.5 |
| KH | 2–8 |
| Lifespan | 1–2 years |
| Eats shrimp | No |
Color forms
Same species, different color. Care is the same for all of them.
Blue DreamBlue Dream Shrimp · Blue Velvet · Blue Velvet Shrimp · Dream Blue Velvet · Sky Blue Velvet · Blueberry Shrimp
YellowYellow Shrimp · Yellow Neo · Yellow Cherry Shrimp · Golden Back Yellow · Goldenback Yellow Shrimp · Neon Yellow Shrimp
Bloody MaryBloody Mary Shrimp
OrangeOrange Sakura · Orange Sakura Shrimp · Orange Sunkist Shrimp · Sunkist Shrimp · Orange Pumpkin Shrimp · Pumpkin Shrimp · Orange Neocaridina
Red RiliRed Rili Shrimp
Green JadeGreen Jade Shrimp · Jade Shrimp · Green Neo · Green Neocaridina
Black RoseBlack Rose Shrimp · Chocolate Shrimp · Chocolate Neo · Black Neocaridina
Orange RiliOrange Rili Shrimp
Blue RiliBlue Rili Shrimp
Carbon RiliCarbon Rili Shrimp · Black Rili · Black Rili Shrimp
Before it goes in
- Cherry Shrimp needs at least 15 L (4 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 45F Shallow.
- Keep 6 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
- It leaves shrimp and small fish alone.
- It is the wrong size to share a tank with Betta, Goldfish and Angelfish: it ends up as food.
- It holds at 64–79°F (18–26°C). That shares a window with Betta and Goldfish, but not with Discus.
- It can go wrong with Betta — it works in some tanks and not in others, so it is not a combination to buy blind.
- Sources say not to put it in a newly set-up tank — give the tank a few months first.
- A group of 6 takes up roughly 22% of what a 45F Shallow will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
What tank size does it need?
At least 15 L (4 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 45F Shallow.
How many should I keep?
6 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.
Will it eat shrimp?
No — adult shrimp and their young are both safe with it.
What water does it want?
64–79°F (18–26°C), pH 6.5–8, GH 5–13.5, KH 2–8.
How long does it live?
1–2 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Can it go in a new tank?
No. Sources say not to add it to a newly set-up tank — it wants a tank that has been running for months.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Otocinclus, Ramshorn Snail and Rummy Nose Tetra.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Cherry Shrimp | Snowball Shrimp | Ghost Shrimp | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 4 cm | 4 cm | 4 cm |
| Min tank | 15 L | 15 L | 20 L |
| Group | 6+ | 6+ | 5+ |
| Temperature | 64–79°F (18–26°C) | 64–79°F (18–26°C) | 64–82°F (18–28°C) |
| Eats shrimp | No | No | Shrimplets only |
More livestock
Sources (8) · checked Sep 2026
- What it eats, Mature tankaquariumcoop.com
- Adult sizeaquariumcoop.com
- Adult sizebluecrownaqua.com
- Mature tankbuceplant.com
- GHtheshrimpfarm.com
- GHthetankguide.com
- aquariadise.com
- theshrimpfarm.com