Yellow Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina heteropoda)

Neocaridina Shrimp Care Guide with Aquarium Size Requirements:

1. Presentation of the Species:

• Neocaridina shrimp, commonly known as Cherry Shrimp or Sakura Shrimp, are dwarf freshwater shrimp native to Asia. They are available in various colors, including red, blue, yellow and green, making them popular in the aquarium world.

2. Aquarium Size:

• Provide an aquarium with a capacity of at least 5 gallons for a small colony of Neocaridina shrimp.
• Larger tanks, such as 10 gallons or larger, are recommended to maintain stable water parameters and accommodate more shrimp.

3. Water Parameters:

• Maintain stable water conditions with a temperature range of 20°C to 26°C.
• Maintain the pH level in the range of 6.5 to 7.5.
• Make sure ammonia and nitrite levels are at zero and keep nitrates low with regular water changes.

4. Substrate and Decor:

• Use a fine-grained substrate such as sand or gravel, which allows the shrimp to burrow and burrow.
• Incorporate live plants, moss and driftwood to provide hiding places and grazing areas.

5. Diet:

• Neocaridina shrimp are scavengers and algae eaters. They will consume algae, biofilm and leftover fish food.
• Supplement their diet with blanched vegetables like zucchini, spinach or cucumber, as well as special shrimp pellets or algae pellets.

6. Cohabitation:

• Neocaridina shrimp are peaceful and can coexist with small, non-predatory fish such as small tetras, rasboras or guppies.
• Avoid keeping them with larger or aggressive fish that could attack the shrimp.

7. Reproduction:

• Neocaridina shrimp reproduce easily under the right conditions.
• Provide plenty of hiding places and moss for the shrimp fry to hide in.
• Maintain stable water parameters and a regular feeding schedule to encourage reproduction.

8. Aquarium Size:

• Neocaridina shrimp do well in tanks as small as 5 gallons, but larger tanks provide more stability and space for thriving colonies.

9. Disease Prevention:

• Quarantine new shrimp before introducing them to the main tank to prevent the spread of disease.
• Avoid sudden changes in water parameters to prevent stress-related illnesses.

10. Maintenance:

• Perform regular water changes of 10-20% each week to maintain water quality.
• Monitor water parameters regularly and adjust as needed to ensure optimal conditions for shrimp.

By following these care guidelines, you can create a suitable and thriving environment for Neocaridina shrimp in your aquarium.