TankFish · Beginner-friendly
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
- Care level
- easy
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Diet
- Omnivore/scavenger — algae, biofilm, sinking pellets
- Minimum tank size
- 5 gallon
- Adult size
- 1 in
- Lifespan
- 1-2 years
- Schooling minimum
- 5+
- Temperature
- 65-78°F
- pH
- 6.5-7.5
- Hardness
- Moderate — needs some GH for healthy molting
Example species record for template validation — pending Phase 1 scientific-source citation before publication.
Compatible tankmates
Conditional
Betta
Very individual-dependent — many bettas hunt small shrimp as a snack, though a calm betta in a heavily planted tank with plenty of cover can coexist with an established shrimp colony.
CompatibleCorydoras (Panda Cory)
Corydoras ignore shrimp and forage in the same substrate zone without conflict — a classic clean-up crew pairing.
CompatibleGuppy
Guppies generally ignore adult cherry shrimp, making this a popular low-conflict community pairing.
ConditionalNeon Tetra
Adult cherry shrimp are generally safe, but neon tetras will eat shrimplets — expect the shrimp population to plateau rather than grow if breeding matters to you.