| Common Name: Red Cherry Shrimp |
| Species Name: Neocaridina denticulata sinensis |
| Temperature Range: Between 72 F and 80 F |
| pH Range: Slightly alkaline pH (7.0 to 8.4), and slightly to moderately hard water |
| Size Range: 3/4in to 1.2 inches |
| Diet Type: Omnivore |
Red Cherry Shrimp
Also known as RCS, is a red color morph of Neocaridina denticulata sinensis, a species of freshwater shrimp from Taiwan. These shrimp are becoming very popular in the aquarium hobby. They are popular because of their attractive appearance, the vast quantity of algae that they eat, and the ease of breeding them in the aquarium.
Tank Requirements
These shrimp do best in an aquarium with a temperature between 72 F and 80 F, slightly alkaline pH (7.0 to 8.4), and slightly to moderately hard water. They are very sensitive to water quality; even a small ammonia or nitrite buildup, or any toxic metals such as copper, can kill them. They prefer a heavily planted tank. This provides both cover and a source of algae for the adults to eat and microorganisms for the hatchlings. Java moss is often used when a fully planted tank is not practical or desired.
Breeding
Red Cherry Shrimp breed readily in the aquarium. Females can be identified by the yellow or sometimes green "saddle" of developing eggs in their ovaries. When they are ready to mate, they release pheromones to attract males. The female affixes the fertilized eggs to her pleopods and carries them until they hatch. The juveniles have no planktonic larval stage, but instead hatch as miniature copies of the adults.
Feeding
In a well established planted tank very little feeding is required. They will mainly comb the gravel and leaves for particles of algae and uneaten food left over from fish that may have been fed. I supplement their diet with several types of commercially available foods commonly found at most pet stores. As their staple diet I use 100% pure spirulina flake. I also use algae wafers or pellets that are high in spirulina.
Prices
$3.00/each