ShrimpeasyFreshwater

Fire Red Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Also known as Fire Red Cherry Shrimp

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Atyidae

Fire Red Shrimp are a vibrant red color morph of Neocaridina davidi, prized for their striking appearance and ease of care. These peaceful invertebrates are excellent for planted tanks and community setups, thriving in stable freshwater conditions. They are prolific breeders that produce fully-formed shrimplets, making them ideal for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.

Where it's from

Recorded as introduced in Brazil, Germany, Norway and Poland

At a glance

Size: 1.5 in; 4 cm
Min tank: 5 gal; 19 L
Group: 10+
Temp: 64–82°F; 18–28°C
pH: 6.5-8.0
GH: 71–143 ppm; 4–8 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Bottom
Lifespan: 1-3 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

Diet

Fire Red Shrimp are detritivores that primarily feed on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter in established tanks. Supplement with high-quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, carrot) 2-3 times weekly. A mature, well-planted tank with established biofilm is essential for their long-term health and coloration.

Behavior

These shrimp are active foragers that spend most of their time on the substrate and plants searching for food. They are social and thrive in groups, displaying minimal aggression toward each other. Molting occurs regularly as they grow; provide plenty of hiding spots and calcium-rich foods to support healthy shell development.

Breeding

Fire Red Shrimp breed readily in freshwater without special conditions, making them excellent for beginners interested in breeding. Females produce 20-30 shrimplets every 4-6 weeks, and the young are fully-formed miniatures that require no special care beyond the main tank environment. High population growth can occur quickly in stable, well-fed colonies.

Tank mates

See all 6

Amano Shrimp

Same peaceful temperament; compatible colony mates

excellent

Ghost Shrimp

Non-aggressive; can cohabitate without issue

excellent

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful fish that ignore shrimp

good

Ember Tetra

Tiny, non-predatory; safe with shrimp colonies

good

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae eater; shares same ecological niche without conflict

excellent

Beginner-friendly

Member photos

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by @Haven

Common diseases 4Molting Issues / Failed Molt, Copper Toxicity, Bacterial Infection / Fungus, Parasitic Flukes / Protozoan Infection

Molting Issues / Failed Molt

Symptoms

Shrimp stuck in old exoskeleton, inability to shed, lethargy, death within 24-48 hours

Treatment

Ensure adequate calcium via cuttlebone, mineral supplements, or shrimp-specific foods; maintain stable water parameters; provide hiding spots to reduce stress during molt

Copper Toxicity

Symptoms

Lethargy, loss of color, erratic swimming, sudden death; often triggered by tap water or medications

Treatment

Use copper-free water conditioner; avoid all copper-based medications and fertilizers; perform 25-30% water changes; use RO or distilled water if tap water is contaminated

Bacterial Infection / Fungus

Symptoms

White fuzzy growth on body or appendages, discoloration, lethargy, loss of appetite

Treatment

Increase water changes to 25% every 2-3 days; maintain pristine water quality; remove dead shrimp immediately; avoid antibiotics (lethal to shrimp); ensure adequate biofilm and nutrition

Parasitic Flukes / Protozoan Infection

Symptoms

Excessive grooming, rubbing on surfaces, color loss, rapid gill movement, sudden death

Treatment

Quarantine affected shrimp; perform frequent water changes; raise temperature slightly (within tolerance); avoid copper-based treatments; focus on water quality and stress reduction

Legality

No state or federal restrictions on record.

Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.

The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Global Register of Invasive and Introduced Species (CC BY 4.0); Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil (CC BY 4.0); Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species (CC BY 4.0).