ShrimpeasyFreshwater

Sakura Red Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Also known as Sakura Red Cherry Shrimp, Red Sakura Shrimp

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Atyidae

Sakura Red Shrimp are a vibrant red selectively bred variety of Neocaridina davidi, prized for their solid cherry-red coloration that intensifies with proper care and diet. Unlike wild-type shrimp, Sakura Reds display a uniform deep red body without stripes or patterns, making them highly visible and aesthetically striking in planted tanks. They are hardy, beginner-friendly, and thrive in standard freshwater conditions.

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: 107–214 ppm; 6–12 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Bottom
Lifespan: 1-2 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Tanks keeping this

Kept by 1 member

1 tank shared publicly.

Ocean’s World

@Ralph

Care

Diet

Sakura Reds are detritivores that graze on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter throughout the day. Supplement with high-quality shrimp pellets (Shirakura, Mosura, or similar) 2-3 times weekly, and offer blanched vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or sweet potato weekly to ensure balanced nutrition and enhance coloration.

Behavior

These shrimp are active grazers, constantly foraging along the substrate and plants for food. They molt regularly as they grow; provide plenty of cover (moss, plants, driftwood) to help them hide during vulnerable post-molt periods. Colony dynamics are peaceful; they gather in groups but do not school, and males may occasionally spar with gentle antennae-boxing.

Breeding

Sakura Reds breed readily in standard freshwater conditions without requiring soft acidic water, making them ideal for beginners. Females produce small batches of 20-30 shrimplets every 4-6 weeks; the young are born fully-formed and independent. High survival rates occur in established tanks with adequate food and hiding spaces.

Tank mates

See all 5

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae-eater that shares bottom-dwelling niche without competing aggressively

excellent

Ember Tetra

Small, non-predatory fish that ignore shrimp and thrive in similar water parameters

excellent

Chili Rasbora

Tiny, gentle fish that pose no threat to adult or juvenile shrimp

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp species; may compete for food but generally coexist peacefully

good

Red Cherry Shrimp

Same species complex; can interbreed but cohabitate harmoniously

excellent

Beginner-friendly

Member photos

Vote for the cover

Photos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.

by @Ralph

Common diseases 4Molting Failure / Incomplete Molt, Vorticella (Epistylis) Infection, Copper Toxicity, Bacterial Infection / Muscular Necrosis

Molting Failure / Incomplete Molt

Symptoms

Shrimp unable to shed exoskeleton, appearing stuck or lethargic; may die if unable to escape old shell

Treatment

Ensure adequate mineral content via GH booster or mineral supplements; maintain stable water parameters; provide soft plants and moss for grip during molt; avoid sudden temperature or pH swings

Vorticella (Epistylis) Infection

Symptoms

White fuzzy coating on body, antennae, or legs; shrimp becomes lethargic and stops feeding

Treatment

Perform 25-30% water changes daily; increase aeration; add Indian almond leaves or tannins to lower pH slightly; maintain pristine water quality; severe cases may require brief salt dips (1-2 teaspoons per gallon for 10 minutes)

Copper Toxicity

Symptoms

Sudden death or erratic swimming; paralysis; discoloration or lethargy

Treatment

Immediately perform large water change (50%+); check all equipment and medications for copper content; remove copper-containing items (certain fertilizers, algaecides, medications); use copper-free treatments only; activated carbon may help remove residual copper

Bacterial Infection / Muscular Necrosis

Symptoms

Black spots or lesions on body; white patches on legs or antennae; loss of limbs; lethargy and reduced feeding

Treatment

Perform frequent water changes (25% every 2-3 days); increase aeration; add Indian almond leaves or tannins; maintain optimal water parameters (pH 6.5-8.0, GH 6-12); isolate severely affected individuals; avoid overstocking and overfeeding

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: Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil (CC BY 4.0); Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species (CC BY 4.0); Global Register of Invasive and Introduced Species (CC BY 4.0).