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Ornamental Aquatics / Species Record
Aquatic Animals · SPECIES PROFILE

Cherry Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Freshwater shrimp that rely heavily on biofilm; stable mineral balance is more important than pursuing an exact pH.

Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)
Images · CC BY-SA 4.0Friedrich Bitter / Wikimedia Commons
Advanced CareRequires More Preparation Update 2026-09-07
Editorial example · Pending Expert Review
Adult Length0.79–1.18 in
Reference Lifespan1–2 yr
Water Temperature Reference68–77 °F
Air HumidityN/A
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Ownership Score

Ownership Score

This is an edited estimate of lifestyle compatibility, not an animal value rating. A higher score indicates that, based on current data, the animal is easier to integrate into your daily routine.

53/100 · Requires careful assessment
Beginner suitability58
Handling0
Interactive18
Space88
Cost72
Maintenance46
Travel30
Veterinary Accessibility24
Safety98
RISK SIGNALS
Feeding difficulty 30Environmental control 56Escape risk 8Bite risk 0Toxicity risk 0Noise 99Odor 92Cleaning burden 58
LIFE FIT
Children and families 82Apartments 98Bedrooms 96Frequent travel 28

The composite score is calculated by weighting nine factors: beginner-friendliness, handling ease, interaction, space requirements, cost, maintenance, travel, veterinary access, and safety. Read risk signals according to field direction: lower scores for biting, escape, and toxicity indicate greater safety; higher scores for noise, odor, and cleaning indicate less hassle. Combine this page's environmental requirements and risk notes with your judgment; do not rely solely on the total score.

BEFORE YOU COMMIT

First check whether it fits your life

This brief brings together the space, maintenance, feeding, lifespan and veterinary conditions recorded on this page so you know what to verify next.

53/100 · Requires careful assessment

A better fit if

  • The living conditions need closer planning
  • Adult space is relatively easy to plan, but use the recommended enclosure as the baseline
  • Daily maintenance requires a steady time commitment

Resolve these first

  • Condition the water before introducing animals.:Established cycling, water changes, and water quality testing are daily tasks; a clear tank does not mean low maintenance.
  • Confirm an exotic veterinarian and emergency route before purchase
Adult size
0.79–1.18 in
Reference Lifespan
1 to 2 years
Minimum space
Start in a mature planted tank of 6.6 US gal or larger; use a sponge filter to protect the intake; retain biofilm and moss.
Veterinary Accessibility
Difficult

This is a comparison aid based on the current record, not a purchase, medical or local-law conclusion. Check the sources and local conditions before continuing.

THINGS OWNERS UNDERESTIMATE

Common Underestimations by Keepers

  • Condition the water before introducing animals.Established cycling, water changes, and water quality testing are daily tasks; a clear tank does not mean low maintenance.
  • Capacity and group sizeIndividual size and group requirements may differ; small fish also need sufficient horizontal swimming space.
VETERINARY ACCESS

Veterinary Accessibility

Difficult

Fewer specialists for fish and aquatic amphibians; water quality testing is the first line of defense.

Difficult; transport and water temperature control can affect diagnosis.

Specialist Exotic Pet Care Typically Required
DATA STATUS

Where this record stands

Editorial example
Last updated
2026-09-07
Fields checked
No field review record yet
Reference sources
1 · Reference sources
Professional review
Pending veterinary or taxonomic review
Local rules
Local rules need verification

Source links are starting points for reading. A group-level guide does not verify every value for each species. Check local rules separately.

Basic Information

Native Distribution
East Asia. Ornamental color morphs are selectively bred.
Body Size and Diameter
Adult total length. For frogs, snout-vent length
Dietary Habits
Omnivore
Activity Cycle
Varies by species; first stabilize day/night lighting and water conditions
Availability of Captive-Bred Individuals
Common
Temperament and Aggression
Gentle toward tank mates.
Toxicity and Contact Risks
Non-venomous. Contact Risks: Low。
Socialization and Handling
Keep with conspecifics; fish may prey on juvenile shrimp.

Environmental Parameters

Water Temperature

Stable water temperature; avoid high temperatures and hypoxia.

Humidity and Ventilation

Fully aquatic; air humidity not applicable.

Lighting and Circadian Rhythm

Regular planted tank lighting; avoid excessive intensity and prolonged exposure.

Basking Spot / Localized Heat

Not applicable. Focus on stable water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and shelter.

UVB Requirements

Regular planted tank lighting; avoid excessive intensity and prolonged exposure.

Adult Space

Minimum: Start in a mature planted tank of 6.6 US gal or larger; use a sponge filter to protect the intake; retain biofilm and moss.
Recommended: Start with a mature planted tank of 6.6 US gal or more; protect the intake with a sponge to retain biofilm and moss; recommend increasing the water volume by about 30% above the minimum requirement, and reserve space for filtration, water changes, and group retreat areas.

Substrate and Water

Substrate free of pollutants and with appropriate particle size; perform regular waste removal. · Commonly plan GH 6 to 10, KH 2 to 8 dH. Acclimate slowly; keep ammonia and nitrite at 0; avoid copper-containing medications.

Water Quality · pH 6.5–8

Commonly plan GH 6 to 10, KH 2 to 8 dH. Acclimate slowly; keep ammonia and nitrite at 0; avoid copper-containing medications.

These ranges are for planning the environment of a healthy adult, not a constant value for the entire enclosure, and do not cover disease, breeding, or juvenile stages.

Diet and Nutrition

Biofilm and a small amount of dedicated shrimp food; supplement sparingly with safe plant matter. Remove uneaten food promptly.

Feeding Frequency
Feed small amounts daily or every other day, then adjust based on group feeding and water quality
Live Prey Requirement
Not Required
Rodent Pellets
Not Required

Enclosure and activity space

Start in a mature planted tank of 6.6 US gal or larger; use a sponge filter to protect the intake; retain biofilm and moss.

Dimensions are editor suggestions, not mandatory minimum standards in all regions. Group size, individual body size, and layout may require more space.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do if frequent molting fails?

First test GH, KH, and water quality and check for water change differences; do not blindly add large amounts of mineral salts.

Can I start keeping this animal based solely on this record?

No. This is a summary plan for a healthy adult. Juveniles, breeding periods, disease states, and regional climate variations require separate assessment.

Risks and Legality

  • Copper contamination, pesticides, and sudden mineral changes can cause death.
  • Before acquiring, verify reliable sources, long-term care capability, and local exotic animal veterinary resources.

Sources and editor notes

This page is a structured editing example and has not yet undergone field-by-field expert review. Reference links are for further consultation; data for some groups may not apply to every species. Please read the full manual before formal husbandry.

OATA Freshwater Shrimp and Snail Care

Further reading. Some entries are group data. Numerical values and spatial recommendations are compiled by editors and have not been reviewed field-by-field by experts.

View data scope and update methods ↗
SIMILAR SPECIES

Other options within the same group

Similar species does not mean they can be co-housed