This page will give a completely detailed profile of the selected
fish, from A to Z. The profiled fish will be chosen randomly by Badman,
and will come from the complete genre of tropical fish. New profiles
are added on a regular basis. If you would like to submit a profile
for the site please contact me. Don't forget to let us know you experiences
with this fish by filling out the
comment form.
This profile was written by was written by Uknowho an active contributer
to the site.
Neocaridina denticulata sinensis
|
|
Overview:
Small and brightly colored, Red Cherry Shrimps are a joy to keep either
in a species only tank, community tank or as companions in a small Betta
tank. As long as the water is clean and the water parameters are kept
stable, RCS will thrive and breed in captivity. They are also great
clean-up crews since they feed on algae and left-over food in the tank.
Quick stats:
Listed tank sizes are the minimum
|
Size: |
Up to 1.2" (30.5mm) TL |
Tank: |
At least 2.5 gallons |
Strata: |
All over but tend to stay in the middle or
bottom of the tank. |
PH: |
Very adaptable shrimp. RCS can live
under conditions that are soft and slightly acidic (ph 6.6-7.0)
to very hard and alkaline (ph 7.0-8.4 and above). They are
most productive and do best in soft to medium hard water
with a ph in the alkaline range but they might not reproduce
at all in water that is too acidic. |
Temperature: |
Tolerates wide range of temperature but best
kept between 70°F-80°F (21 -27°C) |
Classification:
Order: |
Decapoda tenth |
Super-Family : |
Atyidoidea |
Family: |
Atyidae |
Genus: |
Neocaridina |
Species: |
denticulata sinensis |
|
|
Common name:
Cherry Red Shrimp, Red Cherry Shrimp
Image gallery:
Additional
species photographs
Discuss:
Badmans'
Forum
Distribution:
The Red Cherry Shrimp is bred in captivity in Taiwan. None are found
in the wild. The wild form known as Taiwan shrimp is found in Southern
China, Taiwan and northern Vietnam.
Life Span:
If kept in ideal conditions, they can live up to 1.5 years.
Maintenance:
Feeding:
RCS are algae eating shrimp. If there are insufficient algae in a
tank, algae wafers and blanched vegetables such as zucchinis and spinach
may be added as supplementary food. RCS are also scavengers and will
readily feed on uneaten flakes and pellets in the tank.
Substrate:
Plants:
RCS need something to cling on to. A planted tank (real or fake) is
highly recommended. In addition, plants will provide some cover and
hiding space for the shrimp and will make them feel more comfortable
and shows their color better.
Tank décor:
Some hiding space for the shrimp when they molt is required. Otherwise,
they run the risk of getting eaten by fish.
Tank mates:
Good tank mates include peaceful fish such as the smaller tetras like
glowlight, neon and cardinals, threadfin rainbows and danios. In general,
if a fish has a mouth bigger than a RCS, it is a bad idea. Puffers
and some loaches are a strict no as are the more aggressive cichlids.
Filtration:
RCS are sensitive to ammonia and nitrites so good established tank
and filtration is needed. They are best introduced after a tank
is well-established. Like all invertebrates, RCS is especially vulnerable
to copper, heavy metals and medications.
Sexing:
Sexing the shrimp is easy. The adult females will generally show more
red coloration than adult males, who may have very little coloration
at all. Juvenile RCS shows coloration similar to adult males but will
color up (if female) once they are 2-3 months old.
Breeding:
The red cherry shrimp breeds easily in a well kept aquarium. Prior
to breeding, the yellow ovaries of females will become visible on
the dorsal side of the females. The female carries the eggs and larva
in her swimmerettes until they are miniature versions of the adults
and able to fend for themselves, eating the same foods as the adults.
This takes between 20-30 days. Unlike most other shrimp, there is
no intermediate plankton stage.
|