🐠Cherry shrimp: gear and buying guides

The cherry shrimp is a small, hardy and prolific freshwater invertebrate, perfect for a nano tank of 20 L or more. It tolerates a wide range of 18 to 25 °C, often without a heater, but remains extremely sensitive to copper and medications. In colonies, it tirelessly cleans micro-algae off moss and decor.

Profile : 2 to 3 cm as an adult, 20 L minimum for a colony of 10, water between 18 and 25 °C.

Species profile

Lifespan

1 to 2 years

Adult size

3 cm

Minimum tank

20 L

Water temperature

18 to 25 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.5

Temperament

A peaceful, gregarious invertebrate that grazes the decor in a colony and is kept ten or more strong.

Health watch

failed molts during parameter shocks · lethal sensitivity to copper and medications

🩺 This health information is general in nature and does not replace a consultation: at the slightest doubt about your animal’s condition, talk to your vet.

Cherry shrimp gear, family by family

• 🍖 Food

  A detritivore grazing biofilm and micro-algae, supplemented two to three times a week with dedicated shrimp granules and blanched nettle or spinach leaves. Never overfeed a shrimp tank.

• 🧴 Care & grooming

  Copper is lethal even in tiny doses: ban any fertilizer or medication containing it. Moderately hard, stable water supports its molts, the moment when it is most vulnerable.

• 🎾 Toys & enrichment

  Java moss, marimo balls and catappa leaves multiply grazing surfaces. Hiding places are vital for freshly molted females and juveniles.

• 🏠 Bedding & habitat

  A nano tank of 20 L or more, well matured and densely mossy, kept species-only or with peaceful micro-fish. Almost all medium-sized fish eat the juveniles.

• 🧳 Travel & safety

  Transport in a bag with a strand of moss to cling to; it travels very well. One-hour drip acclimation is mandatory, as parameter shocks trigger fatal molts.

• 🧰 Accessories

  A sponge filter or an intake guard on the pump to avoid sucking in juveniles, GH/KH tests and a drip acclimation kit. A complete nano tank can be equipped for around 50 to 100 euros.

Guides to read

• Community aquarium or species-only tank: which is right for a first setup?Bedding & habitat

  Community aquarium or species-only tank: pros, cohabitation risks and advice for choosing how to set up your first aquarium.

• Best easy aquarium plants without CO2 for beginnersToys & enrichment

  Which aquarium plants can you choose without CO2 injection? A selection of hardy, easy plants for a beginner's planted tank.

• Budget for a first brackish water aquarium: the real cost to get startedBedding & habitat

  How much does a first brackish water aquarium cost? Tank, filtration, salt and salinity monitoring, budgeted item by item.

• Changing filter media too often: the mistake that wrecks your aquarium's cycleCare & grooming

  Why you should never replace all your filter media at once: nitrifying bacteria, replacement frequency and the right habits.

• Restarting a neglected aquarium: a step-by-step guideCare & grooming

  How do you restart an aquarium that's been left neglected without endangering the fish? Steps, water changes and mistakes to avoid.

• GH, KH and pH: understanding and adjusting aquarium water hardnessCare & grooming

  GH, KH, pH: what do these three readings actually measure, and how do you adjust aquarium water hardness without stressing the fish?

• Upgrading to a bigger aquarium: moving your fish without the stressBedding & habitat

  How do you upgrade to a bigger aquarium without breaking the biological cycle or stressing your fish? Steps and mistakes to avoid.

• Aquarium electrical safety: GFCI protection and good habitsTravel & safety

  Heater, filter, lighting near the water: what electrical precautions keep an aquarium safe for fish and people?