Crystal Red Shrimp

Red Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. "Red") are a popular freshwater dwarf shrimp species in the aquarium hobby, known for their bright red coloration and ease of care. Here’s a detailed description:

### Appearance:

- **Color**: As the name suggests, they are vibrant red, though the intensity can vary depending on the grade (e.g., low-grade shrimp may have a translucent or pale red color, while high-grade shrimp are deep, opaque red).

- **Size**: They are small, typically growing to about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) in length.

- **Body**: They have a slender, segmented body with a curved posture, characteristic of shrimp. Their exoskeleton is semi-transparent, which can make their internal organs faintly visible.

- **Antennae**: They have long, thin antennae used for sensing their environment.

### Behavior:

- **Active and Peaceful**: Red Cherry Shrimp are active scavengers, constantly foraging for food. They are peaceful and do well in community tanks with other non-aggressive species.

- **Social**: They thrive in groups and exhibit interesting social behaviors, such as grazing together and molting in sync.

### Habitat and Care:

- **Water Parameters**: They prefer clean, stable water conditions with a pH of 6.5-8.0, temperature of 65-85°F (18-29°C), and moderate hardness.

- **Tank Setup**: They do best in planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots, such as moss, driftwood, and rocks. Live plants like Java Moss provide both food and shelter.

- **Diet**: They are omnivores and will eat algae, biofilm, leftover fish food, and specialized shrimp pellets or blanched vegetables (e.g., zucchini, spinach).

### Breeding:

- **Ease of Breeding**: Red Cherry Shrimp are prolific breeders in optimal conditions. Females carry eggs (20-30) under their tails for about 3-4 weeks until they hatch.

- **Fry Care**: The baby shrimp are miniature versions of adults and require no special care, though they benefit from fine-leaved plants or moss to hide in.

### Grades:

Red Cherry Shrimp are graded based on their color intensity:

- **Low Grade**: Translucent or faint red.

- **Medium Grade**: Solid red with some transparency.

- **High Grade**: Deep, opaque red with no visible transparency.

- **Painted Fire Red**: The highest grade, with a solid, vibrant red color covering the entire body.

### Compatibility:

They are best kept with other small, peaceful tank mates like snails or small fish (e.g., neon tetras, otocinclus). Avoid larger or aggressive fish that may prey on them.

Overall, Red Cherry Shrimp are an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists due to their hardiness, striking appearance, and fascinating behavior.