Buzz
Dreaming of creating your own underwater world? Red Cherry Shrimp (RCS) might just be the perfect addition to your aquatic family. Despite growing to about 1.5 inches (4cm) in size, these easy-to-maintain creatures require no elaborate setups, special diets, rituals, or mystics to reproduce. Let us lead you through all the essentials, so you can start cultivating your RCS population in no time.
Essential Steps
Prepare your tank.
You'll require a 5 to 10 gallon or 20 to 40 liter tank for your shrimp. Additionally, ensure you have a heater to maintain temperatures between 75F-80F (24-27C) during cooler nights. Opt for dark gravel to minimize stress on the shrimps, and install a cycled bubble filter.
Acquire a comprehensive test kit.
It's an absolute must-have for shrimp keeping. Identifying tank issues without a master test kit is virtually impossible. Essential tests include ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Opt for drop tests over test strips for cost-effectiveness and longer shelf life.
Procure 5-10 red cherry shrimp.
RCS typically range from $1.50 to $3 (US) each at pet stores. However, better deals are often found online, where sellers may offer free shipping. Aim for a mix of clear males and red females. Purchasing 10 shrimp virtually guarantees a mix of genders. Ensure careful consideration of shipping methods, particularly if transit exceeds 3 days.
Prepare your tank with dechlorinated water.
Shrimp are highly sensitive to chlorine and chloramines. Hence, it's crucial to invest in a dechlorinator that effectively neutralizes both chemicals.
Gradually acclimate the shrimp to the tank water using these steps.
Secure the bag to the tank side with a binder clip and immerse it in the water. Introduce 1/4 cup of tank water to the bag, waiting 15 minutes before repeating this step twice more. Alternatively, if water parameters are similar, acclimate the shrimp to the tank temperature and introduce them directly, as Cherry shrimp are remarkably resilient compared to other species.
Introduce the shrimp into the tank.
Ensure the temperature and water parameters, such as pH, have sufficiently equalized to avoid shocking the shrimp.
Set your heater to approximately 80 °F (27 °C).
Double-check your heater's accuracy with another thermometer. Monitor it daily during feeding times.
Provide nourishment for the shrimp.
Recommended options include flake food, sinking pellets, or blanched squash or zucchini. Shrimp have diverse dietary preferences akin to fish. They can even manage large flakes by themselves. Be cautious with algae tablets and avoid foods containing copper compounds. Ensure not to overfeed, as it may lead to harmless worms like detritus or planaria. If overfeeding occurs, perform a water change and reduce feeding frequency or quantity, especially when starting with a small shrimp population.
Observe the shrimp for breeding activity.
Provided the water temperature is optimal and sufficient food is available, breeding will occur naturally. Female shrimp typically develop greenish or yellowish eggs beneath their tails within 30 days of acquisition. You may also notice a yellowish 'saddle-shaped' patch on the females, indicating eggs in their ovaries. These eggs should migrate to the tail within 7-10 days and hatch within 3-4 weeks. Mothers periodically fan the eggs to prevent fungal growth. Warmer water accelerates hatching. Baby RCS resemble adults but are smaller, around 2mm in length and transparent. Shrimp rarely consume their offspring unless food is scarce, and the young quickly evade predators.
Maintain tank conditions.
A 10-gallon or 40-liter tank can accommodate 100-150 adult RCS safely. Weekly water changes of 25% are crucial. Avoid vacuuming the tank bottom excessively as baby shrimp feed on waste, although excessive waste leads to nitrate buildup, potentially harmful to shrimp.
Useful Tips
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Shrimps enjoy a small piece of boiled carrot, enhancing their color. Remove it within 24 hours to prevent water pollution.
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One common mistake is overusing chemicals. If ammonia=0, nitrite=0, nitrate<50 ppm, and pH is 6.0-8.0, no additional chemicals are necessary besides a dechlorinator.
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Shrimp preparing to molt will assume a 'u' shape, attempting to touch their tail. Witnessing their molt is rapid; they shed their old skin quickly, leaving behind a perfect replica.
The insights shared in this section are gleaned from the real-life experiences of Mytour readers like yourself. If you have a valuable tip to contribute to Mytour, feel free to share it below.
- To distinguish between male and female shrimp, note that female cherry shrimp are typically larger and more vivid in color, while males tend to be paler or more translucent.
- Red Cherry shrimp are categorized based on the richness of their color. Those with brighter, more uniform coloring often fetch higher grades and prices.
- Exercise caution when keeping shrimp in a community tank with algae-eating species like suckerfish and plecos, as they may prey on shrimp and other small crustaceans.
Precautions
- Beware that cardinal tetras pose a threat to RCS offspring.
- Leave molted shrimp shells in the tank, as many shrimp consume them for valuable minerals.
- Shrimp are highly sensitive to chloramines, chlorine, ammonia, nitrites, and elevated nitrates, which can be fatal. Ensure your water dechlorinator addresses both chlorine and chloramines.
- Several fish species, including catfish, predator fish, angelfish, oscars, clown loaches, and eels, prey on adult and juvenile shrimp. Providing ample hiding places, such as Java moss, increases the survival rate of shrimp offspring.
- Uncoated heavy metals such as zinc, lead (from plant weights), and elemental copper are toxic to shrimp, particularly copper. Tanks previously exposed to elemental copper pose significant challenges in maintaining shrimp health. However, copper sulfate found in fish foods is safe in small amounts, as it is a copper compound rather than elemental copper.
- Contrary to popular belief, freshwater crustaceans do not require iodine supplements, as they obtain sufficient iodine from their diet. Saltwater crustaceans may have a need for supplemental iodine.
- Adult RCS can coexist safely with guppies, mollies, platies, porkchop rasboras, and any fish too small to prey on them.
- If your tank is not well-cycled, frequent water changes may be necessary, increasing the risk of accidentally removing tiny shrimp offspring.
- Never house bettas with any type of shrimp, as bettas are known to prey on RCS.
