How to Identify Red Cherry Shrimp

To identify Red Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Varies from translucent to intense red, with females typically exhibiting more vibrant and opaque coloration than males. Higher grades of shrimp display more uniform and intense red pigmentation. Wild type is typically brownish or greenish.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Small size (adults typically 1-1.5 inches or 2.5-3.8 cm), Carapace covers the cephalothorax, Ten pairs of appendages (five pairs of walking legs, five pairs of swimmerets), Females are generally larger and more brightly colored, often carrying eggs (berries) under their abdomen.

Dorsal fin

N/A (invertebrate)

Tail fin

Fan-like telson and uropods for propulsion and steering

Pectoral fin

N/A (invertebrate)

Distinctive fins

Pleopods (swimmerets) on the abdomen are used for swimming and for females to carry eggs.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Coloration

   The most obvious feature is their red coloration, which can range from light pink to deep, opaque red. Females are typically more intensely colored.

2. 2

   Size

   Adults rarely exceed 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in length.

3. 3

   Sexing

   Females are generally larger, have a more rounded underside (saddle) where eggs develop, and often display a more intense red color. When gravid, they carry bright green or yellow eggs under their abdomen.

4. 4

   Behavior

   They are constantly foraging, grazing on algae and biofilm on surfaces.

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