Blue Cherry Shrimp Care Guide For Beginners [Updated]

Blue Cherry Shrimp are a vibrant and captivating addition to any freshwater aquarium, known for their striking blue coloration and easy care requirements.

These hardy shrimp are perfect for both beginners and experienced aquarists, offering a delightful contrast to the greenery of planted tanks.

In this care guide, you’ll find essential tips on maintaining a thriving environment for your Blue Cherry Shrimp, ensuring they stay healthy, active, and beautifully blue.

Are Blue Cherry Shrimp Easy To Keep?

No matter, whether you are a beginner or an experienced owner, you can always pick blue cherry shrimp to add to your tank. These vibrantly colorful blue cherry shrimp are one of the easiest to keep shrimps.

Because of being scavengers, there is not much hassle about the blue cherry shrimp diet. Besides, these shrimps are pretty easy to breed.

You only need to take a bit more attention to maintaining the water quality of the tank. In addition, blue cherry shrimp can tolerate temperature changes too. So, you can keep these hardy shrimp as pets without many hardships.

Overview Of Blue Cherry Shrimp

Before going into the details of the blue cherry shrimp care guide, let’s take a quick look at the overview of blue cherry shrimp first.  

Common Name	Blue Cherry Shrimp
Scientific Name	Neocaridina davidii
Size	1.25-2 inches
Tank Size	Minimum 10L
Color	Light blue to haze blue or deep blue
Diet	Omnivore
Temperament	Friendly and docile
Care level	Easy-going
Breeding	Very easy
Price	$1-$5
Lifespan	1-2 years

Blue Cherry Shrimp Color Grading Chart

How Do You Set Up A Blue Cherry Shrimp Tank?

Since blue cherry shrimp are hardy, their housing setup is also simple and easy. I’ve made a small list of essential things to set up a blue cherry shrimp tank. These are-

1. A tank of 3-10 gallon
2. Tank lid
3. Substrate
4. Water conditioner
5. Water test kits
6. Sponge filter
7. LED light
8. Driftwood
9. Heater
10. Thermometer
11. Moss
12. Live plants

1. Choosing Tank: What Size Tank Do Blue Cherry Shrimp Need?

The very first thing you need to do is to choose a tank of the right size. Although you can keep your shrimp in a small or large tank, you should prioritize a bigger tank. So, you can choose a tank of 10L-20L capacity.

Some owners keep blue cherry shrimp in a tank of 3-5 gallons. But, you can consider a 10-gallon tank as a standard size for keeping blue cherry shrimp. If you keep a group of around 10 shrimp, a 20-gallon tank will be suitable.

It will provide ample space for your shrimp to move around. Besides, the water parameters will also remain stable when the water volume is high in the larger tank.

If you want a suitable tank for your blue cherry shrimp, I’ll recommend Aqueon 10 Gal Black Aquarium.

2. Adding Substrates

Although there are no obligations in adding substrate to the shrimp tank, a bare-bottom tank doesn’t make the tank naturalistic. Besides, you must require the substrate to keep plants in your blue cherry shrimp tank.

Since blue cherry shrimp include in Neocaridina species, you should prefer an inert substrate over an active substrate. These substrates won’t change the pH of the tank water.

Besides, there are several options as substrates. Such as eco-complete aquarium substrate, filter sand, biofilm, etc. Otherwise, you can choose java moss which may turn into a thick carpet at the bottom of your blue cherry shrimp tank.

In addition, you can check out CaribSea Eco-Complete 20-pound planted aquarium. Otherwise, you can pay a visit to this article- what is the best substrate for cherry shrimp?

3. Décor and Plants

To add a naturalistic vibe, you should add some décor to the tank of blue cherry shrimp. Also, such décor items may release tannins in the water that is beneficial to shrimp. Hence, you should add Indian Almond leaves, cholla wood, etc.

Besides, biofilm can grow over the surface area of those décors. Also, there grow microorganisms that are favorites to your blue cherry shrimp.

In addition, these décor items offer hiding places for your blue cherry shrimp too. Such as pacific driftwood, dragon stone, PVC shrimp shelter, caves, tunnels, etc.

Along with décor items, you should add live plants to the shrimp tank. There are several best plants for blue cherry shrimp. Such as java moss, java fern, water lettuce, dwarf lilies, water wisteria, Anubis nana petite, etc.

4. Blue Cherry Shrimp Tank Lighting

Your blue cherry shrimp do not have any special requirements for lighting. Since these shrimp tend to live in shady areas in the wild, you need not adjust much fancy lighting. But, it is essential for the plants and moss of the shrimp tank.

In addition, you have to maintain a day-night cycle for your shrimp by adjusting the lighting. Besides, lighting plays a huge role in the rate of shrimp reproduction, molting, growth, etc.

If you are confused about choosing a light for the shrimp tank, I’ll recommend Finnex planted tank light.

5. Heater

Blue cherry shrimp do not usually require a heater to survive. If the room temperature remains within 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit, you need not add any heater.

Otherwise, you must adjust a heater to keep the water warm in case of living in a cold country. In addition, you need to warm the tank water when you breed your blue cherry shrimp.

6. Adding A Tank Lid

After introducing blue cherry shrimp into the tank, you should cover the tank with a tank lid. It’ll reduce the evaporation of the tank water. Besides, your blue cherry shrimp will not be able to jump out of the tank.

ideal water parameters for blue cherry shrimp tank

Proper water quality is crucial for the health and well-being of Blue Cherry Shrimp. These shrimp are sensitive to changes in their environment, so maintaining stable and optimal water conditions is essential for their survival and reproduction.

pH Level

Blue Cherry Shrimp thrive in slightly acidic to slightly alkaline water. The ideal pH range for them is between 6.5 and 8.0. It is important to keep the pH stable, as sudden fluctuations can stress the shrimp and lead to health issues.

Temperature

The ideal temperature range for Blue Cherry Shrimp is between 68°F and 78°F (20°C to 26°C). Temperatures outside this range can cause stress and affect their ability to molt and breed. A heater may be necessary in cooler climates to maintain a stable temperature.

Hardness (GH and KH)

Blue Cherry Shrimp prefer water with low to moderate hardness. The general hardness (GH) should be between 6 and 8 dGH, while the carbonate hardness (KH) should be between 3 and 6 dKH. These levels ensure that the shrimp can properly molt and maintain a healthy exoskeleton.

Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate Levels

Ammonia and nitrite should always be at 0 ppm, as even small amounts can be toxic to shrimp. Nitrate levels should be kept below 20 ppm, as high levels can lead to stress and poor health. Regular water changes and proper filtration are key to keeping these levels in check.

Water Changes

Regular water changes are important to maintain water quality and remove any toxins that may build up in the tank. A weekly water change of 10-20% is recommended, using dechlorinated water that matches the tank’s parameters.

Table of Ideal Water Parameters for Blue Cherry Shrimp

Parameter	Ideal Range
pH	6.5 – 8.0
Temperature	68°F – 78°F (20°C – 26°C)
General Hardness (GH)	6 – 8 dGH
Carbonate Hardness (KH)	3 – 6 dKH
Ammonia	0 ppm
Nitrite	0 ppm
Nitrate	< 20 ppm

Maintaining these water parameters will help ensure that your Blue Cherry Shrimp remain healthy, vibrant, and active in your aquarium.

Maintenance Of Blue Cherry Shrimp tank

The maintenance of blue cherry shrimp is not too difficult. But, you should do regular maintenance to keep your blue cherry shrimp happy and healthy.

• You need to change the tank water regularly. A weekly 20-30% water change may remain sufficient for keeping your blue cherry shrimp happy.
• The hassle of cleaning the tank is less than that of the fish tank. You can clean the shrimp tank with a scrubber to remove the algae buildup.
• If there are other creatures in the shrimp tank, the number of waste produced will be more. So, you will need to
• You should not give excess foods which may turn into uneaten foods. If you provide sufficient food in the tank, the leftovers will be less. As a result, there will be less waste.
• Do not forget to clean the filter and the substrate on regular basis.
• Make sure that the filter is not too powerful to injure your pet shrimp.

What Do Blue Cherry Shrimp Eat?

Blue Cherry Shrimp are omnivores, which means they eat a variety of foods. Here’s a simple breakdown of what they eat:

Food Type	Description	Frequency
Algae	Naturally grows in the tank, a primary food source.	Available daily
Biofilm	A thin layer of microorganisms found on surfaces in the tank.	Constant source
Vegetables	Blanched spinach, zucchini, or cucumber slices.	2-3 times a week
Commercial Shrimp Food	Specialized shrimp pellets or granules.	Daily or every other day
Fish Flakes	High-quality flakes, but in small amounts.	1-2 times a week
Frozen Foods	Bloodworms or brine shrimp, offered occasionally.	Once a week
Dead Plant Matter	Decaying plant leaves in the tank.	Ongoing as available

• Moderation: Avoid overfeeding, as leftover food can pollute the water.
• Variety: Offer a mix of foods to ensure balanced nutrition.
• Observation: Watch them eat to ensure all shrimp are getting enough food.

What tank mates Can You Keep With Blue Shrimp?

When choosing tank mates for blue shrimp, it’s important to select species that won’t see the shrimp as food and can coexist peacefully. Below is a list of suitable tank mates along with their compatibility and specific notes.

Tank Mate	Compatibility	Notes
Snails (e.g., Nerite, Mystery)	High	Snails are peaceful and won’t bother shrimp.
Small Peaceful Fish (e.g., Neon Tetras, Endler’s Livebearers)	Moderate	Best in well-planted tanks to give shrimp hiding spots.
Other Dwarf Shrimp (e.g., Red Cherry Shrimp)	High	Can coexist peacefully with different color morphs.
Otocinclus Catfish	High	A peaceful, algae-eating fish that won’t harm shrimp.
Corydoras Catfish	Moderate	Generally peaceful but can disturb shrimp during feeding.
Amano Shrimp	High	Similar care needs and peaceful behavior.

Blue Cherry Shrimp breeding

1. Ideal Tank Conditions

Factor	Ideal Range
Temperature	72-78°F (22-26°C)
pH Level	6.5-7.5
Water Hardness	4-8 dGH (General Hardness)
Ammonia/Nitrite	0 ppm
Nitrate	< 20 ppm
Tank Size	Minimum 5 gallons
Lighting	Low to moderate
Substrate	Fine gravel or sand
Plants/Decorations	Live plants, moss, hiding spots (rocks, driftwood)

2. Breeding Behavior

• Maturity Age: 4-6 months old
• Breeding Frequency: Every 3-5 weeks under optimal conditions
• Egg Count: 20-30 eggs per clutch

3. Caring for Pregnant Shrimp

• Gravid Appearance: Visible yellow-green eggs under the female’s abdomen
• Tank Setup: Ensure ample hiding spots to reduce stress
• Feeding: Provide high-quality shrimp food and blanched vegetables for extra nutrition

4. Hatching and Fry Care

Stage	Care Tips
Hatching Time	3-4 weeks after eggs are carried
Fry Size	Very small, require microalgae and biofilm for food
Water Quality	Maintain pristine conditions, avoid any fluctuations
Feeding	Offer powdered shrimp food or crushed fish flakes
Growth Rate	Slow; fry will resemble miniature adults within a few weeks
Separation	Not required; fry can stay in the same tank as adults if there are enough hiding spots

5. General Maintenance

• Water Changes: 20-30% weekly to maintain water quality
• Monitoring: Regularly check for signs of stress or poor health, such as inactivity or color fading

By following these guidelines, your Blue Cherry Shrimp will have a healthy environment to breed and grow.

Blue Cherry Shrimp Diseases & Prevention

Common blue cherry shrimp Diseases

Disease	Symptoms	Causes	Treatment
Bacterial Infections	Red or white patches, lethargy	Poor water quality	Antibiotics, water changes
Fungal Infections	Cotton-like growths on body or legs	Stress, poor water conditions	Antifungal medication, isolation
Parasitic Infections	White spots, scratching against surfaces	Parasites in the water	Antiparasitic treatments
Vorticella	White fuzz around head and body	Organic waste buildup	Salt baths, water changes
Planaria Infestation	Worms visible in tank, shrimp lethargy	Overfeeding, poor cleanliness	Manual removal, traps

Prevention Tips

1. Maintain Water Quality: Regular water changes and monitoring parameters.
2. Avoid Overfeeding: Remove uneaten food to prevent water contamination.
3. Quarantine New Shrimp: Isolate new arrivals to prevent introducing diseases.
4. Clean Tank Regularly: Remove debris and uneaten food promptly.
5. Monitor Shrimp Regularly: Early detection helps prevent disease spread.

By following these tips and keeping a close eye on your shrimp, you can minimize the risk of diseases and maintain a healthy shrimp population.

frequently asked questions

How Much Do Blue Cherry Shrimp Sell For?

Generally, the average price of blue cherry shrimp is $1-$3. If you buy over 20 shrimp, it can cost around $13.

Are Blue Shrimps Hardy?

Blue shrimp are hardy creatures that can tolerate the sudden or slight inconvenience of the tank.

Although these shrimp are sensitive to water quality and temperature, these crustaceans do not instantly die. So, you can fix the changes by having some time on your hands to save your blue cherry shrimp.

Are Blue Shrimp Easy To Care For?

Yes, blue shrimp, such as the Blue Velvet or Blue Dream shrimp, are generally easy to care for, especially if you provide them with the right environment.

They thrive in stable water conditions, with a pH of 6.5-8.0, a temperature of 68-78°F (20-26°C), and low to moderate water hardness. They need a well-cycled tank with plenty of hiding spots, like plants and rocks.

Blue shrimp are sensitive to poor water quality, so regular water changes and monitoring of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels are important. If these conditions are met, blue shrimp can be a low-maintenance and rewarding addition to your aquarium.

How Long Do Blue Cherry Shrimp Live?

The lifespan of blue cherry shrimp depends upon several factors. Speaking about their average lifespan, blue cherry shrimp may accompany you for 1-2 years.

The living condition in captivity and the received care can affect how long these shrimp live. Besides, their longevity depends upon how well these shrimp are bred.

Will Blue Shrimp Breed With Cherry Shrimp?

Both blue shrimp and cherry shrimp are freshwater shrimp. Also, these shrimp belong to the same Atyidae family.

As both blue shrimp and cherry shrimp are Neocaridina shrimp, you can breed blue shrimp with cherry shrimp.

From the interbreeding between blue shrimp and cherry shrimp, you will achieve greenish brown colored shrimp offspring. If you want to get fascinating colored baby shrimp, you can interbreed between bloody mary cherry shrimp and blue dream shrimp.

Can You Mix Red And Blue Shrimp?

Interbreeding different colored shrimp has become popular among breeders. So, you can mix red and blue shrimp. Since both shrimp are species of Neocaridina, mixing these shrimps will not be a problem. Besides, you can keep them as tank mates. However, the offsprings will start to loose color if you interbreed.

Can Blue Shrimp Have Red Babies?

Generally, when you interbreed a blue and red shrimp, the offspring will have a brown color. But, your blue shrimp may produce red babies if they are line bred as Bloody Mary shrimp.

How Many Blue Shrimp Should Be Together?

You might know that shrimp are social creatures and do best in groups. Hence, you must not buy only one blue cherry shrimp while keeping it in captivity.

You can keep a minimum of 10 blue shrimp together in a tank. These shrimps become more active and playful when they hang around with the larger group.

So, you should add shrimp following the rule of keeping 2-5 shrimp per gallon.

If you keep less than 10 shrimp together, these small crustaceans will hide. Hence, to encourage their natural behavior, you should keep more than 10 blue shrimp together, depending on the tank size.

Can Blue Cherry Shrimp Live With Goldfish?

Goldfish is not a suitable option as a tank mate for blue cherry shrimp.

Also, goldfish tend to eat blue cherry shrimp whenever these fish spot the shrimp. Hence, you must not keep blue cherry shrimp with goldfish together. Instead of goldfish, you can choose nano fish like Neon, Ember Tetras, etc.