Super Red Shrimp A Grade - Neocaridina davidi

Super Red Shrimp A Grade (Neocaridina davidi)

The Super Red Shrimp A Grade is a bright selectively bred freshwater dwarf shrimp admired for its strong red colour, active grazing behaviour and excellent suitability for planted aquariums. This high-colour form of Neocaridina davidi is hardy compared with many specialist shrimp, making it a popular choice for mature nano aquariums, planted community tanks and shrimp colonies. A Grade individuals show good red coverage, although natural variation in intensity, markings and body tone can still occur.

Common Name:
Super Red Shrimp A Grade, Super Red Cherry Shrimp, Fire Red Shrimp, Red Cherry Shrimp, Red Neocaridina Shrimp

Scientific Name (Latin):
Neocaridina davidi

Strain / Form:
Super Red / A Grade selectively bred red colour form

Maximum Size:
Approximately 2.5–3 cm

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Wild Neocaridina davidi are freshwater dwarf shrimp from East Asia, with aquarium lines now widely captive-bred in many colour forms.

The Super Red A Grade form is a selectively bred aquarium strain, not a wild colour form.

In the aquarium, they thrive in mature planted setups with moss, fine-leaved plants, biofilm, leaf litter, driftwood and stable water quality.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 18–26°C
pH Range: 6.5–8.0
Hardness: Moderately hard water preferred
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Kept low and stable
Copper: Must be avoided
Oxygenation: Good oxygenation recommended

Temperament:
Peaceful

Super Red Shrimp are peaceful dwarf shrimp and are best kept in groups.

They spend much of their time grazing on biofilm, plants, moss, wood, substrate and hard surfaces.

They are safe with other peaceful shrimp of the same species, although mixing different Neocaridina colour strains may result in less predictable offspring colour.

Diet:
Omnivore / Biofilm Grazer

Super Red Shrimp naturally graze biofilm, algae films, microorganisms and fine organic matter.

Offer specialist shrimp foods, algae wafers, spirulina foods, blanched vegetables, biofilm powders, leaf litter and occasional protein-based foods.

Feed lightly and remove uneaten food, as poor water quality is more dangerous than underfeeding in a mature shrimp aquarium.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 20 litres for a small colony

Larger aquariums are more stable and are recommended for growing colonies or mixed community setups.

A mature, cycled aquarium is essential before adding shrimp.

Behaviour & Activity:
Super Red Shrimp are active grazers and are usually visible throughout the day when kept in a safe, settled aquarium.

They will explore plants, moss, substrate and décor while feeding.

Females may carry eggs under the body, and healthy colonies can breed readily when conditions are stable.

Baby shrimp are tiny and benefit from moss, fine plants, biofilm-rich surfaces and sponge-filter protection.

Community Suitability:
Peaceful Community Invertebrate

Super Red Shrimp are ideal for shrimp-only aquariums and peaceful planted nano setups.

Suitable tankmates include small peaceful fish such as micro rasboras, small tetras, otocinclus and other calm nano fish, although baby shrimp may still be eaten.

For best breeding success, keep them in a shrimp-only aquarium.

Avoid large fish, aggressive fish, puffers, loaches, cichlids, bettas with strong hunting behaviour and any species likely to pick at or eat shrimp.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Keep in a mature aquarium with stable water quality and no ammonia or nitrite.

Avoid copper-based medications, copper-containing treatments and unsafe plant fertilisers.

Use a sponge filter or protect filter intakes to prevent baby shrimp being drawn in.

Acclimate slowly, as shrimp can be sensitive to sudden changes in temperature, pH and hardness.

Do not overfeed, as decaying food can quickly affect water quality.

Provide moss, plants, leaf litter and hiding places, especially if keeping females with young or keeping them with small fish.

Avoid mixing with other Neocaridina davidi colour strains if you want to maintain strong red colour in future generations.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate

Availability:
Common to occasional, depending on grade, supplier and seasonal availability.

All images are a visual representation of the invert you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.