Neocaridina var Sakura Red Shrimp Bred in SA

The Sakura Red Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. Sakura) is a selectively bred variety of the popular Neocaridina shrimp, featuring a solid, vibrant red color that enhances any planted or nano aquarium. They are easy to care for, breed readily in freshwater, and help keep tanks clean by grazing on biofilm and algae.

Quick Facts:

• Scientific Name: Neocaridina davidi var. Sakura
• Common Names: Sakura Red Shrimp, Red Cherry Shrimp (higher grade)
• Origin: Taiwan, China
• Size: 2.5–3.5 cm
• Lifespan: 1–2 years
• Temperament: Peaceful, social
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: 10+ litres (Best in 20+ litres for stability)
• Temperature: 18–26°C (Ideal: 22–24°C)
• pH Range: 6.5–7.8
• Water Hardness: 4–12 dGH
• Filtration: Sponge filter or gentle-flow filter (to prevent shrimp from getting sucked in).
• Substrate & Decorations:
  • Dark substrate enhances their red coloration.
  • Live plants like Java Moss, Anubias, Bucephalandra, and Java Fern provide hiding spots and grazing surfaces.
  • Driftwood and cholla wood grow beneficial biofilm.

Behavior & Tank Mates

• Very active and peaceful, constantly grazing on surfaces.
• Best kept in groups of 5+ to encourage natural behaviors.
• Compatible Tank Mates:
  • Peaceful nano fish (Ember Tetras, Chili Rasboras, Celestial Pearl Danios).
  • Other dwarf shrimp (Blue Dream, Amano Shrimp, Yellow Shrimp).
  • Snails (Nerite Snails, Mystery Snails).
• Avoid aggressive fish (bettas, cichlids, barbs, and larger predators).

Diet

Sakura Red Shrimp are omnivores, feeding on algae, biofilm, and commercial shrimp food:

• Algae & Biofilm (natural diet, grows on tank surfaces).
• Blanched Vegetables (zucchini, spinach, cucumber).
• Shrimp Pellets & Algae Wafers (high-quality brands preferred).
• Protein Treats (bloodworms, baby brine shrimp, occasionally).
• Calcium Supplements (to support healthy molting).

Breeding

• Very easy in freshwater!
• Females carry eggs (“berried”) under their abdomen for ~30 days.
• Baby shrimp are born fully formed and feed on biofilm.
• Best breeding setup:
  • Gentle filtration (sponge filters preferred).
  • Plenty of moss and hiding spots for baby shrimp.
  • No fish that may eat baby shrimp.

Care Tips

✔ Keep water parameters stable to prevent stress.
✔ Regular water changes (10–20% weekly).
✔ Avoid copper-based medications (toxic to shrimp).
✔ Provide a natural grazing environment (plants, moss, driftwood).

Why Keep Sakura Red Shrimp?

✅ Beautiful, solid red coloration.
✅ Hardy and beginner-friendly.
✅ Great for planted tanks and shrimp-only setups.
✅ Helps keep algae and biofilm under control.
✅ Breeds easily in freshwater.

Would you like recommendations on setting up the perfect shrimp tank? 😊