Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What Are Cherry Shrimp?
3. Why Cherry Shrimp Are Popular in the UK
4. Best Places to Buy Cherry Shrimp in the UK
5. Ideal Aquarium Setup for Cherry Shrimp
6. Feeding Cherry Shrimp
7. Breeding Cherry Shrimp at Home
8. Common Health Issues and How to Avoid Them
9. Conclusion

1. Introduction

Looking to brighten up your aquarium with lively, colorful invertebrates? If you’re in the UK and searching for Cherry Shrimp for sale, you’re in for a treat. These vibrant freshwater shrimp are not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to care for, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced aquarists.

2. What Are Cherry Shrimp?

Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) are a species of freshwater shrimp known for their bright red coloration. Originating from Taiwan, they’ve become one of the most popular shrimp in the aquarium hobby. Their colors range from pale pink to deep crimson, depending on the grade.

3. Why Cherry Shrimp Are Popular in the UK

• Hardy and easy to care for
• Affordable and widely available
• Excellent algae eaters
• Add vibrant color to planted tanks
• Peaceful and compatible with many tank mates

Aquarium hobbyists in the UK appreciate how low-maintenance yet beautiful these shrimp are. With many local breeders and online sellers offering Cherry Shrimp for sale in the UK, sourcing them is simple.

4. Best Places to Buy Cherry Shrimp in the UK

Here are some trusted sources:

• Local fish stores (LFS): Check if they quarantine and breed shrimp on-site.
• Online stores: Reputable sites like cuaquatics.co.uk specialize in live shrimp.
• Aquatic fairs and expos: Great for meeting breeders directly.

Tip: Always choose a seller that offers DOA (dead-on-arrival) guarantees when shipping live shrimp.

5. Ideal Aquarium Setup for Cherry Shrimp

• Tank size: Minimum 10 litres, ideally 20L+
• Substrate: Dark sand or shrimp soil helps show off colors
• Plants: Java moss, Anubias, Hornwort
• Filtration: Sponge filter to prevent sucking in baby shrimp
• Water parameters:
  • pH: 6.5–7.5
  • Temperature: 20–24°C
  • GH: 6–8
  • KH: 2–4

Add hiding spots using shrimp caves or driftwood to reduce stress.

6. Feeding Cherry Shrimp

Cherry Shrimp are scavengers and eat:

• Algae
• Biofilm
• Blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini)
• Specialized shrimp pellets
• Occasional protein (bloodworms)

Feed small portions to avoid polluting the water. Remove uneaten food after 2 hours.

7. Breeding Cherry Shrimp at Home

One of the joys of keeping Cherry Shrimp is how easily they breed:

• Keep males and females together
• Provide a stable, planted environment
• Females will carry eggs for 2–3 weeks before hatching

Young shrimp need biofilm and hiding places to survive the early stages.

8. Common Health Issues and How to Avoid Them

• Molting problems: Caused by sudden water changes; always acclimate shrimp slowly.
• Planaria and hydra: Avoid overfeeding and introduce predator species if needed.
• Copper poisoning: Never use medications with copper in shrimp tanks.

Regular water changes and avoiding overstocking help prevent most issues.

9. Conclusion

Cherry Shrimp are one of the best additions you can make to a freshwater aquarium, especially in the UK where they’re widely available and affordable. With the right setup and care, these little crustaceans will thrive, breed, and add endless interest to your tank.

Whether you’re buying Cherry Shrimp for the first time or looking to expand your colony, this guide should set you up for success. Check trusted sources like cuaquatics.co.uk to find healthy, vibrant Cherry Shrimp for sale in the UK.