Fire Red Shrimp: A Bright Neocaridina Variety

The Fire Red Shrimp is one of the most popular and vibrant Neocaridina varieties in the aquarium hobby. Known for its intense, solid red coloration, this shrimp adds a bold splash of color to freshwater aquariums. Easy to care for and quick to breed, Fire Red Shrimp are an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced shrimp keepers.

Appearance
Fire Red Shrimp display a rich, uniform red color that covers their entire body, including the legs and tail. The depth of their coloration depends on the grade, with higher-grade individuals having a more opaque and vivid red. Their striking appearance makes them especially eye-catching in planted tanks with contrasting green plants and dark substrates.

Care Requirements
Fire Red Shrimp are hardy and adaptable, making them one of the easiest dwarf shrimp to keep.

* Tank Size: 5 gallons or larger, though larger tanks offer more stability.
* Water Parameters: pH 6.5–7.8, GH 6–12, KH 2–8.
* Temperature: 68–78°F is ideal.
* Filtration: Gentle filtration, such as sponge filters, helps maintain water quality without harming shrimplets.
* Substrate: Dark gravel or sand enhances their red coloration, while planted tanks provide hiding spots and grazing surfaces.

Diet
Like other Neocaridina, Fire Red Shrimp are omnivores and natural scavengers. They feed on biofilm, algae, and detritus, but should be given a balanced diet to stay healthy and colorful. Good food options include:

* High-quality shrimp pellets or wafers
* Blanched vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or cucumber
* Occasional protein-rich foods such as shrimp-specific granules or frozen daphnia

Tankmates
These shrimp are peaceful and do well in community aquariums with small, non-aggressive fish. Compatible tankmates include:

* Small rasboras, tetras, and guppies
* Otocinclus catfish
* Other Neocaridina shrimp (though crossbreeding may affect coloration)
* Snails such as Nerites or Mystery Snails
For pure breeding colonies and best color retention, a shrimp-only tank is recommended.

Breeding
Breeding Fire Red Shrimp is straightforward in stable water conditions. Females carry eggs for about 3–4 weeks before releasing fully developed shrimplets. A planted tank with moss and hiding places improves survival rates of the young. Over time, selective breeding helps maintain and even enhance the intensity of their red color.

Why Keep Fire Red Shrimp?
Fire Red Shrimp are hardy, easy to breed, and absolutely stunning in appearance. They not only provide a vivid splash of color to aquariums but also serve as effective tank cleaners by grazing on algae and leftover food.

For aquarists looking to add beauty, activity, and utility to their aquarium, the Fire Red Shrimp is one of the best Neocaridina choices available.