A group of at least five shrimp needs a filtered tank of at least 10 liters (2.6 gallons), by OATA, and water with no copper in it.
Your tank
Your tank against each minimum
What to get
What to get
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What OATA’s sheet covers
OATA’s care sheet is for freshwater shrimp and snails as a group. It lists cherry shrimp among the colour variants of Caridina cantonensis and gives one temperature and pH for the whole group, so it says to check with your aquatic shop for your own species’ needs.
Size and colours
A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service risk screening, which names the cherry shrimp Neocaridina davidi, quotes a body of up to 40 mm, with females averaging 25 mm and males 20 mm. The same shrimp is sold in colour forms: cherry (red), orange and yellow sakura, green jade, blue dream, blue velvet and blue jelly, and rili (striped).
The screening gives 14 to 30 °C and pH 6 to 8.2 as the range captive shrimp have bred in. OATA’s 17 to 27 °C and pH 6.5 to 8.0 for freshwater shrimp are the care range, and sit inside it.
Never release them
Never release shrimp into a pond or stream. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rates cherry shrimp a high risk for the contiguous United States, and quotes a study suggesting the shrimp found wild on Oahu, Hawaii, escaped or were released from aquariums.
Keep copper out
Freshwater shrimp and snails are very sensitive to copper and will die if exposed even to low levels (OATA).
Tank mates
OATA says freshwater shrimp shouldn’t be mixed with any fish that can fit them in its mouth, or any species known to be predatory.
Common questions
Can cherry shrimp live with a betta?
RSPCA Australia says large shrimps can be suitable companions for a Siamese fighting fish but smaller shrimps may be eaten.
How many cherry shrimp should I keep?
OATA says freshwater shrimp should be kept in groups of at least five.
How big do cherry shrimp get?
A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service risk screening quotes up to 40 mm, with females averaging 25 mm and males 20 mm.
Care and tank sizes come from OATA’s freshwater shrimp sheet, with notes from RSPCA and RSPCA Australia, and filter flow from Aqueon; size, breeding range and colour names from a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service risk screening. Checked against published data from NIST, RSPCA, OATA, RSPCA Australia and Aqueon (plus 1 more).
RSPCA, Ornamental fish: Environment (“Choosing an aquarium”)
OATA, How to care for freshwater shrimp and snails, September 2022 (PDF)
RSPCA Australia knowledgebase, How should I care for my Siamese fighting fish?
Aqueon, “How to Choose the Best Filter for You and Your Tank” (maker article)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) Ecological Risk Screening Summary (March 2025, revised April 2025; PDF supplied by the site owner)
General care guidance from animal welfare charities, vets and makers' published sizes. It isn't veterinary advice: if your pet seems unwell or has eaten something it shouldn't, call your vet.