Determining what shrimp species to choose for your aquarium can be a difficult decision. Each species has its own unique characteristics and requirements, and it’s important to choose a species that is suitable for your tank’s specific conditions. In this article, we will discuss the four most popular species of freshwater shrimp and help you choose the best one for your setup.
Overview of the most popular freshwater shrimp
| Neocaridina davidi | Caridina multidenta (amano) | Caridina cantonensis | Caridina dennerli | |
| Difficulty | Easy | Easy | Moderate | Difficult |
| Maximum Size | 3 cm / 1,18 in | 7 cm / 2,76 in | 3 cm / 1,18 in | 2,5 cm / 1 in |
| Minimum tank size | 20 l / 5,28 gal | 60 l / 15,85 gal | 30 l / 7,93 gal | 40 l / 10,57 gal |
| Parameters | pH: 6,5-7,5 (tapwater) | pH: 7-7,5 (tapwater) | pH: 5,5-6,5 (RO water) | pH: 7,8-8,2 (RO water) |
| Goal | Breeding/ clean-up crew | Clean-up crew | Breeding | Species conservation |
| Average price per shrimp | 2€ | 4€ | 6€ | 8€ |
| Recommended for beginners | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
Neocaridina davidi
Neocaridina davidi, also known under its red phenotype’s name: the cherry shrimp. They are the most popular species of freshwater shrimp in the shrimp keeping hobby. N. davidi are hardy, peaceful, and easy to care for, making them a great choice for beginners. Cherry shrimp come in a variety of colours, including red, blue, and yellow. They are adaptable to a wide range of water parameters, which makes them more forgiving to care for.
Caridina multidentata (Amano shrimp)
Caridina multidentata shrimp, also known as amano shrimp, are one of the most popular shrimp species in the aquarium hobby. They are hardy, peaceful, and excellent algae eaters. Amano shrimp are also larger than most other freshwater shrimp species, reaching up to 7 cm (2,76 inches) in size. They are great as a part of the clean-up crew as they have a big appetite for algae. Therefor they are best kept in bigger tanks with plenty of hiding spaces and plants. As for breeding, amano shrimp still have a larval stage and need brackish water in order to reproduce.
Caridina cantonensis
Caridina cantonensis, mostly known through their white and red variant, the crystal red shrimp. There is a variety of colours and patterns available and can be crossbred to produce new variants. They are highly prized for their beautiful and intricate markings. C. cantonensis shrimp are more sensitive to water conditions and require soft, acidic water. They are mostly kept for breeding purposes.
Caridina dennerli
Caridina dennerli, also known as Sulawesi or cardinal shrimp, is a beautiful and colorful species of freshwater shrimp. They are most commonly known for their bright red body with white dots and their white chela. They need very specific parameters that are difficult to achieve and maintain. However this species is also listed as critically endangered by the IUCN red list. Therefor it’s not recommended to keep this species unless it is for conservation goals.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing the right species of shrimp for your tank depends on a variety of factors, including water parameters, tank size, and personal preferences. If you are a beginner, it is recommended to start with Neocaridina davidi or Caridina multidentata. Once you feel more comfortable you can expand your knowledge with Caridina cantonensis.
By taking the time to research each species and their requirements, you can choose the best one for your aquarium and enjoy the beauty and benefits of these fascinating creatures.
