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Neocaridina davidi, also called Fire Red or Red, is a red selectively bred form of the small freshwater shrimp Neocaridina davidi. Very popular in the aquarium hobby, it combines a small size, vivid coloration, and relatively easy reproduction. Its presence naturally animates algae-covered surfaces, mosses, and roots in a planted aquarium. This peaceful shrimp is suitable for community setups containing small, non-predatory tank mates. The Fire Red form displays a strong red color whose intensity varies with genetics, age, sex, and maintenance conditions. It remains a **very common** variety in the aquarium trade.

General species description

Neocaridina davidi is a small freshwater crustacean belonging to the Atyidae family. The Fire Red form is a commercial variety developed through selective breeding of Neocaridina davidi, rather than a separate species. It spends much of its time grazing surfaces, exploring the hardscape, and collecting tiny food particles. Its behavior is generally peaceful, and activity increases when the aquarium provides moss, roots, and calm areas. Stable water is more important than pursuing perfectly exact parameters. Adults usually reach about **2 to 3 cm**, with females being larger and more robust than males. This variety is **very common** among aquarists.

Geographic origin and biotope

Neocaridina davidi originates from **East Asia**, particularly Taiwan and parts of mainland China. It inhabits streams, ditches, ponds, and small freshwater courses that are often shallow and rich in grazing surfaces. These habitats may be affected by rainfall and show seasonal changes in flow. The bottom may consist of fine gravel, sand, mud, or plant debris, with stones and wood accumulating biofilm. Dense vegetation often grows along the banks. In an aquarium, abundant planting and gentle filtration reproduce its needs more effectively than a bare setup. Reference countries: Taiwan and China.

Precise location and local name

In the wild, Neocaridina davidi is associated with **small freshwater courses in Taiwan** and along eastern mainland China. It is not restricted to one type of drainage: it occurs in calm or slow-flowing habitats near vegetation, stones, and submerged leaves. In the aquarium trade, the most common names are **Red Cherry Shrimp**, Cherry Shrimp, Red, and Fire Red; the French names include crevette cerise and crevette rouge. Fire Red refers to a selectively bred form developed for more uniform red coverage than ordinary red grades.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body of Neocaridina davidi is compact, slightly translucent, and covered with a **bright red to cherry-red** coloration. Like other shrimp, it has five pairs of walking legs, sensory antennae, and delicate appendages used to handle food. Females are usually larger, broader, and more colorful; they may also show a visible ovarian saddle behind the head. Males are often smaller and more translucent. Color may fade under stress, after transport, or over a very light substrate. A dark background, moderate lighting, and a varied diet generally help support stronger coloration.

General diet

Neocaridina davidi is an opportunistic omnivore that mainly consumes **biofilm**, soft algae, microorganisms, and organic debris found on surfaces. In aquariums, it accepts specialized shrimp foods, vegetable-based wafers, and small portions of blanched vegetables such as zucchini or spinach. Suitable dried leaves can provide an additional resource and grazing surface. Feed sparingly: uneaten food that decomposes can quickly harm water quality. Copper found in some treatments can be dangerous to shrimp.

Essential data

• Native river name: Watercourses in Taiwan and eastern China
• Local name used: Red Cherry Shrimp, Cherry Shrimp, Red, or Fire Red
• Origin of the scientific name: Neocaridina is the genus name; davidi is a Latinized specific name
• Etymology of the full name: Neo means new; Caridina is the name of a shrimp genus; davidi is a Latinized personal name
• Common/vernacular names: Fire Red, Red, Red Cherry Shrimp, Cherry Shrimp
• Family: Atyidae
• Subfamily: Atyinae
• Name pronunciation: nee-oh-car-i-dee-na da-vi-dee
• Discovery: Eugène Louis Bouvier, 1904
• Maximum adult size: About 3 cm
• Water temperature and pH: About 18 to 28 °C; pH 6.5 to 8.0
• Appearance of the watercourse and surrounding vegetation: Shallow small streams, calm areas, bank vegetation, mosses, leaves, and plant debris
• Typical tank mates: Boraras brigittae, Otocinclus affinis, Tanichthys albonubes, Neritina snails, Clithon snails
• Temperament and behavior: Very peaceful, social, active on surfaces, and constantly searching for biofilm
• Water depth: Shallow water and marginal areas
• Sexual dimorphism: Females are larger, broader, and often more colorful; an ovarian saddle and eggs beneath the abdomen may be visible in females
• Bottom structure and flow: Sand, fine gravel, mud, leaves, and wood; low to moderate flow

In your aquarium

Success with Neocaridina davidi depends on a mature, fully cycled aquarium rich in surfaces covered with **biofilm**. Use filtration protected by fine foam, avoid sudden changes in temperature or mineral content, and provide mosses, roots, and dense plants. Small peaceful fish may be suitable, but juveniles remain vulnerable to predation. Remove uneaten food and avoid medications containing copper. With stable water, controlled feeding, and a sufficiently sized starting group, this red shrimp remains one of the most accessible freshwater invertebrates for aquarium keeping.