Feeding and reproductive biology of exotic freshwater ornamental red cherry shrimp, Neocaridina davidi (Bouvier, 1904), under captive conditions

Abstract

The Red Cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) is an exotic freshwater ornamental species belonging to the family Atyidae, native to eastern China and northern Taiwan. It has gained global popularity among aquarium hobbyists due to its small size, hardiness, and colour diversity. In India, demand is primarily met through imports, where it sells for approximately Rs. 60-70 per individual, reflecting a growing domestic market and potential for small-scale aquaculture ventures. The present study investigates the feeding preferences, habitat selection, and reproductive biology of N. davidi under captive conditions. The species tolerates a wide range of temperature fluctuations and can endure short-term exposure up to 38°C. Several colour variants such as yellow, orange, green, blue, violet, and black are known, with the red morph being most prevalent. N. davidi prefers habitats with plant substrates, sandy bottoms, stones, and wood debris, along with aquatic vegetation such as Vallisneria, Sagittaria, Echinodorus, Hydrilla, Cabomba (red and green), Cryptocoryne, Ceratophyllum, Ludwigia, and freshwater mosses. The addition of dried Indian almond leaves enhances resting and feeding behaviour. The shrimp is omnivorous, consuming Tubifex, plankton, algae, and vegetable matter, and functions as an efficient scavenger in aquaria. Females are identified by larger size, darker body coloration, and the presence of a saddle, whereas males are smaller, lighter, and exhibit the appendix masculine. The species is highly active, and females typically carry 20-30 eggs that hatch within 2-3 weeks under optimal conditions.