Cherry shrimp are the small, colourful freshwater shrimp most UK fishkeepers start with. The name started with the classic red variety, but today “cherry shrimp” is used for the whole Neocaridina davidi family – reds, blues, yellows, greens, oranges, blacks and whites. Here at Shrimp Hub we breed them in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, and post them across the UK by Royal Mail Tracked 24.
Red cherry shrimp for sale
If you came here for the classic red cherry shrimp, these are the two to look at:
- Bloody Mary Shrimp – red right through the shell, the deepest and most solid red we sell. The best choice if you want a tank that glows red against green plants.
- Red Rili Shrimp – red head and tail with a clear middle section. A patterned red that looks striking in groups.
Every batch is quarantined and graded by eye before it is listed, and every order includes 20% extra shrimp to cover any losses in transit – buy 10, receive 12.
Other cherry shrimp colours
Every colour below is the same species as the red cherry shrimp, with the same easy care. You can see them side by side on our Neocaridina shrimp page.
| Colour | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Blue Dream | Deep, solid blue from head to tail |
| Blue Rili | Blue head and tail with a clear middle |
| Blue Jelly | Clear body with a soft blue tint |
| Orange Sunkist | Bright solid orange |
| Orange Rili | Orange with clear sections |
| Yellow | Golden yellow, often with a darker back stripe |
| Green Jade | Solid olive to jade green |
| Green Jelly | Clear body with a green tint |
| Black Rose | Glossy solid black |
| Snowball | Pearly white body and white eggs |
Can’t pick one? Our Rainbow Mix puts six colours in one bag.
Why cherry shrimp are so popular
- Hardy. They cope with ordinary dechlorinated UK tap water in most areas and a wide temperature range.
- Small. Adults reach 2–3 cm, so a 20 litre tank is plenty for a colony.
- Useful. They graze algae, biofilm and leftover food all day.
- Easy to breed. Babies hatch as tiny copies of the adults, with no larval stage, so a happy group grows on its own.
Keeping cherry shrimp: the essentials
The short version: a cycled tank of 20 litres or more, a shrimp-safe sponge filter, plants or moss for cover, temperature between 20 and 26°C, and no copper. Full detail is in our first shrimp tank setup guide and water parameters guide. When they arrive, follow the acclimatising guide – it is the single biggest thing you can do to avoid losses.
Delivery across the UK
Orders placed before 12pm, Monday to Thursday, are dispatched the same day by Royal Mail Tracked 24 in insulated packaging. We never post over a weekend, so shrimp are never stuck in a depot. If any arrive dead, see our delivery and DOA policy. Local to West Yorkshire? You can also collect from Wakefield.
Frequently asked questions
Are cherry shrimp and Neocaridina the same thing?
Yes. Cherry shrimp are Neocaridina davidi. “Cherry” was the name of the original red form, and is now used for every colour. See our Neocaridina shrimp page for all 12 colours.
How many cherry shrimp should I start with?
Ten is a good start. A group of 10 or more gives you both males and females, so the colony can breed, and the shrimp are more confident and visible in numbers.
Can cherry shrimp live with fish?
Only very small, peaceful fish such as Otocinclus or tiny rasboras. Most fish will eat baby shrimp, and larger fish eat adults. A shrimp-only tank breeds best.
What is the difference between Bloody Mary and red cherry shrimp?
Bloody Mary is a high-grade red where the colour runs through the shell, not just on the surface, so it looks deeper and more solid. More on grades in our colour and grade guide.
