Cherry Shrimp 101!
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Cherry Shrimp Grades Guide
🔍 What Determines Cherry Shrimp Grades?
Cherry Shrimp Grade Classification
🧬 Breeding Tips for Higher Grades
Bloody Mary Line: Maintain separate breeding colonies for Bloody Mary shrimp to preserve the unique dark red genetics. Cross-breeding with other grades will dilute the distinctive coloration.
Selective Breeding: Always breed your highest grade specimens together. Remove lower-grade individuals from breeding tanks to prevent genetic dilution.
Culling Strategy: Regularly remove low-grade offspring to maintain colony quality. These can be sold as culls or moved to separate tanks.
Patience is Key: It may take 3-4 generations of selective breeding to see significant improvement in grade consistency.
🦐 Cherry Shrimp Care Requirements
| Parameter | Ideal Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 68-78°F (20-25°C) | Stable temperature is crucial |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 | Slightly acidic to neutral |
| GH (General Hardness) | 4-8 dGH | Moderate hardness preferred |
| KH (Carbonate Hardness) | 3-6 dKH | Helps stabilize pH |
| TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) | 150-250 ppm | Monitor with TDS meter |
| Ammonia/Nitrite | 0 ppm | Must be undetectable |
| Nitrate | <20 ppm | Lower is better |
🏠 Tank Setup
Minimum 5-gallon tank, heavily planted with moss, fine-leaved plants, and hiding spots. Sponge filter for gentle filtration.
🍃 Substrate
Inert substrates like sand or small gravel. Avoid sharp edges. Active substrates can affect water parameters.
🌱 Plants
Java moss, Christmas moss, Anubias, Java fern, and floating plants. Provide biofilm for feeding and hiding.
🍽️ Feeding
Specialized shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables, biofilm. Feed sparingly 2-3 times per week.
💧 Water Changes
10-20% weekly with aged, dechlorinated water. Match temperature and parameters exactly.
🐠 Tank Mates
Small, peaceful fish like Corydoras, Otocinclus, or small tetras. Avoid anything that might eat shrimp.
⚠️ Important Notes
- Copper Sensitivity: Cherry shrimp are extremely sensitive to copper. Use only shrimp-safe medications and avoid copper-based treatments.
- Molting: Shrimp shed their exoskeleton regularly. Provide calcium sources and don't remove molted shells immediately.
- Breeding: Mature females carry eggs for 3-4 weeks. Provide plenty of moss and hiding spots for babies.
- Acclimation: Always drip acclimate new shrimp slowly over 2-3 hours to prevent shock.
- Grade Variation: Even high-grade breeding pairs can produce lower-grade offspring due to genetic variation. Bloody Mary genetics are more stable but still require careful selection.
- Bloody Mary vs Fire Red: Bloody Mary shrimp have darker, wine-red coloration compared to the bright red of Fire Red grades. They represent the pinnacle of cherry shrimp breeding.
Ready to Start Your Cherry Shrimp Journey?
Choose your grade based on budget and breeding goals. Higher grades cost more but produce better offspring!