Neocaridina shrimp, also known as cherry shrimp, have become a popular species in the aquarium hobby. These small and colorful freshwater shrimp are easy to care for and make a great addition to any planted aquarium.
The history of neocaridina shrimp in the aquarium hobby can be traced back to the early 1990s in Taiwan. At that time, a small number of hobbyists began breeding and keeping these shrimp, which were then primarily used as a food source for larger fish.
However, the hobbyists quickly discovered that neocaridina shrimp had a unique and attractive appearance, with bright colors ranging from red and orange to yellow and blue. They began selectively breeding the shrimp to enhance and stabilize these colors, resulting in a variety of color morphs that are now commonly available in the aquarium trade.
Neocaridina shrimp began to gain popularity in Japan and other parts of Asia, where they were commonly used in planted aquariums as an alternative to larger, more aggressive species. From there, the popularity of neocaridina shrimp spread to Europe and North America, where they are now commonly kept by hobbyists of all levels.
Today, neocaridina shrimp are one of the most popular freshwater invertebrates in the aquarium hobby. They are hardy, easy to care for, and can be kept in small aquariums or large community tanks. With their bright colors and fascinating behavior, neocaridina shrimp are sure to add a unique and captivating element to any aquarium.