Where to Buy Cherry Shrimp: Best Online Stores & Complete Guide 2025

Hey aquarium lovers! I’ve been keeping cherry shrimp for over 5 years now, and lemme tell you – finding reliable places to buy these colorful little creatures can be tricky Today, I’m gonna share my top picks for where to get your hands on some high-quality cherry shrimp!

Best Online Stores for Cherry Shrimp

1. Aquatic Arts

• Offers Sakura Red Cherry Shrimp starting at $4.49 (on sale!)
• Home-bred varieties available
• 100% Live Arrival Guarantee
• Next-day US delivery
• Various grades available including:
  • Regular Cherry
  • Sakura
  • Painted Fire Red
  • Premium selections

2. Flip Aquatics

• America’s largest online shrimp retailer
• 30-day quarantine process
• Live arrival guarantee
• Specializes in:
  • Neocaridina varieties
  • Hard water shrimp
  • Soft water shrimp
  • Starter packages for beginners

Why Buy Online?

We’ve found several advantages to purchasing cherry shrimp online:

• Wider Selection: Online stores typically offer more color varieties
• Better Quality: Professional breeders maintain strict breeding standards
• Health Guarantees: Most reputable sellers offer DOA (Dead On Arrival) guarantees
• Convenience: Delivered right to your doorstep
• Expert Support: Access to care guides and customer service

What to Look for When Buying Cherry Shrimp

Before ya hit that “buy” button, here’s what you should consider:

1. Grade Quality

   • Lower grades: More transparent, less solid coloring
   • Higher grades: Solid coloring, more expensive
   • Painted Fire Red: Premium solid red coloration

2. Pricing

   • Regular Cherry: $4-6 per shrimp
   • Sakura Grade: $6-8 per shrimp
   • Painted Fire Red: $8-12 per shrimp
   • Bulk discounts usually available

3. Shipping Conditions

   • Insulated packaging
   • Heat/cold packs when needed
   • Fast shipping options
   • DOA guarantee terms

Tips for Successful Online Ordering

1. Best Times to Order

   • Spring or Fall (moderate temperatures)
   • Avoid extreme weather conditions
   • Order early in week to avoid weekend delays

2. Quantity Guidelines

   • Minimum order: 5-10 shrimp
   • Recommended starter colony: 10-20 shrimp
   • Breeding colony: 20+ shrimp

3. Additional Purchases

   • Shrimp food
   • Water conditioners
   • Plant supplements
   • Mineral supplements

Setting Up Before Your Shrimp Arrive

Before ordering your cherry shrimp, make sure you’ve got:

• Tank Requirements

  • Minimum 5 gallons
  • Cycled aquarium
  • Stable parameters
  • Plants for hiding
  • Appropriate substrate

• Water Parameters

  • Temperature: 65-75°F
  • pH: 6.5-7.5
  • TDS: 150-250
  • GH: 4-8
  • KH: 3-7

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Don’t Rush

   • Cycle tank completely
   • Test water parameters
   • Research care requirements

2. Avoid Overstocking

   • Start small
   • Let colony grow naturally
   • Monitor water quality

3. Don’t Mix Grades

   • Keep similar grades together
   • Prevents color degradation
   • Maintains breeding quality

My Personal Experience

I remember my first cherry shrimp order – was super nervous about online shipping! But honestly, both Aquatic Arts and Flip Aquatics haven’t disappointed me. Their packaging is top-notch, and the shrimp always arrive healthy and active.

Pro tip: I usually order my shrimp during spring or fall when temperatures are mild. This reduces shipping stress and gives better survival rates.

Final Thoughts

Getting cherry shrimp online is pretty straightforward once you know what to look for. Both Aquatic Arts and Flip Aquatics are solid choices with great reputations. Just remember to:

• Research the seller
• Check shipping policies
• Prepare your tank
• Order appropriate quantities
• Consider weather conditions

Want more detailed info about any specific aspect of cherry shrimp keeping? Drop a comment below, and I’ll be happy to help! Happy shrimp keeping, everyone!

#aquarium #cherryshrimp #aquascaping #shrimpkeeping

Yes, some PetSmart locations do sell cherry shrimp, along with other types of shrimp like Amano and Ghost shrimp. However, it’s not a guarantee that every store will carry them, and availability can vary, according to Reddit users.

For optimal breeding and behavior, it’s recommended to keep at least 10 cherry shrimp together, especially if you’re aiming to establish a breeding colony.