As an avid shrimp keeper I often get asked whether cherry shrimp can eat brine shrimp. The quick answer is yes – cherry shrimp will definitely eat brine shrimp, but they strongly prefer dead or frozen brine shrimp over live ones. Through my years of experience I’ve discovered some interesting details about this feeding relationship that I’d love to share with you!
The Truth About Cherry Shrimp and Brine Shrimp
After keeping cherry shrimp for over 5 years here’s what I’ve learned about their relationship with brine shrimp
- Cherry shrimp actively eat frozen and dead brine shrimp
- They rarely chase or hunt live brine shrimp
- Baby cherry shrimp can eat newly hatched brine shrimp nauplii
- They show particular interest in thawed frozen brine shrimp
Why Brine Shrimp Make Awesome Cherry Shrimp Food
Listen up! Here’s why I always keep some brine shrimp around for my cherry shrimp
Nutritional Benefits
- High protein content for growth
- Rich in essential amino acids
- Packed with beneficial fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6)
- Natural color enhancers
Practical Benefits
- Easy to store (especially frozen)
- Readily available in most pet stores
- Can be used for multiple tank inhabitants
- Long shelf life when properly stored
How to Feed Brine Shrimp to Cherry Shrimp
Here’s my tried-and-tested feeding schedule:
| Feeding Type | Frequency | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen Brine Shrimp | 2-3 times/week | Small pinch |
| Live Brine Shrimp | 1-2 times/week | Few drops |
| Baby Brine Shrimp | 2-3 times/week | Tiny amount |
Pro Tips from My Experience
-
Don’t Overfeed!
I learned this the hard way – only feed what they can eat in 2-3 minutes. -
Frozen is Easier
Trust me, frozen brine shrimp are way less hassle than live ones. -
Mix It Up
I always combine brine shrimp with other foods like:
- Algae wafers
- Blanched vegetables
- Commercial shrimp pellets
- Biofilm
Potential Risks (And How I Deal With Them)
Sometimes things can go wrong. Here’s what to watch out for:
Water Quality Issues
- Remove uneaten food after 2-3 hours
- Do regular water changes
- Keep an eye on ammonia levels
Disease Transfer
- Only buy from trusted sources
- Avoid using wild-caught brine shrimp
- Quarantine live food when possible
My Personal Feeding Routine
Here’s what works for me:
- Thaw frozen brine shrimp in tank water
- Feed small amounts in the evening
- Watch for 5 minutes to ensure they’re eating
- Remove leftovers before lights out
FAQs From My Experience
Q: Will baby cherry shrimp eat brine shrimp?
A: Yep! But stick to newly hatched brine shrimp nauplii for the tiny ones.
Q: How often should I feed them brine shrimp?
A: I do it 2-3 times a week max. More than that’s probably overkill.
Q: My cherry shrimp ignore the brine shrimp – what’s wrong?
A: They might be full from other food sources. Try reducing other foods first.
The Bottom Line
From my experience, brine shrimp make an excellent supplementary food for cherry shrimp. Just remember:
- Don’t make it their only food
- Frozen is usually better than live
- Less is more when feeding
- Watch your water quality
Keep these tips in mind, and your cherry shrimp should thrive on their brine shrimp treats! If you’ve got any questions about feeding your shrimp, drop them in the comments below. I’d love to help out fellow shrimp keepers!
Remember, every tank is different, so what works for me might need some tweaking for your setup. Don’t be afraid to experiment (carefully) to find what works best for your shrimpies!
Understanding Cherry Shrimp Dietary Preferences
Cherry shrimp are omnivorous scavengers that eat a variety of foods in their natural habitat. They primarily consume biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter, making them excellent tank cleaners. In addition to this natural diet, cherry shrimp and other neocaridina shrimp can also benefit from high-quality commercial shrimp food, which provides essential nutrients for their growth and overall health.
Red Cherry Shrimp Feeding
Red Cherry Shrimp are considered omnivores. That means they will eat both plant matter as well as meaty foods. When keeping Red Cherry Shrimp in the aquarium the three most common foods are algae, blanched vegetable, and prepared aquarium foods. Supplemental feeding is often not necessary, but when it is be sure not to over feed the aquarium as this leads to poor water quality.
Algae is a natural food source for Red Cherry Shrimp. They will eat many types of algae found in the aquarium, and often times, the algae found naturally in aquariums is enough food to support a moderate Cherry Red Shrimp population. Unfortunately they will not eat string / hair algae so they are not a good control measure for those types of algae.
Blanched vegetables make an excellent food for Red Cherry Shrimp. Vegetables such as Zucchini, Lettuce, Spinach, and Carrots are commonly used. When preparing these vegetables, place them in boiling water until they are soft, 2-3 minutes for leafy vegetables and longer for carrots and zucchini. Small amounts of each should be fed at a time and make sure never to leave rotting food in the aquarium.
|
Juvenile Cherry Red Shrimp eating a blanched zucchini slice |
A bright red female eating an algae waffer. |
Foods that are prepared for aquarium animals are often a great supplement to algae for Red Cherry Shrimp. There are a few foods that are manufactured specifically for invertebrates, such as Hikari Crab Cuisine, and these foods are readily accepted. Any sinking pellet type food works well as a food source. Also, any common flake fish food that falls to the bottom will be eaten and for this reason, many aquarist use Red Cherry Shrimp as a clean up crew. Be sure to read the ingredients label carefully, any food containing copper should not be used. (Copper Sulfate is a common ingredient in fish foods)
While modest populations of Red Cherry Shrimp will often not need supplemental feedings, there are many options when it becomes necessary. Cherry Red Shrimp do not require a lot of food, and heavy feeding tends to degrade water quality.
Cherry shrimp are colorful and lively additions to any freshwater aquarium. These small, red cherry shrimp are a type of neocaridina shrimp that are popular among aquarists for their low-maintenance nature and their ability to help keep tanks clean. Proper feeding is essential for maintaining a healthy cherry shrimp population in your freshwater aquarium. In this comprehensive guide, well cover everything you need to know about cherry shrimp feeding, including their dietary preferences, feeding frequency, special considerations for optimizing their nutrition, and how to create a thriving shrimp freshwater community.
Understanding Cherry Shrimp Dietary Preferences Feeding Frequency: How Often to Feed Your Aquarium Shrimp Commercial Shrimp Food Options for a Balanced Diet Supplemental Foods: Natural Options for Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp Special Considerations for Feeding Shrimp Freshwater Creating a Thriving Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp Environment Monitoring Cherry Shrimp Health and Adjusting Feeding Strategies Conclusion