Freshwater invertebrates have really taken off in the hobby, especially in the last five to six years. The most well known is the
Caridina multidentata, better known as the amano shrimp. Named after Takashi Amano who introduced it into the hobby roughly 25 years ago, the amano shrimp is best known for it's ability to consume algae very quickly. However, breeding the species is very difficult due to the fact that the shrimpettes require saltwater to mature.
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| Female cherry shrimp |
However, in the past few years, certain species that are able to breed in freshwater have been selectively bred to bring out certain colours or characteristics, and the results have been amazing. Currently, one of the most popular in the hobby has been the red cherry shrimp. The red cherry (
Neocaridina heteropoda) is quite easy to care for and breed, and although it isn't quite as stunning as some of the other species out there right now, it is still a rewarding shrimp to keep and is quite attractive.
Although my own experiences with this new genre of the hobby have been rather recent when compared with my exposure to the older area of cichlid keeping, there are principles and methods learned from past experiences that have been helpful in keeping and breeding these amazing animals. In my coming blog entries, I will address tank decor, water parameters, water temperature and stocking methods. If you've never kept these creatures or have never heard of them before, I strongly suggest you read my coming blogs and begin inquiring your local fish store about them.
