What Does Cherry Shrimp Eat?

If you’re a proud owner of cherry shrimp or considering adding them to your aquarium, one of the essential things to know is what they eat. These vibrant little creatures are known as omnivorous scavengers, meaning they will happily devour a wide range of food sources.

In the wild, cherry shrimp primarily feed on algae, biofilm, and decaying organic matter. However, in captivity, it’s important to provide them with a balanced diet to keep them healthy and thriving.

Key Takeaways

Cherry Shrimp Diet
Main Foods	Algae wafers, vegetables, protein-rich foods
Supplements	Calcium, minerals
Natural Food Sources	Fallen leaves, wood, botanicals (almond leaves)
Foods to Avoid	Spicy or seasoned foods, citrus fruits, processed foods
Feeding Schedule	Small amounts at regular intervals

Best Foods for Cherry Shrimp

To ensure the optimal health and vibrant colors of your cherry shrimp, it’s important to offer a varied diet that mimics their natural food sources. Here are some of the best foods you can feed your cherry shrimp:

Algae Wafers

Cherry shrimp have a strong appetite for algae, so algae wafers can make an excellent staple food for them. These wafers are rich in nutrients and are specifically formulated to provide a balanced diet for shrimp. They sink to the bottom of the tank, allowing the shrimp to graze on them at their own pace.

Vegetables

Vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, zucchini, and kale are also great options to feed your cherry shrimp. These leafy greens provide additional nutrients and fiber. Blanching the vegetables before feeding them to the shrimp will make them easier to consume.

Protein-Rich Foods

Cherry shrimp require a good amount of protein in their diet to support healthy growth and reproduction. You can offer them protein-rich foods such as shrimp pellets, fish food, and bloodworms. These foods provide essential amino acids that contribute to their overall well-being.

Supplements

In addition to their main diet, cherry shrimp can benefit from supplements such as calcium and minerals. These supplements promote good shell growth and help female shrimp produce healthy eggs. You can find specialized shrimp mineral supplements available in pet stores.

Natural Food Sources

To mimic their natural habitat, you can also provide your cherry shrimp with natural food sources such as fallen leaves, pieces of wood, and botanicals like almond leaves or Indian almond leaves. These items release tannins and provide a constant source of nutrition as they decompose.

Foods to Avoid

While cherry shrimp have a broad diet, there are certain foods that you should avoid feeding them. These include:

• Spicy or seasoned foods: Cherry shrimp are sensitive to strong flavors, so it’s best to avoid feeding them anything spicy or heavily seasoned.
• Citrus fruits: The acid in citrus fruits can be harmful to shrimp, so it’s best to steer clear of oranges, lemons, or grapefruits.
• Processed foods: Avoid feeding them processed foods that contain additives, preservatives, and artificial colors.

Feeding Schedule

Cherry shrimp are highly efficient foragers and can continuously graze on food throughout the day. It’s advisable to provide small amounts of food at regular intervals. This ensures that the shrimp have a constant source of nutrition without polluting the water with excessive uneaten food.

Conclusion

Cherry shrimp are impressive little creatures that bring life and vibrancy to any aquarium. By offering them a varied diet that includes algae wafers, vegetables, protein-rich foods, and supplements, you can help them thrive and showcase their colorful beauty. Remember to avoid certain foods that could be harmful and maintain a consistent feeding schedule. Happy shrimp-keeping!