Tropical Fish Forums

[melissaann]

I bought 3 cherry shrimp for my 37 gallon freshwater community tank (rasboras, few cories, few kuhli loaches). I used to have ghost shrimp that lasted a couple of years with no babies, so I assumed cherry shrimp would be similar but more colorful. I have A LOT of cherry shrimp now, all sizes from super tiny to full grown. I'm not sure if any of my fish ever eat any of the babies or not, will these self-limit somewhat or do I need to start taking some to the fish store? The smallest ones stay in the java moss (and keep it nice and clean) but the mid-size to full-size shrimp swim freely about the tank. Does this mean someone might be eating small ones if given the chance?

[jsuereth]

Yes, anything that can Will eat the small shrimp. I have neons and I never see the fry unless I catch them at just the right moment.

I believe RCS are self limiting. My population seems to have stabilized, although at a large number of shrimp. your tank can probably support a huge number, assuming it's 30 gallons.

It's also fun to trade a few with the lfs or other RCS owners to get new blood in the tanks. I wouldn't worry too much about the RCS.