We’ll answer a lot of questions about shrimp and laying eggs in this article!
Cherry shrimp are a popular freshwater aquarium shrimp known for their bright red coloration and ability to reproduce frequently If you have a group of cherry shrimp, chances are you’ve spotted a female with a cluster of eggs under her tail. This is referred to as a “berried” female But just how long will she carry the eggs before they hatch?
The Cherry Shrimp Reproductive Process
Before diving into the timeline, it helps to understand the overall reproductive process of cherry shrimp:
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Adult female cherry shrimp develop yellow/green eggs inside their ovaries which are visible on their back section. This is referred to as the “saddle”.
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When conditions are right, females release pheromones into the water to attract males to mate
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A male mates with the female and fertilizes the eggs in her saddle.
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Once fertilized the eggs turn a darker color and detach from the saddle.
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The female then carries the fertilized eggs attached under her tail until they hatch.
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After roughly 2-4 weeks, the eggs will hatch into tiny larval shrimp.
Factors That Influence Duration of Carrying Eggs
The amount of time a female cherry shrimp carries her eggs can vary based on a few key factors:
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Water Temperature – Warmer temperatures tend to speed up the incubation period. Eggs may hatch in 2 weeks at 78°F vs. 4 weeks at 68°F.
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Shrimp’s Age – Younger and older females tend to have longer incubation times than mature adults. Prime breeders are 8-18 months old.
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** Diet and Health** – Well fed shrimp with sufficient nutrition tend to have quicker hatch times.
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Genetics – Some cherry shrimp bloodlines are known for shorter or longer egg incubation durations.
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Water Parameters – Ideal water conditions (pH, GH, etc.) help optimize hatch times.
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First Time vs. Experienced Mothers – Experienced mothers often carry eggs for a shorter period.
So while the average is 2-4 weeks, the actual duration can range from as short as 10 days to as long as 6 weeks depending on all the variables.
Recognizing When a Female is Carrying Eggs
Identifying berried cherry shrimp is easy. Here’s what to look for:
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Swollen green/yellow saddle full of unfertilized eggs.
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Mating with a male shrimp.
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Saddle eggs turning a darker color after mating.
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Eggs detaching from saddle and appearing under tail.
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Female hiding more and acting protective.
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Dozens of round objects under tail resembling caviar.
When you spot eggs under a female’s tail, take note of the date. This will help you estimate when hatching day will arrive.
Caring for Berried Cherry Shrimp
Ensuring berried cherry shrimp stays healthy is important for a successful hatch:
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Stable tank parameters – Fluctuations in water conditions can endanger eggs.
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Clean water – Perform regular partial water changes and filter maintenance.
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Hiding spaces – Provide plants, rocks, driftwood, etc. for her to hide in.
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Reduce stress – Limit tank maintenance, water changes, and disturbances.
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Nutritious diet – Feed high quality foods like blanched veggies.
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Separate if needed – Isolate from aggressors or fish that may eat eggs/babies.
With optimal care, most berried females will successfully incubate their clutch of eggs during those 2-4 weeks.
Hatching Day!
Once the incubation duration has passed, keep an eye out for tiny baby shrimp emerging from under the female’s tail. This is an exciting time for any aquarist!
The female will help spread the baby shrimp around the tank to safety. Provide plenty of hiding spots and infusoria for the babies to eat as they grow.
Within a few weeks, you’ll have a whole new generation of cherry shrimp ready to repeat the breeding cycle!
Berried Shrimp FAQ
How many eggs do cherry shrimp carry?
A female cherry shrimp can carry 20-40 eggs at a time depending on her size and age.
Do the eggs fall off easily?
The eggs are securely attached to the female’s pleopods under her tail. They do not detach prematurely.
Can I move the eggs to hatch separately?
It’s best not to disturb the eggs. The female provides protection and fans them with water flow.
Why do some eggs turn white or fuzzy?
White/fuzzy eggs are likely unfertilized or suffered damaged. The female will drop these non-viable eggs.
How often can cherry shrimp breed?
Every 1-2 months in ideal conditions. Females continue breeding throughout their lifespan of 1-2 years.
The Rewarding Journey of Shrimp Eggs
Breeding cherries and observing the complete reproductive cycle is an extremely rewarding aquarium experience. The journey from saddle to hatching takes dedication and care, but the end result is a tank full of vibrant cherry shrimp.
Understanding their breeding biology allows you to be prepared for berried females. If you wake up and suddenly see a female carrying eggs, you’ll know the 2-4 week countdown has begun!
Monitoring water parameters, feeding nutritious foods, and providing a calm environment will set your berried cherry shrimp up for success. Before you know it, you’ll be watching tiny shrimp emerge into your tank as the eggs hatch.
Then in another month or two, the females will develop saddles again and the circle of shrimp life continues!
Conclusion
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Female cherry shrimp carry fertilized eggs under their tails for approximately 2-4 weeks from mating to hatching.
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The exact duration depends on water temperature, shrimp age/health, genetics, and other factors.
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Berried females should be cared for properly to ensure successful hatches.
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Newly hatched baby shrimp are tiny and require infusoria and hiding spots to grow.
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With ideal tank conditions, cherry shrimp can breed every 1-2 months continuously.
Breeding cherry shrimp is an enjoyable process for aquarists. Observing their reproductive cycle from saddle to egg hatching is extremely fascinating!
How long does it take for shrimp eggs to hatch?
Shrimp eggs take two to three weeks to hatch. When the male shrimp mates with the female, the eggs move from the female’s saddle to her pouch, where they are held. After giving birth, the mother shrimp makes sure her babies have everything they need to grow up healthy.
Do shrimp lay eggs?
Yes, shrimp lay eggs, but not in the traditional sense of the word. They do produce eggs, but the female shrimp will carry them underneath their body until they hatch. Because the babies hatch from the eggs that the female shrimp has been carrying, they don’t give birth to live babies. They aren’t born from inside the female shrimp itself. So, they don’t give live birth, but instead carry the eggs right up until they hatch!.