Red cherry shrimp
Dear M:
Yes, indeed, the red cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) are freshwater cousins of the opae’ula or Hawaiian volcano shrimp (Halocaridina rubra), which seahorses find absolutely irresistible. In fact, the Halocaridina rubra are so nourishing they are often used to condition seahorses for breeding.
I have no doubt that seahorses will eagerly eat any culls of your prolific red cherry shrimp that you care to offer to them. The ponies will relish such live treats and that would be a good way to diversify their diet and improve their nutritional balance.
I suspect that the red cherry shrimp or (Neocaridina davidi) may survive in saltwater longer than you think is they are anything like Halocaridina rubra, which can adapt to a wide range of salinities, including everything from freshwater to brackish water to full strength saltwater. The red cherry shrimp may persist in saltwater long enough for the seahorses to hunt them down and slurp them up, which they will do greedily as soon as the live shrimp hit the water. But if not, the seahorses should also gladly accept them if you offer them to the ponies individually.
Best wishes with all your fishes!
Happy Trails!
Pete Giwojna, Ocean Rider Tech Support
Ocean Rider, Inc. is an Organic Hawaiian-Based Seahorse Aqua-Farm & Aquarium that Follows Strict Good Farming Practices in Raising Seahorses and Other Aquatic Life.
