After my elation had passed, I thought about the mechanics of the community I'm building, however.  I know that it's foolhardy to keep shrimp with cichlids or some barbs or really anything that's a) big or b) has a mean streak.  Especially small ones like red cherry shrimp; they just couldn't handle even being picked at by fish. 

But what about neon tetras?  They're tiny compared to many fish.  A half-inch RCS is going to be half a neon's size!  And both the shrimp and the fish are so peaceful.  Would my RCS be in danger of being picked at or even eaten by a school of, say, six neon tetras?

I'd appreciate if anyone who's kept the two together or kept RCS with other small tetras could throw some info at me...four bucks a shrimp is pricey if they're just going to be a characin snack.

To the point: Yes. Neons are not known to be predacious to anything but prepared fish food. If you're worried, provide hiding spaces for the cherry shrimp for time to grow back their shedded shells, and keep the neons well fed. That way, the cherries can hide, the neons won't go hunting, and your tank will look fabulous!

P.S., good job on finding those beauties!

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If life gives you lemons, squeeze them into people's eyes and run away!

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But, I have never had the two in the same tank. 

JOHN CHAMPAGNE

55gallon/4wpg t05/pressurized Co2/moderately planted (with the intent of heavily planted) 10goldbarbs,10 olive nerite snails,6 ottos, 2 mollies,three guppies