shrimp culls
Neocaridina culls refer to shrimp that are selectively removed or discarded from breeding populations, typically due to undesirable traits or genetic issues. In the context of Neocaridina shrimp, such as the popular *Neocaridina davidi* (also known as Cherry Shrimp), culling is a common practice among hobbyists and breeders aiming to maintain or improve the quality of their shrimp lines.
Culls are often individuals that exhibit characteristics that do not meet the desired standards for color, pattern, or size. For example, in a tank of red Cherry Shrimp, culling might be done to remove those that are pale, have poor coloration, or show deformities. The culling process helps maintain a healthy, visually consistent, and genetically strong breeding population.
While some breeders choose to dispose of culls, others may choose to keep them as part of a feeder population for other aquarium animals or even attempt to reintroduce them to the breeding program under the right conditions. Culling, when done responsibly, ensures that only the best traits are passed down to future generations, contributing to better-quality shrimp overall.