Orange Sunkist Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)

The Orange Sunkist Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) is a vibrant, selectively bred freshwater dwarf shrimp highly prized for its brilliant, citrus-like coloration. They are exceptionally hardy, peaceful, and excellent for beginners.

Quick Facts

Scientific Name: Neocaridina davidi var. "Orange"

Lifespan: 1 to 2 years

Adult Size: 1 to 1.25 inches (2.5 to 3 cm)

Diet: Omnivore / Scavenger

Temperament: Completely peaceful

Ideal Tank Setup & Parameters

Orange Sunkist Shrimp are adaptable but thrive best when their environment mimics their natural freshwater habitats.

Tank Size: Minimum 5 gallons (20 liters).

Temperature: 68°F to 78°F (20°C to 25.5°C).

pH Level: 6.5 to 7.5.

Water Hardness: 4–8 dGH (prefers moderate hardness).

Substrate: Dark substrate (like black sand or soil) is recommended to make their orange color stand out.

Plants & Decor: Abundant live plants (like Java Moss, Anubias, and Java Fern) provide critical hiding places and surfaces to graze on.

Filtration: A gentle sponge filter is best to prevent tiny baby shrimp from being sucked up.

Diet and Feeding

These shrimp are active foragers that spend their entire day cleaning your tank. They primarily eat biofilm and algae growing on surfaces. You should supplement their diet with:

High-quality shrimp pellets or flakes

Algae wafers

Blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini, or cucumber)

Tank Mates

Only pair them with small, non-aggressive species.

Good options: Otocinclus catfish, small tetras (like ember or neon tetras), rasboras, and snails.

Avoid: Large or aggressive fish like Bettas, Angelfish, and Cichlids, which will view the shrimp as food.

Breeding: If kept in a stable, well-maintained tank, Sunkist Shrimp breed readily without intervention. The female will carry eggs under her tail (referred to as being "berried") for 3 to 4 weeks before hatching fully formed miniature shrimp.