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Orange Pumpkin Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
📍 China (Yunnan Province)
Orange Pumpkin Shrimp are a vibrant color morph of Neocaridina davidi, displaying brilliant orange coloration that makes them popular in planted tanks. These hardy freshwater shrimp are excellent algae eaters and detritivores, thriving in established aquariums with plenty of biofilm and plant matter. They are peaceful, social creatures that do best in groups and are ideal for beginners.
Care Guide
Diet
Orange Pumpkin Shrimp are primarily detritivores that feed on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter in established tanks. Supplement with high-quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, carrot) 2-3 times weekly. A mature, well-planted tank with adequate biofilm is essential for their long-term health.
Behavior
These shrimp are active foragers that spend most of their time on the substrate and plants searching for food. They are social and thrive in groups of 6 or more, displaying natural hierarchies without aggression. They molt regularly as they grow; provide plenty of hiding spots with plants and hardscape to help them feel secure during vulnerable molting periods.
Breeding
Orange Pumpkin Shrimp breed readily in freshwater without any special intervention, making them excellent for beginners interested in shrimp reproduction. Females produce 20-30 shrimplets every 4-5 weeks when well-fed and conditions are stable. In established tanks with adequate food and hiding spaces, populations can grow quickly without intervention.
Tank Mates
Same peaceful temperament and similar care requirements; can be housed together without conflict
Small, peaceful fish that ignore shrimp; provide plants for shrimp security
Tiny, non-aggressive fish that will not predate on adult shrimp
Peaceful algae eater with similar biofilm-feeding behavior; excellent tank mate
Provides essential hiding spaces, biofilm growth, and security during molting
Hardy plant that provides shelter and biofilm surface without being eaten
Common Diseases
Molting Complications
Shrimp stuck in molt, unable to shed exoskeleton; lethargy; death if not resolved
Ensure adequate calcium and minerals via GH boosters or mineral supplements; provide soft plants and hiding spaces; maintain stable water parameters; do not disturb molting shrimp
Copper Toxicity
Lethargy, loss of color, gasping, sudden death; shrimp extremely sensitive to copper
Use only shrimp-safe medications and fertilizers; avoid copper-based algaecides and fish medications; perform water changes; use activated carbon if copper is suspected
Bacterial Infection / Shell Erosion
Pitting or erosion on shell; cloudy appearance; lethargy; secondary fungal growth
Maintain pristine water quality with frequent water changes; increase aeration; remove affected individuals to quarantine if severe; ensure adequate calcium for shell integrity
Parasitic Flukes
Excessive grooming, rubbing on surfaces, visible spots or discoloration on body
Perform large water changes; increase aeration; use shrimp-safe treatments only (avoid copper and harsh chemicals); quarantine new shrimp before adding to main tank
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore/detritivore - primarily biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter
- lifespan
- 1-2 years
- max size
- 4 cm (1.5 in)
- tank size
- 5 gallons minimum
- temperament
- peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.5-8.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 4-8 dGH
- temperature
- 64–82°F (18–28°C)