ShrimpeasyFreshwater

Orange Pumpkin Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Atyidae

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.

Where it's from

Recorded as introduced in Brazil, Germany, Norway and Poland

At a glance

Size: 1.5 in; 4 cm
Min tank: 5 gal; 19 L
Group: 6+
Temp: 64–82°F; 18–28°C
pH: 6.5-8.0
GH: 71–143 ppm; 4–8 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Bottom
Lifespan: 1-2 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Tanks keeping this

Kept by 1 member

1 tank shared publicly.

Ocean’s World

@Ralph

Care

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

See all 6

Amano Shrimp

Same peaceful temperament and similar care requirements; can be housed together without conflict

excellent

Dwarf Gourami

Small, peaceful fish that ignore shrimp; provide plants for shrimp security

good

Ember Tetra

Tiny, non-aggressive fish that will not predate on adult shrimp

excellent

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae eater with similar biofilm-feeding behavior; excellent tank mate

excellent

Java Moss

Provides essential hiding spaces, biofilm growth, and security during molting

excellent

Beginner-friendly

Member photos

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Photos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.

by @Ralph

Common diseases 4Molting Complications, Copper Toxicity, Bacterial Infection / Shell Erosion, Parasitic Flukes

Molting Complications

Symptoms

Shrimp stuck in molt, unable to shed exoskeleton; lethargy; death if not resolved

Treatment

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

Symptoms

Lethargy, loss of color, gasping, sudden death; shrimp extremely sensitive to copper

Treatment

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

Symptoms

Pitting or erosion on shell; cloudy appearance; lethargy; secondary fungal growth

Treatment

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

Symptoms

Excessive grooming, rubbing on surfaces, visible spots or discoloration on body

Treatment

Perform large water changes; increase aeration; use shrimp-safe treatments only (avoid copper and harsh chemicals); quarantine new shrimp before adding to main tank

Legality

No state or federal restrictions on record.

Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.

The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil (CC BY 4.0); Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species (CC BY 4.0); Global Register of Invasive and Introduced Species (CC BY 4.0).