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Pumpkin Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
📍 Taiwan / selective breeding
Pumpkin Shrimp are a vibrant orange variant of Neocaridina davidi, prized for their solid, bright pumpkin-orange coloration that intensifies with proper care and diet. These hardy shrimp are ideal for beginners and community tanks, displaying the same peaceful, algae-grazing behavior as other Neocaridina while standing out visually with their warm, saturated coloring.
Care Guide
Diet
Pumpkin Shrimp are detritivores that thrive on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter naturally present in established tanks. Supplement with high-quality shrimp pellets (Shirakura, Mosura), blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini, cucumber), and occasional protein sources like dried spirulina. Feed small amounts 2-3 times weekly; uneaten food should be removed within 24 hours.
Behavior
Pumpkin Shrimp spend most of their time grazing on surfaces and substrate, constantly searching for food and biofilm. They are active foragers and will explore all tank areas, occasionally gathering in groups near food sources. Molting occurs every 4-6 weeks; provide adequate calcium and mineral supplementation to ensure successful shell hardening.
Breeding
Neocaridina davidi, including Pumpkin variants, breed readily in freshwater without special conditions, unlike more demanding Caridina species. Females produce 20-30 shrimplets per cycle and do not require soft acidic water; standard community parameters (pH 6.5-8.0, GH 6-12) are ideal. Shrimplets are fully-formed miniatures and can forage independently within days of birth.
Tank Mates
Small, peaceful fish that ignore shrimp and occupy mid-water column
Algae-eating fish with no predatory interest in shrimp; compatible tank mates
Tiny, non-aggressive fish that coexist peacefully with shrimp colonies
Larger shrimp species; may compete for food but rarely aggressive toward Neocaridina
Provides shelter, biofilm growth, and grazing surfaces for shrimp
Hardy plant that provides cover and biofilm; shrimp will not damage it
Common Diseases
Molting failure / incomplete molt
Shrimp stuck in old exoskeleton, inability to shed completely, lethargy, death within hours
Ensure adequate calcium and mineral supplementation (GH 6-12 dGH); use specialized shrimp mineral supplements; maintain stable water parameters; provide iodine-rich foods like spirulina
Vorticella (protozoan infection)
White fuzzy coating on body and appendages, lethargy, reduced feeding, eventual death
Perform 30-50% water changes daily; increase aeration; add Indian almond leaves or tannins to lower pH slightly; avoid copper-based treatments; improve water quality and reduce organic waste
Bacterial infection / septicemia
Red discoloration on body or appendages, lesions, cloudy appearance, loss of appetite, death
Perform frequent water changes (25-50% every 2-3 days); maintain pristine water quality (0 ammonia, 0 nitrite); remove affected individuals if possible; avoid antibiotics in shrimp tanks; focus on prevention through good husbandry
Copper toxicity
Sudden death, erratic swimming, loss of color, paralysis
Never use copper-based medications or fertilizers in shrimp tanks; use only shrimp-safe plant fertilizers; perform large water changes if copper exposure is suspected; copper accumulates and is lethal to crustaceans at very low levels
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Quick Facts
- diet
- detritivore/omnivore; biofilm, algae, plant matter, blanched vegetables
- lifespan
- 1-2 years
- max size
- 3.8 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
- 6-12 dGH
- temperature
- 64–82°F (18–28°C)