Pumpkin Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Also known as Pumpkin Neocaridina

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Atyidae

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.

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: 10+
Temp: 64–82°F; 18–28°C
pH: 6.5-8.0
GH: 107–214 ppm; 6–12 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Bottom
Lifespan: 1-2 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

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

See all 6

Ember Tetra

Small, peaceful fish that ignore shrimp and occupy mid-water column

excellent

Otocinclus

Algae-eating fish with no predatory interest in shrimp; compatible tank mates

excellent

Chili Rasbora

Tiny, non-aggressive fish that coexist peacefully with shrimp colonies

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp species; may compete for food but rarely aggressive toward Neocaridina

good

Java Moss

Provides shelter, biofilm growth, and grazing surfaces for shrimp

excellent

Beginner-friendly

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).