No photo yet
Sign in to submit the first photo
Sunkist Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
📍 Taiwan / Germany selective breeding
Sunkist Shrimp are a vibrant orange selectively bred variety of Neocaridina davidi, prized for their brilliant solid orange coloration that ranges from peachy to deep tangerine. These hardy shrimp are ideal for beginners and community tanks, displaying the same peaceful grazing behavior as other Neocaridina while standing out visually with their striking hue.
Care Guide
Diet
Sunkist Shrimp are detritivores that thrive on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter naturally present in established tanks. Supplement with quality shrimp pellets (Shirakura, Mosura), blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, carrot), and occasional protein sources like dried seaweed. Feed small amounts 2-3 times weekly, removing uneaten food after 24 hours.
Behavior
Sunkist Shrimp spend most of their time grazing on surfaces and substrate, constantly foraging for biofilm and algae. They are social and do best in groups, exhibiting natural molting cycles every 4-6 weeks where they hide and consume their shed exoskeleton for mineral replenishment. Minimal aggression occurs within colonies, though males may compete for females during breeding season.
Breeding
Neocaridina varieties like Sunkist Shrimp breed readily in standard freshwater conditions without requiring acidic or soft water. Females produce 20-30 shrimplets every 4-6 weeks; offspring are born fully-formed at approximately 2-3 mm and reach adult size in 3-4 months. High survival rates occur in established tanks with adequate food and hiding places.
Tank Mates
Small, peaceful fish that ignore shrimp and share similar water parameters
Algae-eating fish that coexist peacefully with shrimp colonies
Tiny, non-aggressive fish that pose no threat to adult or juvenile shrimp
Larger shrimp species that generally coexist peacefully, though occasional territorial disputes may occur
Algae-eating snails that share the same ecological niche without competing or predating
Common Diseases
Molting Failure / Incomplete Molt
Shrimp unable to fully shed exoskeleton, appearing stuck or lethargic; may die if unable to escape shell
Ensure adequate mineral content via GH boosters (Salty Shrimp, Bee Shrimp Mineral); provide calcium-rich foods (blanched spinach, dried seaweed); maintain stable water parameters and avoid sudden pH/temperature swings
Bacterial Infection / Fungus
White fuzzy growth on body or appendages, lethargy, loss of appetite, discoloration or lesions on exoskeleton
Perform 25-30% water changes every 2-3 days; add Indian almond leaves or tannins to lower pH slightly and boost immune response; maintain excellent water quality (0 ammonia, <20 ppm nitrate); isolate severely affected individuals if possible
Copper Toxicity
Sudden death or lethargy in otherwise healthy colony; shrimp become immobile or exhibit erratic swimming
Immediately identify and remove copper sources (medications, certain fertilizers, tap water); perform large water changes (50%+) with copper-free water; use activated carbon in filter; test water for copper levels; avoid all copper-based treatments
Vorticella / Protozoan Infection
White cloudy coating on body and appendages, appearing like dust or fungus; shrimp become lethargic and stop eating
Increase aeration and perform daily 25% water changes; add Indian almond leaves or oak leaves for tannins; maintain water temperature at 24-26 C (75-79 F) to boost immune response; ensure excellent filtration and avoid overfeeding
Community Photos
0 photosPhotos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.
No photos yet — add a tank with Sunkist Shrimp to be the first!
Sign in to vote.
Tips from the community 💡
0 tipsReal experiences, care advice, and keeper notes. Finn learns from these too.
Sign in to share your experience.
No community tips yet — be the first to share your knowledge!
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)