Sunkist Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Atyidae

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.

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

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

See all 5

Ember Tetra

Small, peaceful fish that ignore shrimp and share similar water parameters

excellent

Otocinclus

Algae-eating fish that coexist peacefully with shrimp colonies

excellent

Chili Rasbora

Tiny, non-aggressive fish that pose no threat to adult or juvenile shrimp

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp species that generally coexist peacefully, though occasional territorial disputes may occur

good

Nerite Snail

Algae-eating snails that share the same ecological niche without competing or predating

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).