Sunkist Orange Shrimp
Species Profile
Sunkist Orange Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi) are selectively bred freshwater aquarium shrimp for bright, citrus-toned pigmentation ranging from warm apricot to deep tangerine. Bred from established color lines, these tiny critters bring vivid warm-toned contrast to planted layouts, standing out against dark aquarium soil, hardscape, and lush green mosses. They spend their days picking across hardscape and foliage, consuming soft algae and biofilm without damaging delicate leaf tissue or disturbing rooted carpet runners. Their tolerant Neocaridina genetics allow them to thrive in standard conditioned tap water, and their peaceful, social behavior makes these freshwater shrimp well suited for dedicated nano colonies and calm community setups.
**Note: All livestock orders will come carefully packaged with solid wall Styrofoam insulation and shipped via 1-day shipping only. No extra insulation needs to be added to your cart for your livestock.
Key Features & Notes
- Bright tangerine-to-apricot coloration provides vivid warm contrast against dark stone, soil, and green foliage.
- Active, plant-safe grazer that scours biofilm and soft algae without uprooting delicate carpet runners.
- Durable Neocaridina strain that adapts smoothly to tap water parameters and establishes self-sustaining colonies.
Care Specifications
- Maintain clean, well-filtered water with stable GH and KH levels to ensure problem-free molting cycles.
- Keep water parameters strictly free of copper-based medications or heavy metals.
- Supplement their diet with plant-based shrimp pellets, spirulina, and blanched vegetables to ensure proper minerals for molting when natural algae is low.
- Provide textured hardscape like lava rock or mosses to maximize surface area for beneficial biofilm growth and shrimplet shelter.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy livestock!
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neocaridina davidi "Orange" |
| Common Name(s) | Sunkist Orange Shrimp, Orange Sakura Shrimp, Orange Shrimp |
| Family | Atyidae |
| Care Difficulty | Easy |
| Diet | Omnivore (Biofilm, soft algae, sinking micro pellets, blanched vegetables) |
| Plant Safe | Yes (Safe with delicate mosses, stems, and foreground carpets) |
| Temperament | Peaceful bottom and hardscape grazer |
| Adult Size | 1.0"–1.25" (2.5–3.2 cm) |
| Minimum Tank Size | 5+ Gallons (10+ Gallons recommended for stable breeding) |
| Water Parameters | pH 6.8–7.8 | GH 6–10 | KH 3–8 | 65°F–80°F (18°C–27°C) | TDS 180–300 ppm |
| Freshwater Breeding | Yes (Prolific live shrimplet producer) |
| Origin | Taiwan (Tank-bred domestic strain) |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I properly acclimate my new freshwater shrimp to prevent shock?
Dwarf shrimp are sensitive to sudden shifts in water parameters and TDS. Drip acclimate new arrivals slowly over 1 to 2 hours using airline tubing. Follow our step-by-step tutorial in 7 Easy Steps to Drip Acclimate Shrimp and Fish.
2. What substrate is best for keeping dwarf shrimp healthy?
Neocaridina do best on inert substrates like sand or gravel that do not alter pH. Caridina species require active buffering aquasoils. Learn how to choose the right foundation in our Best Substrate for Shrimp Guide.
3. How do I get my colony to start breeding?
Keep water parameters stable, feed a balanced diet, and maintain temperatures around 70°F to 76°F. Females carry fertilized eggs beneath their tails until miniature shrimplets hatch. Read our complete guide on How to Breed Freshwater Shrimp.
4. Are dwarf shrimp easy to care for if I am a beginner?
Yes. Sunkist Orange Shrimp are hardy, adapt well to dechlorinated tap water, and thrive in cycled planted tanks. Explore our complete guide on Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp Care Guide.