Orange Sunkist Shrimp

About the Orange Sunkist Shrimp

The Orange Sunkist Shrimp is one of the brightest and most vibrant freshwater shrimp available, prized for its intense solid orange colouration that resembles a ripe mandarin or sunset. A premium selectively bred variety of Neocaridina davidi, the Orange Sunkist Shrimp is highly sought after for planted aquariums, aquascapes, and dedicated shrimp tanks where its vivid colour creates a stunning contrast against green plants and dark substrates.

Unlike translucent orange shrimp varieties, high-grade Orange Sunkist Shrimp display a rich, opaque orange body from head to tail. They are constantly active, spending their day grazing on algae, biofilm, and organic matter while helping to keep the aquarium naturally clean.

Orange Sunkist Shrimp thrive in mature aquariums with mosses, fine-leaved plants, driftwood, botanicals, and plenty of hiding places. Stable water conditions and an established aquarium rich in biofilm are essential for healthy moulting and breeding. They make excellent companions for peaceful nano fish including Ember Tetras, Chili Rasboras, Celestial Pearl Danios, Pygmy Corydoras, Otocinclus, and Blue-eye Rainbowfish.

A varied diet of premium shrimp foods, algae wafers, spirulina, blanched spinach, zucchini, Indian Almond Leaves, and occasional protein-rich treats such as baby brine shrimp will promote vibrant colouration, successful moulting, and healthy breeding.

Brilliantly coloured, hardy, and easy to care for, the Orange Sunkist Shrimp is an outstanding choice for both beginner and experienced shrimp keepers.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Neocaridina davidi

Common Name

Orange Sunkist Shrimp

Origin

Captive-bred colour variety of a species native to Taiwan

Adult Size

2.5–3 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore

Minimum Tank Size

20 Litres

Temperature

20–26°C

pH

6.5–7.8

Water Hardness

6–12 dGH

Difficulty

Beginner

Lifespan

1.5–2 Years

Suitable For

Shrimp aquariums, planted tanks, nano aquariums, and peaceful community aquariums

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Orange Sunkist Shrimp good for beginners?

Yes. Orange Sunkist Shrimp are hardy, adaptable, and one of the best freshwater shrimp for beginners.

What do Orange Sunkist Shrimp eat?

They feed on biofilm, algae, premium shrimp pellets, algae wafers, spirulina, blanched vegetables, Indian Almond Leaves, and occasional protein-rich foods.

Can Orange Sunkist Shrimp live with fish?

Yes. They are best kept with peaceful nano fish such as Ember Tetras, Rasboras, Pygmy Corydoras, Otocinclus, and Blue-eyes. Avoid larger or predatory fish that may eat shrimp.

Do Orange Sunkist Shrimp breed easily?

Yes. They breed readily in freshwater aquariums with stable water conditions. Females carry eggs beneath their abdomen until miniature shrimp hatch.

How do I keep my Orange Sunkist Shrimp brightly coloured?

Provide a high-quality shrimp diet, maintain excellent water quality, use dark substrates, and minimise stress. Selective breeding also helps maintain the intense orange colouration.

Common Mistakes

Adding them to immature aquariums

Orange Sunkist Shrimp rely on natural biofilm for grazing. Always introduce them to a mature, fully cycled aquarium.

Sudden water parameter changes

Rapid fluctuations in temperature, pH, or hardness can lead to stress and moulting problems. Acclimate shrimp slowly.

Keeping them with predatory fish

Many fish will prey on adult shrimp or shrimplets. Choose peaceful community species for the best results.

Not providing enough cover

Mosses, shrimp caves, driftwood, and dense planting provide essential shelter during moulting and improve survival of young shrimp.

Overfeeding

Excess food quickly degrades water quality. Feed sparingly and allow shrimp to naturally graze on algae and biofilm throughout the day.