Orange Shrimp

Overview:

The Orange Shrimp, often known as the Orange Sakura or Sunkist Shrimp, is a captivating and vibrant addition to any freshwater aquarium. A color morph of the Neocaridina davidi species, these dwarf shrimp are celebrated for their striking orange hue and peaceful nature. They are an excellent choice for adding a pop of color and natural beauty to a community tank or a dedicated "shrimp-only" setup.

Key Features:

• Vibrant Orange Color: The most distinguishing feature of this shrimp is its brilliant, uniform orange coloration. The intensity of the color can range from a light, translucent orange to a deep, fiery Sunkist orange, which stands out beautifully against green aquarium plants and dark substrates.

• Peaceful and Community-Friendly: Orange Shrimp are incredibly peaceful and can be safely housed with a variety of non-aggressive, small fish species (e.g., small rasboras, neon tetras). They are a fantastic addition to a "nano" or community tank.

• Natural Scavenger: As active scavengers, these shrimp play a beneficial role in the aquarium ecosystem. They spend their days grazing on algae, biofilm, and leftover fish food, helping to keep the tank clean and healthy.

• Hardy and Easy to Care For: One of the main reasons for their popularity is their resilience. They are much hardier than other dwarf shrimp species, making them an ideal choice for beginners.

Important Considerations for Aquarium Owners:

• Tank Size: Orange Shrimp can be kept in small aquariums, with a minimum tank size of 5 gallons (around 20 liters) recommended for a colony. They thrive in a planted tank where they can feel secure and have a constant source of biofilm to graze on.

• Water Parameters: While hardy, they require stable water conditions to thrive.

  • Temperature: 68-78°F (20-25°C)

  • pH: 6.5-8.0

  • Water Hardness: They prefer a GH (General Hardness) of 4-8 and a KH (Carbonate Hardness) of 3-15.

• Habitat: Provide a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding places, such as Java Moss, driftwood, and small caves. This will give them security, especially during molting, and a surface for biofilm to grow.

• Diet: While they will graze on natural algae, they should be supplemented with a varied diet of high-quality shrimp pellets or flakes, blanched vegetables (like zucchini or spinach), and occasional protein-rich foods.

• Breeding: Orange Shrimp are prolific breeders. If housed in a healthy environment with stable water parameters, they will readily breed, and the females will carry small, orange eggs until they hatch.