Sunkist shrimp, also known as Neocaridina davidi, are vibrant orange freshwater crustaceans that can add a splash of color to aquariums. They are known for being easy to care for and adaptable to a range of water conditions, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists.

Appearance:

Sunkist shrimp have thick shells and vibrant orange coloration that can range from yellow-orange to red-orange. The first two generations can develop tiger designs, with yellow stripes at segment joints and a tail outline.

Neocaridina davidi

, commonly known as the cherry shrimp, is a popular and hardy dwarf freshwater shrimp widely kept in the aquarium hobby. Native to Taiwan and other parts of East Asia, this species has been selectively bred over many decades to produce a wide array of vibrant colors.

Characteristics

Size: N. davidi are small, with females growing to a maximum size of 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 inches) and males typically being slightly smaller.
Temperament: They are peaceful scavengers that spend most of their time grazing on algae, biofilm, and decaying plant matter. In an aquarium, they help keep the tank clean.
Appearance: The wild-type coloration is a mottled greenish-brown. However, selective breeding has created numerous color morphs, including:
- Red: The most famous variety, often called Cherry, Sakura, or Fire Red shrimp.
- Yellow: Yellow Goldenback and Yellow Sakura shrimp.
- Blue: Blue Dream, Blue Velvet, and Blue Jelly shrimp.
- Green: Green Jade shrimp.
- Black/Brown: Black Rose and Chocolate shrimp.
- Patterned: Rili shrimp, which have translucent midsections with colored heads and tails.
Sexual dimorphism: Females are larger and more vividly colored than males. They also develop a "saddle"—unfertilized eggs in their ovaries visible behind their head—and carry eggs, known as being "berried," under their tail.

Care and habitat

Tank setup: Neocaridina are ideal for a species-only tank of at least 5 gallons, though a 10-gallon or larger tank offers more stability. They prefer heavily planted environments with features like driftwood, rocks, and leaf litter for grazing and hiding.
Water parameters: This species is tolerant of a wide range of conditions, but stability is key. They thrive in:
- Temperature: 68–78°F (20–25°C)
- pH: 6.5–8.0
- Hardness (GH): 6–8
- Ammonia/Nitrite: Always 0 ppm
- Nitrate: Below 20 ppm
Diet: As omnivorous scavengers, their diet can be supplemented with high-quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and powdered foods for juveniles.
Breeding: They are prolific and easy to breed in captivity. Females carry 20–40 eggs for 2–3 weeks, after which the young hatch as miniature versions of the adults (direct development).
Caution: These shrimp are highly sensitive to copper, which is present in some plant fertilizers and medications. They also require a fully cycled and stable tank, as they are susceptible to rapid changes in water chemistry.

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