Calico Sunkist Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var.)

Meet the Calico Sunkist Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var.) — a tiny, colorful powerhouse that looks like a miniature sunset swimming in your tank. With vibrant orange tones mixed with marbled calico patterns, these shrimp are not only eye-catching but also hardworking little algae grazers. Think of them as living confetti for your aquarium!

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 L (larger tanks = happier colonies and fewer water surprises)

• Temperature: 20 – 26 °C

• pH: 6.5 – 7.8

• Water Hardness: 4 – 12 dGH

• Filtration: Sponge or gentle filter to protect adults and babies

• Substrate & Décor: Dark gravel or shrimp soil to show off their colors; live plants, mosses, and driftwood for grazing and hiding

Diet

Calico Sunkist Shrimp are omnivorous grazers:

• Algae and biofilm (their go-to snack)

• High-quality shrimp pellets or wafers

• Blanched vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or cucumber

• Occasional treats like crushed flakes or tiny protein bites

Pro tip: Feed small amounts once a day — they’ll happily snack all day long!

Social Behavior

These shrimp are peaceful socialites and do best in groups of 10 or more. Ideal tank mates include:
✅ Small rasboras
✅ Pygmy corydoras
✅ Otocinclus
✅ Snails

Avoid aggressive or large fish that might see them as a tasty snack.

Breeding

Calico Sunkist Shrimp breed readily under stable conditions. Females carry eggs for 3–4 weeks, releasing fully formed miniature shrimp that immediately begin grazing. Dense plants and moss improve survival and give babies plenty of places to hide.

⭐ Fun Fact

No two Calico Sunkist Shrimp are alike! Their unique marbled patterns are like a tiny sunset painted on each shrimp, making every member of your colony a one-of-a-kind work of art. ✨

Reference: Bubbly Fish – creating underwater wonders.