Orange Pumpkin Shrimp

Orange Pumpkin Shrimp Care Guide

Tank Setup

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 liters (5 gallons) for a small colony. Larger tanks allow the shrimp to thrive and breed more successfully.

• Substrate: Dark sand or gravel enhances their bright orange color.

• Décor: Provide mosses (Java Moss, Christmas Moss), driftwood, cholla wood, and plenty of hiding spots. They love fine-leaved plants for grazing and shelter.

• Lighting: Moderate – helps plant and algae growth, which shrimp feed on.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 20–26°C (68–79°F)

• pH: 6.5–7.5

• Hardness: 4–12 dGH

• KH: 3–8 dKH

• Filtration: Gentle sponge filter is ideal – safe for baby shrimp and provides biofilm for grazing.

Diet

• Omnivores – feed a mix of high-quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, cucumber).

• They also graze constantly on biofilm, detritus, and algae.

• Supplement occasionally with protein-rich foods like daphnia or crushed bloodworms.

Tank Mates

• Best in a species-only shrimp tank for maximum survival and breeding.

• If kept in community tanks, suitable tank mates include small, peaceful fish such as ember tetras, micro rasboras, and otocinclus catfish.

• Avoid larger or aggressive fish that may prey on them (like bettas, cichlids, or barbs).

Behavior

• Peaceful and social, happiest in colonies.

• Active grazers that help clean the aquarium.

• Females are more brightly colored and larger than males.

• Adults reach about 2–3 cm (1–1.2 inches).

Breeding

• Very easy to breed in freshwater.

• Females carry 20–30 eggs under their abdomen for about 3–4 weeks until hatching.

• Shrimplets look like miniature adults and feed on biofilm and powdered shrimp food.

• Stable water parameters are key to successful breeding.

Interesting Fact

Orange Pumpkin Shrimp are selectively bred from the wild Neocaridina davidi, the same species as Cherry Shrimp. Their pumpkin-orange coloration was developed through careful breeding, making them a favorite for aquascapers who want a bold pop of color in planted tanks.