Orange Cross Back Shrimp - Neocaridina sp.

Orange Cross Back Shrimp (Neocaridina sp.)

The Orange Cross Back Shrimp is a striking freshwater dwarf shrimp variety admired for its vivid orange colouration and contrasting lighter dorsal stripe running along the back. Peaceful, active and highly decorative, it is an excellent choice for planted aquariums, shrimp-focused setups and calm community tanks. Its small size and constant grazing behaviour also make it useful for picking at biofilm, soft algae and fine organic material across plants, décor and aquarium surfaces.

Common Name:
Orange Cross Back Shrimp, Orange Crossback Shrimp

Scientific Name (Latin):
Neocaridina sp.

Maximum Size:
Approximately 2.5–3 cm

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Orange Cross Back Shrimp is a selectively bred ornamental Neocaridina variety developed for its bright orange body colour and contrasting dorsal stripe.

Like other commonly kept Neocaridina shrimp, it thrives in mature freshwater aquariums containing plants, mosses, wood, stones and established surfaces rich in biofilm.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 20–26°C
pH Range: 6.5–8.0
Hardness: Moderate
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Kept low and stable
Copper: Must be avoided

Temperament:
Peaceful

Orange Cross Back Shrimp are completely peaceful and are best kept with other small, non-predatory aquarium inhabitants.

They are particularly well suited to shrimp-only aquariums or planted community setups containing small fish that are unlikely to prey on adult shrimp.

Diet:
Omnivore / Grazer

Orange Cross Back Shrimp spend much of the day grazing biofilm, soft algae and microscopic organic material from aquarium surfaces.

Supplement their natural grazing with quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers, blanched vegetables and specialist invertebrate foods.

Avoid overfeeding, as excess food can quickly reduce water quality.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 20 litres

Although suitable for small aquariums, stable water chemistry is more important than aquarium volume alone.

A mature planted aquarium with plenty of grazing surfaces and hiding places is strongly recommended.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Orange Cross Back Shrimp is an active grazer that spends much of its time moving over plants, moss, wood, stones and substrate in search of food.

They are most confident when kept in groups and may become particularly active around feeding time.

Dense planting, mosses and fine-leaved plants provide valuable shelter, especially for juveniles and freshly moulted shrimp.

Community Suitability:
Community Invertebrate

Orange Cross Back Shrimp can be maintained with small peaceful fish, snails and other suitable freshwater invertebrates.

Very small shrimplets may be eaten by even otherwise peaceful fish, so a shrimp-only or heavily planted aquarium is preferable where successful breeding is a priority.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Keep in a mature, biologically stable aquarium with plenty of natural grazing surfaces.

Avoid sudden changes in temperature, pH or mineral content, particularly during water changes.

Copper-based medications must not be used, as copper can be highly toxic to freshwater shrimp.

Stable mineral levels are important for successful moulting and healthy shell development.

Provide mosses, plants, wood and other textured surfaces where biofilm can develop naturally.

Neocaridina shrimp breed readily in suitable conditions, and females may carry eggs beneath the abdomen until fully formed miniature shrimp hatch.

Because this is a selectively bred colour variety, the intensity of the orange colour and dorsal stripe can vary naturally between individuals.

Suitable for:
Beginner to Intermediate

Availability:
Regularly available

All images are a visual representation of the invert you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.