Gold Dust Sunkist - Neocaridina Shrimp

he Gold Dust Neocaridina is a vibrant, selectively bred color morph of Neocaridina davidi, commonly known as a "Cherry Shrimp." It’s known for its striking golden-yellow coloration and is highly prized in the aquarium hobby for its unique look and ease of care. Like other Neocaridina shrimp, Gold Dust shrimp are hardy, adaptable, and excellent for beginner shrimp keepers.

Key Characteristics

• Appearance: Gold Dust Neocaridina are bright yellow to golden in color, with some individuals showing a shimmering, dust-like quality across their bodies. Females often have a richer color and may carry visible eggs (called a "saddle") in their abdomen.
• Size: These shrimp reach about 2-3 cm (0.8-1.2 inches) in length.
• Temperament: Peaceful and highly social, they can be kept in groups and are non-aggressive. They are compatible with other non-predatory shrimp and small, peaceful fish species.
• Diet: They are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet. In the aquarium, they feed on algae, biofilm, and leftover fish food. Supplemental foods, like algae wafers, blanched vegetables (like spinach or zucchini), and shrimp-specific pellets, are beneficial for them.

Habitat Requirements

• Tank Setup: A heavily planted tank with plenty of hiding spots is ideal. Shrimp are sensitive to poor water quality, so a stable, well-established aquarium with gentle filtration is important.
• Water Parameters:
  • pH: 6.5 - 7.5
  • Temperature: 20-25°C (68-77°F)
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (ideal GH of 6-8)
  • TDS: 150-250 ppm is suitable for their needs.

Breeding

Gold Dust Neocaridina are prolific breeders. In favorable conditions, females will carry eggs and release fully formed young shrimp after about 20-30 days. Breeding them is easy, as they do not require specific water parameters for reproduction.

These shrimp add a lively splash of color to aquariums and help control algae, making them both functional and beautiful additions to a tank.