Caridina propinqua

The Sunkist Shrimp, also known by appealing names like Tangerine or Mandarin Shrimp, is a vibrant orange crustacean that brings a splash of color to any freshwater aquarium. These are social creatures that feel safest and are most active when kept in groups, so you should plan on keeping at least six together. They are wonderful additions to a community tank, but because they are very small and peaceful, they should only be housed with other small, non-aggressive fish and invertebrates that won't see them as a snack.

One of the best things about these shrimp is their role as a tank janitor. They love to graze all day, moving along the bottom of the tank and on decorations, constantly cleaning up algae, leftover food particles (detritus), and the invisible layer of microorganisms known as biofilm. This makes them a great part of a cleanup crew, helping to keep your aquarium looking pristine. When it comes to feeding, they are not picky and will happily eat a variety of commercially available shrimp foods, as well as blanched vegetables. While they are fascinating to watch, don't expect them to multiply easily in your tank. They have special breeding requirements that are very difficult to replicate in a home aquarium, making them a 'what you see is what you get' type of pet. Their care is considered moderately difficult, so some aquarium experience is helpful to ensure they thrive.