Koi Sunburst Shrimp are a multicolour Neocaridina carrying irregular patches of orange, white, and black distributed across the body in a pattern that varies from individual to individual -- the koi-like colour distribution that gives the line its name, and the most individually complex colour expression available in the Neocaridina catalog. Where solid-colour Neocaridina like Blue Velvet or Yellow carry a single, consistent body colour across all individuals in the colony, Koi Sunburst produce animals where no two individuals carry the same patch distribution -- the orange, white, and black appear in different proportions, positions, and shapes on each shrimp, creating a naturally varied colony where every animal is visually distinct. The pattern is not fully predictable or selectable in the way that solid colours are, which means offspring from a Koi Sunburst colony also produce a range of individual expressions. In all other respects they are standard Neocaridina: hardy, beginner friendly, breeding freely in freshwater without intervention. Safe with all snails.
6.8-7.8pH
6-14GH
2-8KH
65-78FTemperature
What to Expect
Pattern, Individuality and Behaviour
Irregular orange, white and black patches -- every individual is uniquely marked -- the koi pattern distributes three colour elements -- orange, white, and black -- across the body in proportions and positions that differ on every animal. Some individuals are predominantly orange with white and black accents; others carry roughly equal patches of all three; others are predominantly white with orange and black markings. The pattern is neither random nor fully predictable -- it arises from the interaction of multiple colour genes and produces the full spectrum of koi-like distributions within a single colony.
A colony of Koi Sunburst is visually diverse in a way no solid-colour line can be -- the individual variation in pattern that makes each Koi Sunburst shrimp unique produces a colony-level visual effect that is more dynamic and more engaging than a colony of identically coloured individuals. Observing a group of Koi Sunburst grazing together on dark substrate -- where the orange, white, and black of each individual reads clearly -- produces a visually rich, naturally varied display that rewards extended observation in a way that uniform-colour colonies do not.
Dark substrate makes all three colour elements maximally visible -- the orange and black elements read most clearly against dark substrate; the white elements provide contrast against both dark substrate and the other colour patches on the same animal. Black aquasoil or dark sand is the recommended substrate for a Koi Sunburst display tank.
Offspring produce their own unique distributions -- the colony stays varied -- because the koi pattern arises from multiple interacting colour genes, offspring from a Koi Sunburst colony produce their own unique distributions rather than copies of either parent. The colony remains visually diverse across generations without any selective intervention -- each new shrimplet carries its own individual pattern expression.
Hardy and beginner friendly -- full Neocaridina tolerance -- Koi Sunburst share the broad parameter tolerance and robust constitution of all Neocaridina. The complexity of the colour pattern does not reflect complexity of care -- they are as straightforward to keep as any other Neocaridina colour variant.
How to Set It Up
Getting Started
1Dark substrate and stable parameters before introduction -- black aquasoil or dark sand, pH 7.0-7.4, GH 6-8, KH 3-5, temperature 72-75F. Run for at least one week before introduction and confirm stability with daily testing.
2Drip acclimate over 45-60 minutes -- float bag for 15 minutes, then drip at one drop per second for 45-60 minutes before release.
3Dense moss and biofilm surfaces from the start -- Java Moss, Christmas Moss, or Flame Moss provides biofilm foraging and shrimplet shelter. The individually varied patterns of Koi Sunburst shrimplets are visible from very early in development -- dense moss makes them easier to observe as they develop their individual markings.
4Feed varied diet and allow the colony to develop naturally -- a comprehensive staple food supplemented with occasional blanched vegetables and botanicals supports full colour development. The koi pattern develops progressively as shrimplets mature -- individuals that appear predominantly white at release may develop more orange and black coverage over the first several weeks of life.
Bonus TipKoi Sunburst shrimp in a species-only nano tank -- 20-30 litres, dark substrate, Java or Christmas Moss, minimal hardscape -- creates the most effective display format for a colony whose primary appeal is individual variation. In a less densely planted, more open tank, individual shrimp are more continuously visible and the distinct pattern of each animal is more readily appreciated than in a heavily planted tank where shrimp spend extended periods inside moss and plant cover. A tank where you can always see 10-15 shrimp simultaneously from the front glass is the ideal format for a pattern-variety display colony.
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Browse more Neocaridina shrimpPair Koi Sunburst with other Neocaridina colour morphs or keep as a species-only display colony. Browse our Neocaridina Shrimp collection.
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