Fire Red Shrimp (Orange Eye Fire Red)

Orange Eye Fire Red Shrimp – Rare and Premium Red Neocaridina

Orange Eye Fire Red Shrimp (often called OEFR Shrimp) are a rare and highly sought-after variety of freshwater dwarf shrimp prized for their deep red body color and distinctive orange eyes. This unique combination creates a striking contrast that makes these shrimp stand out in planted aquariums and shrimp colonies.

Unlike standard Fire Red shrimp, the Orange Eye Fire Red line is selectively bred not only for intense red coloration but also for the rare orange eye trait, which adds an extra level of uniqueness. Because of this trait, OEFR shrimp are considered a premium shrimp among shrimp keepers and collectors.

These shrimp belong to the species Neocaridina davidi, known for its hardiness and adaptability. Like other Neocaridina varieties, Orange Eye Fire Red shrimp are beginner-friendly, resilient, and capable of adapting to a wide range of freshwater aquarium conditions. Their peaceful temperament makes them ideal for shrimp tanks, nano aquariums, and peaceful community setups.

In addition to their beauty, OEFR shrimp are very useful in maintaining aquarium cleanliness. They constantly graze on biofilm, algae, and organic debris, helping to maintain a balanced and healthy aquarium ecosystem.

With proper care and stable water parameters, Orange Eye Fire Red shrimp can breed in captivity and gradually establish a thriving shrimp colony.

Key Features

• Rare orange eye trait

• Deep solid red body coloration

• Premium selectively bred Neocaridina shrimp

• Peaceful and community-friendly

• Excellent biofilm and algae grazers

• Ideal for shrimp tanks and planted aquariums

• Can breed in stable aquarium conditions

Size

• Adult size: Approximately 2 – 2.5 cm

• Juvenile size: Around 0.8 – 1.2 cm

• Females are typically larger and more intensely colored than males

Temperament

Orange Eye Fire Red shrimp have a very peaceful and calm temperament.

• Non-aggressive and shrimp-safe

• Best kept in groups or colonies

• Constantly active and grazing

• Compatible with other peaceful aquarium species

They spend most of their time exploring plants, moss, rocks, and driftwood while feeding.

Water Conditions

OEFR shrimp thrive best in stable freshwater conditions.

Recommended water parameters:

• Temperature: 20 – 26°C (68 – 79°F)

• pH: 6.5 – 7.8

• GH: 6 – 12 dGH

• KH: 2 – 6 dKH

• TDS: 150 – 300 ppm

• Ammonia: 0 ppm

• Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Nitrate: Below 20 ppm recommended

Consistency is very important. Sudden changes in water parameters can stress shrimp and cause molting issues.

Weekly 10–20% water changes help maintain good water quality.

Tank Setup

Orange Eye Fire Red shrimp thrive best in well-planted aquariums.

Recommended tank features include:

• Live plants (Java Moss, Anubias, Bucephalandra, moss carpets)

• Driftwood and rocks for biofilm growth

• Moss areas for hiding and feeding

• Indian almond leaves or other leaf litter

• Fine substrate or shrimp-friendly gravel

• Sponge filter or shrimp-safe filtration

Moss and plants provide important hiding spaces for baby shrimp (shrimplets) and improve survival rates.

Minimum recommended tank size is 10 liters, although larger tanks are more stable.

Feeding Habits

Orange Eye Fire Red shrimp are omnivorous scavengers.

Their diet may include:

• Biofilm and microorganisms

• Soft algae

• Shrimp pellets or shrimp-specific foods

• Algae wafers

• Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, cucumber, carrot)

• Leaf litter

• Mineral supplements

In established aquariums, shrimp obtain much of their nutrition from natural biofilm.

Feed small portions once per day or every other day. Avoid overfeeding to maintain good water quality.

Tank Mates

OEFR shrimp are peaceful and can live with other calm aquarium species.

Suitable tank mates:

• Chili rasboras

• Ember tetras

• Celestial pearl danios

• Otocinclus catfish

• Nerite snails

• Mystery snails

• Other peaceful Neocaridina shrimp

Tank mates to avoid:

• Large aggressive fish

• Cichlids

• Predatory fish

• Fish that may hunt shrimp

For breeding colonies, a shrimp-only aquarium is recommended.

Care and Maintenance

Orange Eye Fire Red shrimp are hardy but benefit from proper care.

Important care tips include:

• Introduce shrimp only into fully cycled aquariums

• Avoid medications containing copper

• Maintain stable water parameters

• Provide plenty of plants and moss

• Perform regular small water changes

• Use shrimp-safe fertilizers in planted tanks

Shrimp molt regularly as they grow. During this time they are soft and vulnerable, so hiding spaces are essential.

Molted shells should not be removed immediately, as shrimp often eat them to recover important minerals.

Breeding

OEFR shrimp can reproduce in aquariums with stable conditions.

• Females carry eggs under the abdomen (berried shrimp)

• Eggs hatch after 2 – 4 weeks

• Baby shrimp hatch as miniature adults

• No larval stage is required

Maintaining stable water conditions and plenty of moss helps increase shrimplet survival rates.

Why Choose Orange Eye Fire Red Shrimp?

• Rare orange eye characteristic

• Deep premium red coloration

• Perfect for shrimp tanks and aquascapes

• Hardy and beginner-friendly Neocaridina

• Natural algae and biofilm cleaner

• Peaceful and colony-friendly

• Unique and highly collectible shrimp

Orange Eye Fire Red Shrimp are a premium addition to freshwater aquariums. Their rare orange eyes, deep red body color, and peaceful nature make them one of the most fascinating and desirable Neocaridina shrimp varieties in the shrimp-keeping hobby. 🦐🔥👀