Yellow Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi var. yellow
A bright yellow color morph of the extremely popular and hardy Neocaridina dwarf shrimp. They are completely peaceful scavengers that excel at cleaning up uneaten food and biofilm. They reproduce readily in freshwater aquariums but are highly vulnerable to predation by most fish. They thrive in colonies and should be kept in groups.
Yellow Shrimp At a Glance
Yellow Shrimp Tank Requirements
Will Yellow Shrimp fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Yellow Shrimp needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Yellow Shrimp against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Yellow Shrimp Water Parameters
Yellow Shrimp Temperament & Compatibility
Yellow Shrimp Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard (Yellow Fire)
The standard yellow morph. Females are typically larger and more opaquely colored than the slightly smaller, more translucent males. Best kept in colonies of 6 or more to encourage breeding and confident grazing.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Yellow Fire, Standard Yellow, Mixed Sex
Goldenback / Neon Yellow
A popular selectively bred trait featuring a distinct, thick, bright neon yellow or golden stripe running continuously down the length of the shrimp's back.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Goldenback, Neon Yellow, Yellow Backline
Yellow Shrimp Care Guide Summary
The Yellow Shrimp, scientifically known as Neocaridina davidi var. yellow, belongs to the Invertebrates family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 2.5 cm and have a compressed body shape with a fast growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Yellow Shrimp requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 10 litres and a tank length of at least 20 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 18°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6.5–8 and a general hardness of 6–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Yellow Shrimp is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard (Yellow Fire) and Goldenback / Neon Yellow. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Yellow Shrimp Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Yellow Shrimp, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, an established tank with natural algae growth, as they depend on it as a primary food source, and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress.
Yellow Shrimp Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Yellow Shrimp is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Yellow Shrimp Is Actually For
Yellow Shrimp is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide a keeper who can commit to a proper group of at least 6. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially plants.
The most common mistake is buying Yellow Shrimp for looks first and only later discovering how its adult size, behavior, or bioload changes the whole tank plan. Another frequent problem is underestimating its social needs. A token pair or trio often behaves very differently from a real group.
Yellow Shrimp Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Yellow Shrimp.
5 Gallon
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
Show 27 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Yellow Shrimp
How big does Yellow Shrimp get?
Yellow Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi var. yellow) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 2.5 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a fast growth rate.
What tank size does Yellow Shrimp need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 10 litres and a tank length of at least 20 cm are recommended for Yellow Shrimp. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Yellow Shrimp need?
Yellow Shrimp thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 18–28°C, a pH between 6.5 and 8, and a general hardness of 6–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Yellow Shrimp peaceful or aggressive?
Yellow Shrimp is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 0 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Yellow Shrimp should be kept together?
Yellow Shrimp is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Yellow Shrimp have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Yellow Shrimp benefits from plants - densely covered, established algae (otocinclus), and leaf litter/blackwater in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 11, 2026
- Last updated
- May 11, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Yellow Shrimp
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Yellow Shrimp based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Japanese Ricefish (Medaka)
Oryzias latipes
Ideal Tank MatesKabia rainbowfish
Glossolepis kabia
Ideal Tank MatesScissortail Rasbora
Rasbora trilineata
Ideal Tank MatesRummynose Rasbora
Sawbwa resplendens
Ideal Tank MatesRosy Red Minnow / Fathead Minnow
Pimephales promelas
Ideal Tank MatesRose Danio
Danio roseus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Yellow Shrimp
These plants pair well with Yellow Shrimp based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Carolina Fanwort
Cabomba caroliniana
Fish Similar to Yellow Shrimp
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
Caridina cantonensis
A sensitive, highly prized dwarf shrimp species known for its vivid red/white or black/white banding. Unlike the hardy Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina), Bee Shrimp require cool, soft, acidic water and typically require active buffering soil to thrive. They are peaceful grazers perfect for specific biotope setups.
Blue Pearl Shrimp
Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis
A hardy, peaceful dwarf shrimp species closely related to the popular Cherry Shrimp. They are excellent scavengers that constantly graze on biofilm and algae. Due to their tiny size, they are extremely vulnerable to predation and are best kept in dedicated invertebrate setups or with very small, peaceful nano fish (like rasboras).
Bee Shrimp
Caridina logemanni
A highly prized dwarf freshwater shrimp known for its striking opaque color bands. Native to streams in Southern China, they require specific parameters to thrive: cool, highly oxygenated, acidic, and very soft water. This is usually achieved using RO (Reverse Osmosis) water remineralized with specific shrimp salts and active buffering soil. They are highly sensitive to nitrogen spikes and copper, and are extremely vulnerable to fish predation.
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
One of the most popular and hardy freshwater invertebrates in the hobby. They come in a rainbow of selectively bred colors. They are excellent scavengers and algae eaters, perfect for nano planted tanks. They are completely peaceful and have a negligible bioload, though they are highly vulnerable to predation by almost any fish with a mouth large enough to eat them.
Snowball Shrimp
Neocaridina cf. zhangjiajiensis var. white
A strikingly bright white color morph of the Neocaridina dwarf shrimp. The name 'Snowball' comes from the pure white, snowball-like eggs the females carry. They are peaceful, highly prolific biofilm grazers that thrive in established aquariums. They are completely safe with nano fish, though baby shrimp may be predated upon by almost any fish.
Orange Delight Shrimp
Caridina loehae
An advanced-level, delicate dwarf shrimp native to the ancient Malili lake system in Sulawesi, Indonesia. Scientifically described as Caridina loehae, they are characterized by their bright orange bodies and white dashes. They require highly stable, warm (26-29°C), and alkaline water mirroring their native ancient lakes. They are peaceful biofilm grazers that will not survive in standard freshwater conditions.