Yellow Golden Back Shrimp Care Guide
Neocaridina davidi var. Yellow · Freshwater Invert
What Yellow Golden Back Shrimp look like
Neocaridina davidi var. Yellow, commonly known as the Yellow Golden Back Shrimp, exhibits a small, compact body that typically ranges from 1 to 1.5 inches in length. The shrimp's most striking feature is its bright lemon yellow coloration, which can vary in intensity; higher-grade specimens display a solid, opaque yellow hue, while others may present a distinctive golden dorsal stripe, hence the name 'golden back.' The shrimp's exoskeleton is smooth and glossy, providing a vibrant contrast against aquatic plants and substrates. Sexual dimorphism is subtle, with females generally being slightly larger and possessing a broader abdomen, particularly when carrying eggs. Defensive adaptations include the ability to blend into their environment due to their bright coloration and a rapid swimming ability when threatened. The shrimp also possess a well-developed set of antennae for sensory perception and a pair of chelae (claws) that are used for foraging and defense. Their body is laterally compressed, allowing for agile movement through dense aquatic vegetation.
Behavior & temperament
Yellow Golden Back Shrimp are primarily social creatures that thrive in groups, exhibiting a non-aggressive temperament. They inhabit the lower to mid-water column, often found among aquatic plants and substrate where they forage for food. These shrimp are known to engage in communal behaviors, such as grooming and social interaction, which helps establish a loose social hierarchy within their groups. Breeding occurs through a form of external fertilization, where females scatter eggs among plants, providing cover for the developing embryos. The species is not territorial and displays minimal aggression, making them suitable for community tanks with other peaceful species.
Diet & feeding
In the wild, Yellow Golden Back Shrimp are omnivorous scavengers, feeding on algae, detritus, and biofilm, supplemented by small microorganisms. In captivity, they require a varied diet that includes high-quality shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables, and algae wafers to ensure proper nutrition and vibrant coloration.
Behind the name
The genus name 'Neocaridina' is derived from Greek, where 'neo' means 'new' and 'caridina' refers to 'shrimp.' The species name 'davidi' honors the aquarist David J. W. L. de Jong, while 'var. Yellow' indicates the specific color variant of this species.
Plan your tank
Check the numbers before you buy: tank volume, a stocking plan, cycle progress, water changes, and your ongoing care routine.
Keeping Yellow Golden Back Shrimp?
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