No photo yet
Sign in to add the first photo.
Yellow Cheek Shrimp
Caridina striata
Also known as Striata Shrimp, Yellow Cheek Caridina
Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Atyidae
Caridina striata, commonly known as Yellow Cheek Shrimp, are small freshwater shrimp native to Southeast Asia with distinctive yellow markings on their cheeks and striped patterns along their bodies. These peaceful, hardy shrimp are excellent for planted tanks and community aquariums, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced aquarists. They are prolific algae grazers and detritivores that help maintain tank cleanliness while remaining unobtrusive and entertaining to observe.
At a glance
- Size
- 1.2 in
- 3 cm
- Min tank
- 5 gal
- 19 L
- Group
- 6+
- Temp
- 72–79°F
- 22–26°C
- pH
- 6.5-7.5
- GH
- 71–143 ppm
- 4–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Bottom
- Lifespan
- 2-3 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Care
Diet
Yellow Cheek Shrimp are primarily detritivores that feed on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter naturally present in established tanks. Supplement with high-quality shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini), and occasional algae wafers. A mature, well-planted tank with plenty of biofilm is essential for their long-term health and nutrition.
Behavior
These shrimp are active bottom-dwellers that spend most of their time foraging for food among substrate and plants. They are social creatures that do best in groups and exhibit natural molting behavior every 4-6 weeks as they grow. Yellow Cheek Shrimp are relatively shy and will hide in plants and decorations, emerging more frequently in established, stable tanks.
Breeding
Caridina striata breed readily in freshwater without requiring brackish conditions, making them excellent for home aquariums. Females produce small clutches of 20-30 shrimplets that develop entirely in freshwater. With stable water parameters and adequate food, colonies will naturally establish and grow over time.
Tank mates
See all 6Small, peaceful algae eaters that share similar water parameters and feeding habits
Tiny, non-aggressive fish that occupy mid-water column and do not prey on shrimp
Provides shelter and biofilm growth; shrimp will not damage this hardy plant
Creates dense biofilm-rich habitat that shrimp thrive in; excellent for breeding
Larger shrimp species; generally compatible but may compete for food in small tanks
Member photos
Photos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.
No photos yet — add a tank with Yellow Cheek Shrimp to be the first!
Sign in to vote.
Common diseases 4Molting Stress/Failed Molt, Copper Toxicity, Bacterial Infection/Shell Erosion, Parasitic Flukes
Molting Stress/Failed Molt
Shrimp stuck in old exoskeleton, lethargy, inability to move freely, death if unable to escape
Ensure adequate calcium and minerals through cuttlebone or mineral supplements; maintain stable water parameters; provide plenty of hiding places; do not disturb molting shrimp
Copper Toxicity
Lethargy, loss of appetite, discoloration, sudden death in entire colony
Perform immediate large water changes; use copper-free medications and fertilizers; avoid tap water with high copper content; use RO water if necessary; copper is highly toxic to all shrimp species
Bacterial Infection/Shell Erosion
Cloudy appearance on body, pitting or erosion of exoskeleton, white spots, lethargy
Improve water quality through frequent water changes; increase aeration; remove affected individuals to quarantine if severe; maintain pH above 6.5 to prevent shell degradation
Parasitic Flukes
Excessive scratching on plants/substrate, visible parasites, weight loss, respiratory distress
Perform salt baths (not recommended for shrimp due to sensitivity); increase water changes; quarantine infected shrimp; treat with copper-free parasite medications only; improve tank hygiene
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.
The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it.
At a glance
- Size
- 1.2 in3 cm
- Min tank
- 5 gal19 L
- Group
- 6+
- Temp
- 72–79°F22–26°C
- pH
- 6.5-7.5
- GH
- 71–143 ppm4–8 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Bottom
- Lifespan
- 2-3 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Keepers’ experiences
Keep Yellow Cheek Shrimp? Share how it's going.
Nobody has shared one yet. A few lines on how they've done in your tank help the next keeper.