ShrimpeasyFreshwater

Yellow Golden Back Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Also known as Yellow Goldenback, Goldback Shrimp, Yellow Back Shrimp

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Atyidae

Yellow Golden Back Shrimp are a vibrant color morph of Neocaridina davidi, featuring striking yellow coloration with golden accents on their carapace. These hardy freshwater shrimp are excellent for beginners and community tanks, thriving in established aquariums with plenty of biofilm and plant matter. They are prolific breeders in freshwater and will quickly establish thriving colonies.

Where it's from

Recorded as introduced in Brazil, Germany, Norway and Poland

At a glance

Size: 1.5 in; 4 cm
Min tank: 5 gal; 19 L
Group: 10+
Temp: 64–82°F; 18–28°C
pH: 6.5-8.0
GH: 71–143 ppm; 4–8 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Bottom
Lifespan: 1-3 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Tanks keeping this

Kept by 1 member

1 tank shared publicly.

The Guppy Gorge

@isabellekaulback

Care

Diet

Yellow Golden Back Shrimp are detritivores that primarily feed on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter in the tank. Supplement with high-quality shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), and occasional algae wafers. A mature, established tank with plenty of moss and plants provides essential natural food sources.

Behavior

These shrimp are bottom-dwellers that spend most of their time foraging for food and grazing on surfaces. They are social and peaceful, living in loose groups without aggression toward each other. They molt regularly as they grow, shedding their exoskeleton; provide plenty of hiding spots with plants and hardscape to help them feel secure during vulnerable molting periods.

Breeding

Yellow Golden Back Shrimp breed readily in freshwater without any special conditions, making them ideal for colony establishment. Females produce small batches of fully-formed shrimplets (no larval stage) that are independent immediately upon release. A mature tank with stable parameters and plenty of hiding places will naturally support population growth.

Tank mates

See all 6

Amano Shrimp

Same peaceful temperament; compatible colony members

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Same species group; can interbreed but generally coexist peacefully

excellent

Ember Tetra

Small, peaceful fish that won't predate on adult shrimp

good

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae eater; shares similar biofilm-grazing behavior

excellent

Dwarf Gourami

Generally peaceful but may occasionally nip at shrimp; monitor closely

caution

Beginner-friendly

Member photos

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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.

by @isabellekaulback

Common diseases 4Molting Complications, Copper Toxicity, Bacterial Infection / Shell Erosion, Parasitic Flukes

Molting Complications

Symptoms

Shrimp stuck in old exoskeleton, inability to shed properly, lethargy after molting

Treatment

Ensure adequate calcium and minerals in water; provide iodine-enriched foods; maintain stable water parameters; provide soft plants and moss for rubbing assistance

Copper Toxicity

Symptoms

Sudden death, erratic swimming, loss of color, gasping at surface

Treatment

Immediately perform large water changes; use copper-free medications and fertilizers; avoid tap water with high copper content; use RO water if necessary

Bacterial Infection / Shell Erosion

Symptoms

Discolored patches on carapace, soft spots, deteriorating shell integrity, lethargy

Treatment

Maintain pristine water quality with frequent water changes; increase aeration; remove affected individuals to quarantine; ensure adequate calcium supplementation

Parasitic Flukes

Symptoms

Excessive grooming, lethargy, loss of appetite, visible parasites on body

Treatment

Perform salt baths (1-2 teaspoons per gallon for 10-15 minutes) or use copper-free parasite treatments; quarantine affected shrimp; improve water quality and tank maintenance

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. Native range: Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil (CC BY 4.0); Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species (CC BY 4.0); Global Register of Invasive and Introduced Species (CC BY 4.0).