Yellow Rili Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

Also known as Yellow Rili

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Atyidae

Yellow Rili Shrimp are a striking selectively bred variety of Neocaridina davidi featuring bold yellow coloration on the body with contrasting darker (often red or brown) bands on the legs and antennae. This distinctive two-tone pattern makes them highly visible and popular in planted aquariums. They are hardy, prolific breeders, and excellent algae grazers suitable for beginners.

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: 107–214 ppm; 6–12 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Bottom
Lifespan: 1-2 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

Diet

Yellow Rili Shrimp are omnivorous detritivores that thrive on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter naturally present in established tanks. Supplement with quality shrimp pellets (Shirakura, Mosura) 2-3 times weekly and occasional blanched vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or cucumber. They require minimal feeding in mature planted tanks with adequate algae growth.

Behavior

These shrimp are active grazers that spend most of their time foraging on surfaces and substrate for food particles and algae. They are social and do best in groups, displaying natural colony behavior with minimal aggression. Molting occurs every 4-6 weeks; provide hiding spots with plants or driftwood to reduce stress during vulnerable periods.

Breeding

Yellow Rili Shrimp breed readily in standard Neocaridina water parameters (pH 6.5-8.0, GH 6-12) without special conditioning required. Females produce berries (clusters of 20-30 eggs) every 4-5 weeks and release fully-formed miniature shrimp after 2-3 weeks. Fry are independent immediately and benefit from dense plant cover for protection and grazing surfaces.

Tank mates

See all 6

Ember Tetra

Small, peaceful fish that ignore shrimp and share similar water parameters

excellent

Otocinclus

Algae-eating fish that coexist peacefully with shrimp colonies

excellent

Chili Rasbora

Tiny, non-aggressive fish that will not predate on adult shrimp

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp species that coexist peacefully; may compete for food

good

Red Cherry Shrimp

Compatible Neocaridina variety; may interbreed producing mixed colors

good

Beginner-friendly

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).