Yellow Rili Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

📍 Taiwan / Germany selective breeding

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.

Size1.5"

Min Tank5g

School10+

peaceful

Zonebottom

Care Guide

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

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

Nerite Snail

Algae-eating snails that share the same ecological niche without conflict

excellent

Common Diseases

Molting Failure / Incomplete Molt

Symptoms

Shrimp unable to shed exoskeleton completely, appearing stuck or deformed; lethargy and loss of appetite

Treatment

Ensure adequate mineral content via GH supplementation (calcium/magnesium), maintain stable water parameters, provide protein-rich foods, and increase water change frequency to reduce stress

Vorticella (Stalked Ciliate Infection)

Symptoms

White fuzzy coating on body and appendages, reduced activity, difficulty molting

Treatment

Increase water changes (25-50% daily), add Indian almond leaves or alder cones for tannins, improve water quality and oxygenation; avoid copper-based treatments which are lethal to shrimp

Bacterial Infection / Necrosis

Symptoms

Black spots or patches on body, discolored appendages, lethargy, death

Treatment

Perform large water changes, remove affected individuals to isolation, improve tank hygiene and filtration, ensure adequate nutrition and stable parameters; antibiotics are generally ineffective in shrimp tanks

Copper Toxicity

Symptoms

Sudden death, erratic swimming, loss of color, paralysis

Treatment

Immediately perform 50-100% water change; avoid all copper-containing medications, fertilizers, and tap water sources; use copper-free plant fertilizers and medications exclusively