Not furry either, still lovely.
Yellow Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Also called Yellow cherry shrimp, Yellow Fire shrimp, Neon yellow shrimp
From Bred in aquariums from Neocaridina davidi, a shrimp native to East Asia (Taiwan, eastern China, Korea and Vietnam).1
At a glance the quick version
Figures for the species: males about 2.5-3 cm, females up to about 4 cm.
Figures for the species; cooler water tends to mean a longer life.
Looks how to spot one
Thin exoskeleton that is shed (moulted) as the shrimp grows
A small freshwater shrimp in bright yellow, built just like the red cherry shrimp. In German-speaking hobby circles, yellow shrimp with especially solid colour that reaches into the legs are called 'Neon', the yellow counterpart of the red 'Sakura' grade.42
Personality what they are like
Peaceful, harmless and easy-going, spending its time grazing. It is safe with plants and with other small, gentle tankmates.21
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Busy all day, constantly picking over plants, wood and stones for food.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Keep water stable and add new shrimp slowly. Calcium-rich foods support good moulting. To keep the colour strong, breeders remove the paler young from the line over generations.23
Home where they are happiest
A planted freshwater aquarium; around 10 US gallons (about 38 L) or more suits a breeding colony, though nano tanks work. Aquarium Co-Op gives 16-28 °C (about 22-24 °C for breeding), pH 6.5-8.5, GH at least 6 and KH at least 2. Moss and hiding places help the babies.2
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Omnivorous grazers of algae, biofilm and detritus. Supplement with shrimp pellets or gel food, calcium-rich foods and blanched vegetables.12
Company who they like around
Keep as a group of at least ten so both sexes are present. They suit calm community tanks with other small, peaceful animals.2
The story where it all began
Wild Neocaridina davidi are a mottled brown that blends in with their surroundings. Through selective breeding, aquarists fixed a yellow line, which is traded under names such as 'Yellow' or 'Yellow Fire'.14
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Baby shrimp hatch as tiny copies of the adults, about 1-2 mm long, skipping a free-swimming larval stage.1
- 2
A female carries her eggs under her tail for a few weeks; hobbyists call her 'berried'.2
- 3
Yellow and orange tones in these shrimp come from pigment cells called xanthophores.1
- 4
Yellow shrimp are the same species as red cherry shrimp; only the colour has been changed by breeding.3
Recognised by the official bits
- Taxonomy (via Wikipedia)
- A selectively bred colour line of Neocaridina davidi (Bouvier, 1904), family Atyidae; all Neocaridina colour lines belong to the same species.1
- Hobby naming (via Aquarium Co-Op)
- Sold under colour names alongside red, orange, green jade, chocolate and other Neocaridina lines; no formal registry or standard exists.2
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Yellow Shrimp. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amountsevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeSmall, gentle water changesevery week
- Water testevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Yellow Shrimp?
Feed small amounts daily, as they graze on algae and biofilm. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding in small portions. Overfeeding can harm water quality.21 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Yellow Shrimp eat, and what should it never eat?
They eat algae, biofilm, and detritus, plus supplements like shrimp pellets and blanched vegetables. For foods to avoid, consult a vet or experienced breeder as specific items are not listed.12
How much space does a Yellow Shrimp need?
A 10-gallon tank is ideal for a breeding colony, but smaller nano tanks can work. Provide plenty of moss and hiding spots for babies.2
What temperature, light or water does a Yellow Shrimp need?
Keep water temperature between 16-28°C (22-24°C for breeding), pH 6.5-8.5, GH at least 6, KH at least 2. Provide gentle lighting for plants and moss.2
How often should I clean a Yellow Shrimp's home?
Perform small, gentle water changes weekly and rinse the filter monthly in old tank water. Avoid large changes to keep water stable.2 Pet Wiki plan
Can a Yellow Shrimp live with others?
Yes, they are peaceful and do best in groups of ten or more. They can live with other small, gentle fish or invertebrates in a calm community tank.21
Can I handle a Yellow Shrimp?
Handling is not advised due to their delicate exoskeleton and sensitivity to stress. Observe them in their tank instead.42
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Cherry ShrimpWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- Neocaridina davidi - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for taxonomy, origin, size, lifespan, colour cells, diet, history, fun facts
- Cherry Shrimp Care Guide - Aquarium Co-Op aquariumcoop.comused for colour lines, water parameters, tank size, group size, diet, size by sex, lifespan
- Freshwater shrimp guide - Aquarium Co-Op aquariumcoop.comused for yellow line is same species as other colours, culling for colour
- Neocaridina davidi - Wikipedia (German) de.wikipedia.orgused for yellow trade names, 'Neon' colour grade
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.