Yellow Sakura Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi var. 'Yellow'
Min Tank Size
20L
Adult Size
2.5 cm
Lifespan
2 years
School Size
6+
About
Yellow Sakura shrimp are a selectively bred color variant of Neocaridina davidi, the same species behind cherry shrimp, blue velvet, and a dozen other popular hobby morphs. Their vivid lemon-yellow coloration pops against dark substrates and green plants in a way that's genuinely hard to overstate. High-grade individuals carry dense, saturated color across the full body, while lower grades may show a more translucent or patchy yellow. You'll find them sold under a few names including Yellow Neon and Golden Back, though these sometimes refer to slightly different line-bred strains with subtle variation in patterning.
Care-wise, they follow the same formula as other Neocaridina. They're tolerant of a fairly wide parameter range compared to Caridina species, and they don't require remineralized RO water. Moderately hard, near-neutral water suits them well. What they can't handle is pollution. Ammonia and nitrite will kill them fast, and even elevated nitrates cause stress and failed molts over time. A mature, cycled tank with regular water changes is the real foundation here.
They'll graze on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter throughout the day, and supplemental feeding with blanched vegetables, algae wafers, and quality shrimp pellets keeps them healthy and breeding. A heavily planted setup gives them hiding spots, additional biofilm surfaces, and a more natural environment overall.
They're completely peaceful, spending their time picking at surfaces and occasionally wrestling each other over a food pellet. Watching a colony of these moving through a lush planted tank is one of those small aquarium pleasures that never really gets old.
Water Parameters
Temperature
°CpH
GH
dGHKH
dKHSwimming Level
Flow Preference
Keeping multiple Yellow Sakura Shrimp together
Yellow Sakura Shrimp are shoaling fish and need company of their own kind. Keep a group of at least 6. Smaller groups leave them stressed, washed-out in color, and prone to hiding.
Compatibility
These shrimp are best kept with very small, peaceful fish or in a dedicated shrimp-only setup. Ideal companions include small rasboras like chili or galaxy rasboras, otocinclus, small livebearers, and snails. Most fish that fit in their mouth will eat them, including many that are considered community fish. Guppies can sometimes pick at smaller shrimp or fry. Avoid anything with size or predatory instinct, including bettas, gouramis, and virtually all cichlids. In tanks under 40 liters, even small fish can stress a shrimp colony enough to suppress breeding.
Commonly kept with
Species this one is most often paired withCommonly tried but avoid
Often paired, but shouldn't beCare Notes
The most common beginner mistake is adding shrimp to an uncycled or recently cycled tank. They're sensitive to ammonia spikes, and losses during cycling are almost guaranteed. Beyond that, sudden water chemistry changes from large water changes can trigger molting problems. Keep changes gradual, under 10-15% at a time. Chloramine in tap water needs a proper dechlorinator, not just a standard conditioner. Once a colony is established in a stable tank, they're genuinely low maintenance and will breed without much intervention.
Behavior & Aggression
Yellow Sakura shrimp show no meaningful aggression toward any tankmates or each other. The closest thing to conflict you'll see is multiple shrimp crowding around the same piece of food, which looks chaotic but isn't harmful. Males will actively chase females during breeding periods, which can look stressful but is normal mating behavior. No intervention needed. They pose zero threat to other inhabitants.
Things to Know
- Sensitive to ammonia and nitrites, cycle tank fully before adding.
- Acclimate slowly, drip acclimation recommended.
- Will breed readily, population can grow fast in stable tanks.
- Avoid tankmates large enough to eat them, even 'peaceful' fish.
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