| Common Name: Yellow Shrimp |
| Species Name: Neocaridina heteropoda var. yellow |
| Temperature Range: 65 - 85 °F |
| pH Range: 6.5 - 8.0 |
| Size Range: 1-2 Inches |
| Diet Type: Omnivore |
Yellow Shrimp
The Yellow Shrimp have been identified as Neocaridina heteropoda (new name for Neocaridina denticula sinensis). The origin of the Yellow Shrimp lies in Japan. The Yellow Shrimp are of a nice yellow color, older females often have a stripe down their back. Their color can vary from a pale almost translucent yellow to a vibrant almost florescent yellow color. It all depends on the health of the shrimp, the healthier and less stressed the better the color. Water changes, poor water conditions, and stress from other factors can cause poor color. Coloration is a great indicator of health in almost all shrimp. The eggs are also yellow. If under stress they can get some blue tint to their body. That state however is reversible and does not last for more then a few days or once the factor causing the stress is removed.
Tank Requirements
First off I do not heat the tanks I keep the temp between 65-85 F. Neocaridina species can do well with all kinds of water parameters as long as you avoid extremes. They do like to have hard alkaline water over soft acidic water. Using a sponge filter or keeping a sponge pre filter over your canister or hang on the back filter is recommended to keep baby shrimp from being sucked into the filter.
Breeding
I breed my shrimp at pH 7.2 and 68-71.6°F. The male Yellow Shrimp are smaller and a little less colorful while the females are larger and display deeper more vivid colors. The female will develop a bright yellow "saddle" as the eggs develop in her ovaries then after fertilized she will carry the brilliant yellow eggs for about 3 wks. When the shrimp lets hatch you should see anywhere from 15 to 40 young. The shrimp lets will do their best in a well established tank.
Feeding
While yellow shrimp are natural algae eaters supplemental feeding is often necessary. Blanched (boiled until soft) vegetables such as zucchini and spinach make great foods. They will also accept just about any food intended for bottom feeding fish or aquatic invertebrates. It is important not to over feed an aquarium with these as this may cause an ammonia spike.
Prices
$4.50/each