Golden Crossback Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)

The Golden Crossback Shrimp is a striking freshwater dwarf shrimp known for its bright golden-yellow coloration and distinctive luminous dorsal stripe running along its back. This selectively bred Neocaridina variety adds vibrant color and activity to planted aquariums while helping control algae and biofilm. Hardy, peaceful, and easy to breed, the Golden Crossback Shrimp is an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced shrimp keepers.

What We Like About This Shrimp

• Brilliant golden-yellow coloration
• Distinctive golden dorsal “crossback” stripe
• Excellent algae and biofilm grazer
• Peaceful and easy to care for
• Breeds readily in freshwater aquariums
• Perfect for planted and nano tanks

Recommended Tank Parameters

• Tank Size: Minimum 2 gallons (8 liters), 10 gallons (38 liters) recommended for colonies
• Temperature: 18–28°C (64–82°F)
• pH Level: 6.5–7.8
• GH: 6–15 dGH
• KH: 2–10 dKH
• TDS: 180–350 ppm

Stable water parameters are important for maintaining vibrant coloration and healthy breeding colonies.

Care Guidelines

• Diet: Omnivorous scavenger; feeds on algae, biofilm, shrimp foods, vegetables, and decaying plant matter
• Social Behavior: Extremely peaceful; thrives in colonies
• Origin: Selectively bred color morph of Neocaridina davidi
• Average Adult Size: 2.5–3 cm (1–1.2 inches)
• Average Purchase Size: 1–2 cm (0.4–0.8 inches)
• Plant Safe: Yes

Aquarium Setup

Golden Crossback Shrimp perform best in mature planted aquariums with abundant biofilm and grazing surfaces.

Recommended Plants

• Java Moss
• Christmas Moss
• Subwassertang
• Anubias
• Bucephalandra
• Java Fern

Recommended Decor

• Driftwood
• Cholla Wood
• Shrimp Shelters
• Leaf Litter
• Natural Botanicals

Dense plant growth and mosses provide excellent cover for shrimplets and encourage colony growth.

Diet and Feeding

Golden Crossback Shrimp are constant grazers and require very little supplemental feeding in established aquariums.

Suitable Foods

• Shrimp pellets
• Algae wafers
• Blanched spinach
• Zucchini
• Indian Almond Leaves
• Shrimp-specific foods
• Natural biofilm

Avoid overfeeding to maintain optimal water quality.

Tank Mates and Compatibility

Golden Crossback Shrimp can be kept with peaceful nano fish and invertebrates.

Suitable tank mates include:

• Otocinclus Catfish
• Chili Rasboras
• Ember Tetras
• Nerite Snails
• Mystery Snails

Avoid large fish, aggressive species, and shrimp predators.

Why Keep Golden Crossback Shrimp?

The Golden Crossback Shrimp is one of the most attractive yellow Neocaridina varieties available. Its bright golden coloration and distinctive dorsal stripe create a stunning contrast against green plants and dark substrates. Combined with its peaceful nature, algae-grazing ability, and ease of breeding, this shrimp is an outstanding addition to any planted aquarium or dedicated shrimp colony.