Ultra Gold Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)

• Type: Freshwater dwarf shrimp
• Origin: Selective breeding of Neocaridina davidi (same species as Cherry Shrimp)
• Color: Bright solid yellow to golden (higher grades = more opaque, intense color)
• Size: ~2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 inches)
• Lifespan: ~1–2 years

Ultra Gold is essentially a premium-grade Yellow Shrimp with strong saturation and minimal translucency.

Tank Requirements

Water Parameters

• Temp: 20–26°C (68–79°F)
• pH: 6.5–7.8
• GH: 6–8
• KH: 2–5
• TDS: ~150–250 ppm

 They’re hardy, but stability matters more than chasing exact numbers.

Tank Setup

• Minimum tank: 5 gallons (bigger = more stable)
• Filtration: Sponge filter preferred (shrimp-safe)
• Substrate: Any (dark substrate enhances color)
• Plants (highly recommended):
  • Java moss
  • Subwassertang
  • Anubias
  • Bucephalandra

 Biofilm and microfauna from planted tanks are key for grazing.

Feeding

• Staples:
  • Shrimp pellets
  • Algae wafers
• Supplements:
  • Blanched zucchini, spinach, cucumber
  • Indian almond leaves
  • Shrimp-specific mineral foods

 Feed lightly - overfeeding = water quality issues.

Behavior & Compatibility

• Peaceful and active grazers
• Best kept in:
  • Species-only tanks, or
  • With very gentle fish (e.g., chili rasboras, endlers)

Avoid:

• Large or aggressive fish
• Anything that can fit them in its mouth

Breeding

• Extremely easy breeders (great for scaling inventory)
• No special setup required

Breeding basics:

• Females carry eggs (“berried”) for ~3–4 weeks
• Hatch as fully formed mini shrimp (no larval stage)

 Key tips:

• Stable water = higher survival rates
• Plenty of moss increases baby survival