About Yellow Nose Shrimp
Yellow Nose shrimp, also known as Gold Flake shrimp, are named for their most distinctive feature: a bright yellow-colored rostrum (the pointed projection extending forward between the eyes). This golden 'nose' is immediately visible and sets them apart from other Sulawesi species. Combined with gold flecks scattered across their body, they create an attractive sparkled appearance. Endemic to the ancient lakes of Sulawesi, Indonesia, Yellow Nose shrimp share the standard Sulawesi care requirements: high pH, warm temperatures, and mature tanks with abundant biofilm. They're considered moderate difficulty within the Sulawesi group - not as sensitive as Harlequins but not as forgiving as Blue Leg Poso. For keepers who have successfully maintained other Sulawesi species, Yellow Nose make an excellent addition. The gold flake patterning that gives this species its alternate name adds to their appeal. While the yellow rostrum is the defining feature, specimens with prominent gold speckling on the body are particularly prized. Like other Sulawesi species, they're small, peaceful biofilm grazers that do best in species-only or Sulawesi-community setups.
Quick Facts
Water Parameters for Yellow Nose Shrimp
Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for the health and coloration of Yellow Nose Shrimp. Sulawesi shrimp have unique requirements with higher pH and temperature needs compared to other dwarf shrimp.
| Parameter | Range | Optimal |
|---|---|---|
| TDS | 70-150 ppm | 90-130 ppm |
| GH | 4-8 dGH | 5-7 dGH |
| KH | 2-6 dKH | 3-5 dKH |
| pH | 7.5-8.5 | 7.8-8.2 |
| Temperature | 79-86°F (26-30°C) | 81-84°F |
Tank Setup for Yellow Nose Shrimp
- Use inert substrates - NO active buffering substrates
- Include plenty of rock surfaces for biofilm
- Strong lighting encourages aufwuchs development
- Moderate flow to replicate lake conditions
- Tank should mature 3-6 months before adding shrimp
Care Tips for Yellow Nose Shrimp
- Requires standard Sulawesi parameters: HIGH pH (7.8-8.2), HIGH temperature (81-84F)
- RO water remineralized with Sulawesi-specific minerals required
- DO NOT use active substrates - they lower pH
- Use inert substrates (lava rock, crushed coral, limestone)
- Moderate difficulty within Sulawesi group
- Mature tank with abundant biofilm essential
- Slow acclimation required (4+ hours drip)
Feeding Yellow Nose Shrimp
- Biofilm is primary food source
- Grazes on aufwuchs covering surfaces
- Supplement sparingly with quality shrimp foods
- Strong lighting promotes biofilm growth
- Avoid overfeeding - biofilm should be dietary foundation
Breeding Yellow Nose Shrimp
- Moderate breeding difficulty for Sulawesi
- Clutch sizes of 8-22 eggs typical
- Mature biofilm essential for shrimplet survival
- Stable parameters encourage breeding
- Colony growth is slow but achievable in optimal conditions
Yellow Nose Shrimp Grading System
Yellow Nose Shrimp are commonly graded based on color intensity, coverage, and pattern quality. Higher grades typically command higher prices and are the result of selective breeding.
Standard Yellow Nose
Visible yellow rostrum with typical body coloration and some gold flecks.
Characteristics
- Yellow rostrum present
- Gold flecks visible
- Decent coloration
- Typical appearance
High Grade Yellow Nose
Intense yellow rostrum with prominent gold flecking on body.
Characteristics
- Intense yellow rostrum
- Prominent gold flakes
- Good contrast
- Strong appearance
Premium Yellow Nose
Maximum yellow intensity and gold flecking. Show-quality specimens.
Characteristics
- Maximum yellow color
- Abundant gold flakes
- Show quality
- Exceptional specimens
Grades listed from lowest to highest quality
Common Problems with Yellow Nose Shrimp
- Deaths from incorrect parameters (low pH, cool temperatures)
- Insufficient biofilm in immature tanks
- Rushed acclimation causing shock
- Yellow rostrum color may fade under stress
- Confusion with other species - check for yellow nose feature
Troubleshooting Yellow Nose Shrimp
Sulawesi shrimp are very sensitive and require pristine, stable conditions. Here are common problems to watch for:
Failed Molt: Shrimp Stuck in Shell
Understanding failed molts where shrimp cannot escape their old exoskeleton. Learn why it happens, why affected shrimp cannot be saved, and how to prevent future molt failures.
Why Are My Shrimp Dying?
Comprehensive triage guide for unexplained shrimp deaths. Learn to identify the cause and take immediate action to save your remaining colony.
White Ring of Death in Shrimp
Understanding the dreaded white ring or white line that appears around a shrimp's body, signaling a fatal molting problem that cannot be reversed once visible.
Baby Shrimp (Shrimplets) Dying
Why newborn shrimp disappear or die when adult shrimp seem healthy. Covers filter intake, predation, starvation, and sensitivity issues specific to shrimplets.
Bacterial Infection in Shrimp
Identifying and treating bacterial infections in aquarium shrimp. Learn to recognize symptoms and understand why prevention through water quality is more effective than treatment.
Planaria in Shrimp Tank
Identifying and eliminating planaria flatworms that prey on shrimp, especially shrimplets. Learn safe treatment methods that won't harm your colony.
Yellow Nose Shrimp FAQ
The name comes from their distinctive yellow-colored rostrum - the pointed projection extending forward between the eyes. This bright yellow 'nose' is their defining feature and is immediately visible, distinguishing them from other Sulawesi species.
They're the same species! 'Yellow Nose' refers to their distinctive yellow rostrum, while 'Gold Flake' refers to the gold speckling on their body. Both names describe different features of the same shrimp.
They're advanced-level shrimp requiring full Sulawesi setups: high pH (7.8-8.2), warm temperatures (81-84F), mature tanks with abundant biofilm. They're moderate difficulty within the Sulawesi group - not as hard as Harlequins but still demanding.
Yes, they can coexist in multi-species Sulawesi tanks as they share similar parameter requirements. Ensure the tank is large and mature enough to support multiple species with abundant biofilm.
The yellow rostrum color can fade due to stress, poor water conditions, or inadequate diet. Check that parameters are correct (pH 7.8+, temp 81-84F), ensure abundant biofilm, and minimize stress. Color should return when conditions stabilize.
Yellow Nose shrimp are endemic to the ancient lakes of Sulawesi, Indonesia, likely Lake Towuti. Like other Sulawesi species, they evolved in the unique high-pH, warm-water conditions of these volcanic lakes.
Yes, they can breed in captivity under optimal conditions, though breeding difficulty is moderate for Sulawesi. Clutch sizes are 8-22 eggs. Mature tanks with abundant biofilm are essential for shrimplet survival.
Track Your Yellow Nose Shrimp Parameters
Stop guessing. Start tracking. ShrimpKeeper gives you species-specific parameter ranges, instant diagnostics, and historical graphs for your Yellow Nose Shrimp colony.