I have about a dozen dwarf yellow shrimp (neocardina) and was wondering what it means when they are "boxing" Two shrimp will stand up almost on their tails and "box" with the front legs. Are these two dominant males fighting for territory?
Neocardina Behavior Question
- Thread starter Hollygirl
- Start date
Neocaridina shrimp species are not known for aggressive behaviours. They will defend themselves, if they're not able to run, but running is their prefered method of fighting.
It is very difficult to say for sure what the cause is, but it could be two males trying to vie for right to fertilize a female that is near ready to molt. However, it's my experience that, when an adult female, from a dwarf shrimp species, is nearing her time to molt, she will swim around, almost constantly. She will have an escort of multiple males, each trying to stay close to her. The closest male wins.
Other types of shrimp have vastly different mating rituals, but I don't think they are pertinent to your question.
Good luck with your mellow yellow shrimp.
I have had four shrimp molt so far, and there is a lot of "follow the leader" going on too. The boxing type behaviour happens at the food dish. They don't seem to be fighting too severely, as it just happens for a few seconds. Thanks for the reply 
What interesting behavior! Maybe they're fighting for food if it's at the source of food. My shrimp will kind of push each other away when trying to all feed on one pellet at once, but I've never been lucky enough to see them quarrel in vertical stances.
They do chase each other from the pellet. I'm trying to be good and feed sparingly. The sponge filter is nice and large for grazing and there are plenty of live plants. I have to get a picture of them in the act.
my yellows fight all the time males and females, always for food, and i feed plenty so its not lack of food that triggers it,..just grumpy shrimp,.. some times the fighting is quite violent but no injurys, had a knock down drag out last night before lights out,..lol better than wrestle mania.....lol