Snowball Shrimp care guide
Snowball Shrimp (Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis) — minimum tank 20 L, temperature 18-28 °C, pH 6.5-8.
Overview
The Snowball Shrimp is a selectively bred white colour form of Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis. Adults display an opaque white body and produce strikingly visible bright-white eggs, often referred to as "snowballs", which is the source of the trade name.
Taxonomy
- Family: Atyidae
- Genus: Neocaridina
- Scientific name: Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis
- Common synonyms: White Pearl Shrimp
Habitat
The wild parent species is native to streams and ponds of southern China. Like all Neocaridina, the lineage tolerates a broad range of soft to moderately hard freshwater conditions and adapts well to home aquaria.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 20 L (5.3 US gal)
- Adult size: 2-3 cm
- Temperature: 18-28 °C (64-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-8
- GH: 4-14 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 1-2 years
Diet
A grazing omnivore feeding on biofilm, soft algae, detritus and decaying plant material. In aquaria sinking algae wafers, blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini, cucumber) and occasional protein wafers maintain growth and breeding readiness.
Compatibility
Peaceful and best kept in colonies of ten or more. Suitable tank mates include small peaceful fish such as Otocinclus, Pygmy Corydoras, Ember Tetra and Endlers; avoid Betta, Angelfish, Oscar and other species that will eat shrimp. Will not crossbreed with Caridina but may interbreed with other Neocaridina davidi colour forms.
Breeding
Reproduces directly in fresh water without a larval stage. Females carry the conspicuous white eggs under the pleopods for about three weeks; juveniles emerge as miniature shrimp and feed on biofilm from day one. Colonies expand quickly under stable parameters.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: not formally assessed. Captive populations are essentially limitless across the ornamental trade.