Neocaridina Zhangjiajiensis
Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis
Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Atyidae
Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis is a dwarf freshwater shrimp described from Hunan in southern China, a close relative of the cherry shrimp. The Snowball and Blue Pearl shrimp in the hobby are sold as forms of it. Its care is the same as other neocaridina: a mature tank, stable water and a varied diet, and it breeds readily.
At a glance
- Size
- 1.2 in
- 3 cm
- Min tank
- 5 gal
- 19 L
- Group
- 6+
- Temp
- 64–79°F
- 18–26°C
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- GH
- 107–268 ppm
- 6–15 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- All levels
- Lifespan
- 1–2 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Tanks keeping this
Kept by 2 membersBy morph. 2 tanks shared publicly.
Snowball Shrimp2 tanks
Care
Diet
These dwarf shrimp are omnivores that primarily graze on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter in established tanks. Supplement with high-quality shrimp pellets 2-3 times weekly and occasional blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach. They will also consume small amounts of frozen foods such as daphnia or micro worms, though biofilm in planted tanks often provides sufficient nutrition.
Behavior
They are peaceful, sedentary grazers that spend most of their time foraging along substrate and plants. They are most active during dawn and dusk but remain visible throughout the day. Females carry their eggs under the tail until the young hatch.
Breeding
They breed prolifically in stable, established tanks without requiring special conditioning. Females produce small batches of fully-formed shrimplets rather than free-swimming larvae, and juveniles are immediately independent. Breeding occurs readily in planted tanks with adequate biofilm and stable parameters, making population management the primary concern for long-term keepers.
Tank mates
See all 6Similar water requirements and peaceful temperament; both are algae grazers that coexist without competition
Closely related neocaridina variant with identical care needs; may interbreed, producing varied offspring
Small, peaceful algae-eater that occupies different ecological niche; requires similar water parameters
Tiny, non-aggressive fish that won't predate on adult shrimp; prefers similar warm, planted environments
Low-growing plant that provides grazing surface and shelter; shrimp will not damage it
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Common diseases 4Bacterial Infection (Septicemia), Molting Complications, Parasitic Infection, Sudden Death Syndrome
Bacterial Infection (Septicemia)
Discoloration, lethargy, cloudy appearance on body or appendages, refusal to eat
Perform 25% water changes every 2-3 days; increase aeration; remove affected individuals to quarantine; maintain pristine water quality with ammonia and nitrite at 0 ppm
Molting Complications
Inability to shed exoskeleton, stuck molt, death shortly after molting attempt
Ensure adequate calcium and mineral content through quality water or supplementation; maintain stable pH and GH; provide iodine-rich foods; avoid sudden parameter changes
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching against substrate, visible spots or lesions, rapid gill movement, lethargy
Perform gradual temperature increase to 28°C if tolerated; increase water changes; quarantine affected shrimp; salt baths (1-2 teaspoons per gallon) for 10-15 minutes may help, though freshwater shrimp are sensitive
Sudden Death Syndrome
Sudden death with no prior visible symptoms, often affecting recently introduced shrimp
Acclimate new shrimp slowly over 2-3 hours using drip method; avoid drastic parameter changes; ensure tank is fully cycled before adding shrimp; maintain consistent temperature and pH
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.
The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it.
At a glance
- Size
- 1.2 in3 cm
- Min tank
- 5 gal19 L
- Group
- 6+
- Temp
- 64–79°F18–26°C
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- GH
- 107–268 ppm6–15 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- All levels
- Lifespan
- 1–2 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Keepers’ experiences
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