Snowball Shrimp

Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis var. White

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Atyidae

📍 Southeast Asia

Snowball shrimp are prized for their opaque white coloration and the pearlescent white egg clusters that females carry, which inspired their common name. Like other neocaridina variants they are adaptable and breed freely in established planted tanks. They add a clean, high-contrast element to darker aquascape substrates.

Size1.2"

Min Tank5g

School6+

peaceful

Zoneall

Care Guide

Diet

Snowball 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

Snowball shrimp 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 carrying eggs display the characteristic white egg clusters that give the species its name, making them particularly striking in darker aquascapes.

Breeding

Snowball shrimp 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

Amano Shrimp

Similar water requirements and peaceful temperament; both are algae grazers that coexist without competition

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Closely related neocaridina variant with identical care needs; may interbreed, producing varied offspring

excellent

Otocinclus

Small, peaceful algae-eater that occupies different ecological niche; requires similar water parameters

good

Ember Tetra

Tiny, non-aggressive fish that won't predate on adult shrimp; prefers similar warm, planted environments

good

Dwarf Hairgrass

Low-growing plant that provides grazing surface and shelter; shrimp will not damage it

excellent

Java Moss

Dense moss creates ideal biofilm habitat and provides cover for breeding females and juveniles

excellent

Common Diseases

Bacterial Infection (Septicemia)

Symptoms

Discoloration, lethargy, cloudy appearance on body or appendages, refusal to eat

Treatment

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

Symptoms

Inability to shed exoskeleton, stuck molt, death shortly after molting attempt

Treatment

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

Symptoms

Excessive scratching against substrate, visible spots or lesions, rapid gill movement, lethargy

Treatment

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

Symptoms

Sudden death with no prior visible symptoms, often affecting recently introduced shrimp

Treatment

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