White Pearl Shrimp

Neocaridina palmata

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Atyidae

White Pearl Shrimp are a selectively bred Neocaridina variety prized for their striking opaque white coloration with subtle pearlescent sheen across the body and appendages. Unlike transparent shrimp, they display a solid, milky-white appearance that makes them highly visible in planted tanks. This hardy variety is ideal for beginners and community setups.

Where it's from

Recorded as introduced in Norway

At a glance

Size: 1.5 in; 4 cm
Min tank: 5 gal; 19 L
Group: 10+
Temp: 64–82°F; 18–28°C
pH: 6.5-8.0
GH: 107–214 ppm; 6–12 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Bottom
Lifespan: 1-2 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

Diet

White Pearl Shrimp are detritivores that thrive on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter naturally present in established tanks. Supplement with quality shrimp pellets (Shirakura, Mosura, or similar brands) 2-3 times weekly and occasional blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach. They require minimal feeding in mature, planted aquariums with adequate algae growth.

Behavior

These shrimp are active grazers, constantly foraging along substrate and plants for food particles and biofilm. They molt regularly as they grow, shedding their exoskeleton and consuming it for calcium recovery. Colony dynamics are peaceful; they exhibit minimal aggression and thrive in groups, with females occasionally displaying berried (egg-carrying) behavior.

Breeding

White Pearl Shrimp breed readily in standard freshwater conditions (pH 6.5-8.0, moderate hardness) without requiring special acidic water like Caridina species. Females produce small batches of fully-formed shrimplets (no larval stage) that are released into the water column. In established tanks with adequate food and hiding spaces, populations naturally increase without intervention.

Tank mates

See all 5

Ember Tetra

Small, peaceful fish that ignore shrimp and share similar water parameters

excellent

Otocinclus

Algae-eating fish that coexist peacefully with shrimp colonies

excellent

Chili Rasbora

Tiny, non-aggressive fish that pose no threat to adult or juvenile shrimp

excellent

Dwarf Gourami

Generally peaceful but monitor for aggression; larger gouramis may prey on shrimplets

good

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp species that coexist peacefully in mixed shrimp colonies

excellent

Beginner-friendly

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. Native range: Global Register of Invasive and Introduced Species (CC BY 4.0).