Snow Ball Shrimp
Species Profile
The Snowball Shrimp is a clean, minimalist favorite in the freshwater shrimp hobby. Known for their translucent-to-pure-white bodies, they offer a bright pop of contrast against dark volcanic substrates or deep green mosses. Unlike many other shrimp varieties, Snowball Shrimp do not have a complex grading scale because they have been bred to produce a consistent, opaque white color. They are named after the female's bright white eggs, which resemble tiny snowballs when she is berried.
Snowball Shrimp are energetic scavengers that work around the clock as a natural clean-up crew, grazing on biofilm and nuisance algae. While they belong to a different species than the standard Red Cherry (N. davidi), their care requirements are identical, making them an excellent beginner shrimp. They are peaceful, social, and a fantastic way to add a bright, "frozen" aesthetic to your shrimp aquarium.
**Note: All livestock orders will come carefully packaged with solid wall Styrofoam insulation and shipped via 1-day shipping only. No additional insulation is needed for your livestock.
Key Features & Notes
- Tank-raised unsexed juveniles with consistent pure-white coloration.
- Hardy, beginner-friendly species that adapts easily to water parameters.
- Relentless clean-up crew that constantly grazes on algae, biofilm, and detritus.
- Peaceful, low-impact bioload, making them ideal shrimp for aquariums and nano setups.
Care Specifications
- Maintain stable water chemistry with proper GH and KH levels to support healthy molting cycles.
- Keep water parameters strictly free of copper-based medications or heavy metals.
- Supplement their diet with plant-based shrimp pellets, spirulina, and blanched vegetables to ensure proper minerals for molting when natural algae is low.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to maintain stable parameters to ensure a healthy, thriving colony!
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis "White" |
| Common Name(s) | Snowball Shrimp, Snow Ball Shrimp, White Pearl Shrimp |
| Care Difficulty | Easy |
| Adult Size | 1.25" (3.0 cm) |
| Diet | Omnivore / Biofilm & Algae Scavenger |
| Minimum Tank Size | 5 Gallons |
| Temperature Range | 68°F–76°F (20°C–24°C) |
| pH Range | 6.6–7.6 |
| General Hardness (GH) | 4–8 dGH |
| Carbonate Hardness (KH) | 0–4 dKH |
| Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) | 100–300 ppm |
| Lifespan | 1–2 Years |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I properly acclimate my new freshwater shrimp to prevent shock?
Dwarf shrimp are sensitive to sudden shifts in water parameters and total dissolved solids (TDS). Always drip acclimate new arrivals over 1 to 2 hours before releasing them into your tank. Follow our step-by-step tutorial in 7 Easy Steps to Drip Acclimate Shrimp and Fish for the perfect drip rate setup.
2. What substrate is best for keeping dwarf shrimp healthy?
It depends on the species! Neocaridina species like Snowball Shrimp thrive in inert substrates like gravel or dark sand, while Caridina species prefer active aquasoils that buffer pH down. Learn how to select the right foundation for your aquarium shrimp in our Best Substrate for Shrimp Guide.
3. How do I get my colony to start breeding?
As long as water parameters remain stable, temperatures stay in the low 70s, and adequate food is present, dwarf shrimp will breed naturally. To maximize baby shrimplet survival rates and learn how to support berried females, read our complete guide on How to Breed Freshwater Shrimp.
4. Are dwarf shrimp easy to care for if I am a beginner?
Yes, Snowball Shrimp are exceptionally hardy, adaptable to standard tap water conditions, and ideal for beginners. Get a complete overview of parameters, diet, and setup requirements in our Freshwater Aquarium Shrimp Care Guide.