Snowball Shrimp – Neocaridina davidi

TheSnowball Shrimp is a unique and eye-catching freshwater shrimp known for its striking, opaque white appearance that resembles a tiny snowball. These shrimp are popular in aquascaping due to their ability to contrast beautifully with green plants and dark substrates.

Description:

Common Name: Snowball Shrimp

Scientific Name: Neocaridina davidi

Family: Atyidae

Size: Up to 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm)

Color: Pure white, sometimes with a slight translucent quality

Native Region:

Originally derived from wild Neocaridina species found in Taiwan and other parts of East Asia, Snowball Shrimp are selectively bred for their unique color.

Aquarium Setup:

Tank Size: Minimum of 5 gallons (19 liters)

Substrate: Fine gravel or sand; dark substrate can help showcase their bright color.

Plants and Decor: Live plants such as mosses (Java moss, Christmas moss) provide hiding spots and encourage natural grazing behavior. Include driftwood or rocks for additional cover.

Water Parameters:

Temperature: 65-80F (18-27C)

pH: 6.5-7.5

Hardness: 4-8 dGH

Care Level:

Difficulty: Easy to moderate; suitable for beginners with some shrimp-keeping experience.

Diet: Omnivorous; thrives on high-quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini. Supplemental natural biofilm grazing is beneficial.

Behavior: Peaceful and social; best kept in groups to encourage natural behavior.

Additional Tips:

Tank Mates: Ideal tank mates are other peaceful invertebrates or small, non-aggressive fish such as small tetras, rasboras, or Corydoras catfish.

Breeding: Snowball Shrimp are prolific breeders. Females carry small, white eggs that give them their name. Fry emerge fully formed and can feed on biofilm and finely crushed food.

Water Quality: Consistent water changes and stable parameters are vital for maintaining health and encouraging breeding.