About Snow White Bee Shrimp
Snow White Bee Shrimp represent the pure white expression in Taiwan Bee breeding, displaying pristine white coloration that makes them look like tiny living snowflakes in the aquarium. They emerged from selective breeding programs that focused on maximizing the white coloring present in high-grade Crystal and Taiwan Bee shrimp, eventually producing specimens that are completely white. The appeal of Snow White shrimp lies in their ethereal, almost otherworldly appearance. Against dark substrates, they create stunning contrast, appearing to glow under aquarium lighting. Their pure white coloring makes them popular both as display shrimp and as breeding stock for developing white coverage in patterned varieties. Care requirements are identical to other Taiwan Bee varieties - soft, acidic water with low TDS and proper buffering substrate. Snow Whites are considered moderately difficult among Taiwan Bees, somewhat easier than varieties like Shadow Panda or King Kong but still requiring proper Caridina husbandry. Their consistent genetics make them relatively predictable breeders once established.
Quick Facts
Water Parameters for Snow White Bee Shrimp
Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for the health and coloration of Snow White Bee Shrimp. As a Caridina species, they require more specific water conditions and are less tolerant of parameter swings.
| Parameter | Range | Optimal |
|---|---|---|
| TDS | 100-150 ppm | 120-150 ppm |
| GH | 4-6 dGH | 4-5 dGH |
| KH | 0-2 dKH | 0-1 dKH |
| pH | 5.8-6.8 | 6-6.4 |
| Temperature | 68-75°F (20-24°C) | 70-73°F |
Tank Setup for Snow White Bee Shrimp
- Active buffering substrate is mandatory
- Heavy planting with mosses and Bucephalandra
- Sponge filtration protects delicate shrimplets
- Dark substrates provide stunning contrast with white shrimp
- Include botanicals for biofilm and tannin benefits
Care Tips for Snow White Bee Shrimp
- RO water remineralized with Caridina GH+ is required
- Active buffering substrate maintains acidic pH conditions
- Keep TDS stable between 100-150 ppm
- Snow Whites are moderately hardy among Taiwan Bee varieties
- Small weekly water changes (10%) with matched parameters
- Avoid copper and contaminants - use shrimp-safe products only
- Established tanks with mature biofilm produce best results
Feeding Snow White Bee Shrimp
- Feed quality Caridina-specific foods
- Biofilm provides the foundation of their diet
- Color-enhancing foods are less relevant for white shrimp
- Feed sparingly to maintain pristine water quality
- Mineral supplements support healthy molting and shell development
Breeding Snow White Bee Shrimp
- Snow White genetics breed relatively true in pure colonies
- Crossing with colored varieties produces patterned offspring
- Used to develop white coverage in Crystal and Taiwan Bee lines
- Select most opaque, brightest white specimens for breeding
- Gestation and clutch sizes are typical for Taiwan Bees
Snow White Bee Shrimp Grading System
Snow White Bee Shrimp are commonly graded based on color intensity, coverage, and pattern quality. Higher grades typically command higher prices and are the result of selective breeding.
Standard Snow White
Good white coverage with mostly opaque coloring. May show slight translucency in some areas.
Characteristics
- Mostly white coloring
- Good opacity
- Minor translucent areas possible
- Clean white appearance
High Grade Snow White
Excellent pure white coloring with complete opacity throughout the body.
Characteristics
- Complete white coverage
- Full opacity
- No translucent areas
- Bright white appearance
Extreme Snow White
Perfect pure white specimens with maximum opacity and brightness. Show-quality shrimp.
Characteristics
- Perfect pure white
- Maximum opacity
- Brilliant white coloring
- Show/breeding quality
Grades listed from lowest to highest quality
Common Problems with Snow White Bee Shrimp
- White coloring can highlight any discoloration from poor conditions
- Deaths from parameter instability - maintain stable conditions
- Some specimens may show blue or other tints
- Translucent areas indicate lower grade genetics
- Stress can temporarily affect appearance
Troubleshooting Snow White Bee Shrimp
Caridina are particularly sensitive to water quality issues and parameter swings. Here are common problems to watch for:
Failed Molt: Shrimp Stuck in Shell
Understanding failed molts where shrimp cannot escape their old exoskeleton. Learn why it happens, why affected shrimp cannot be saved, and how to prevent future molt failures.
Why Are My Shrimp Dying?
Comprehensive triage guide for unexplained shrimp deaths. Learn to identify the cause and take immediate action to save your remaining colony.
White Ring of Death in Shrimp
Understanding the dreaded white ring or white line that appears around a shrimp's body, signaling a fatal molting problem that cannot be reversed once visible.
Baby Shrimp (Shrimplets) Dying
Why newborn shrimp disappear or die when adult shrimp seem healthy. Covers filter intake, predation, starvation, and sensitivity issues specific to shrimplets.
Bacterial Infection in Shrimp
Identifying and treating bacterial infections in aquarium shrimp. Learn to recognize symptoms and understand why prevention through water quality is more effective than treatment.
Planaria in Shrimp Tank
Identifying and eliminating planaria flatworms that prey on shrimp, especially shrimplets. Learn safe treatment methods that won't harm your colony.
Snow White Bee Shrimp FAQ
Snow White Bee Shrimp are Taiwan Bee Caridina requiring soft, acidic water (TDS 100-150, pH 5.8-6.8). Snowball Shrimp are Neocaridina that tolerate tap water and higher parameters. They're completely different species despite similar names.
They require proper Caridina care with soft, acidic water and buffering substrate, but are considered moderately easy among Taiwan Bee varieties. They're more forgiving than Shadow Pandas or King Kongs while still needing careful parameter management.
In pure Snow White colonies, offspring will generally be white. However, crossing with colored Taiwan Bees can produce various offspring including patterned varieties. The white genetics are recessive in some crosses.
Some Snow Whites carry blue genetics and may show a subtle blue tint. This isn't necessarily bad - it can be attractive. If you want pure white, select for breeding stock without blue tinting. Environmental factors can also affect appearance.
Snow Whites look stunning against dark substrates which provide maximum contrast. Good lighting highlights their pure white coloring. They appear to glow against dark backgrounds, creating a dramatic visual effect.
Snow Whites are used to develop and enhance white coverage in other varieties. Crossing them with Crystal or Taiwan Bee varieties can increase white expression in offspring. They're valuable for breeders working on high-grade patterned shrimp.
Prices vary by quality: Standard grade $8-18, High Grade $15-35, and Extreme grade $30-75+. They're generally mid-range priced among Taiwan Bees - more than basic varieties but less than rare patterns.
Track Your Snow White Bee Shrimp Parameters
Stop guessing. Start tracking. ShrimpKeeper gives you species-specific parameter ranges, instant diagnostics, and historical graphs for your Snow White Bee Shrimp colony.