About Snowball Shrimp
Snowball Shrimp are a unique variety notable for being a different species from the common Cherry Shrimp - they are Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis rather than Neocaridina davidi. This makes them taxonomically distinct, though they share similar care requirements with their davidi cousins. Their common name comes from their distinctive white eggs, which form a visible white mass under berried females that resembles a tiny snowball. The Snowball Shrimp itself ranges from nearly transparent to a soft white or cream color. They have a delicate, pearl-like quality that makes them appear to glow softly against darker backgrounds. The Blue Pearl variant shows a subtle blue tint while maintaining the characteristic white eggs. These shrimp originated from China, specifically the Zhangjiajie region, which is reflected in their scientific name. Because Snowball Shrimp are a different species, there's some debate about whether they can successfully interbreed with Neocaridina davidi varieties like Cherry Shrimp. Some hobbyists report successful crosses while others say breeding between the two species doesn't produce viable offspring. This means Snowball Shrimp can potentially be kept with davidi varieties without concern about crossbreeding, though experiences vary. Regardless, they make beautiful display shrimp and are just as hardy and beginner-friendly as other Neocaridina species.
Quick Facts
Water Parameters for Snowball Shrimp
Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for the health and coloration of Snowball Shrimp. As a Neocaridina species, they are relatively hardy and can tolerate a wider range of parameters than Caridina species.
| Parameter | Range | Optimal |
|---|---|---|
| TDS | 150-300 ppm | 180-250 ppm |
| GH | 4-14 dGH | 6-8 dGH |
| KH | 2-8 dKH | 2-5 dKH |
| pH | 6.5-8 | 6.8-7.5 |
| Temperature | 64-82°F (18-28°C) | 68-75°F |
Tank Setup for Snowball Shrimp
- Minimum 5 gallon tank recommended
- Dark substrate showcases their white coloration beautifully
- Dense planting provides security and grazing surfaces
- Good lighting helps display their pearl-like quality
- Sponge filter is ideal for shrimp safety
Care Tips for Snowball Shrimp
- Keep in groups of at least 10 for natural behavior
- Dark substrates create striking contrast with their white coloration
- Maintain stable water parameters - they're hardy like other Neocaridina
- Provide plenty of plants and hiding spots
- Their translucent nature makes them harder to spot - be careful during maintenance
- Avoid copper-based medications
- Small weekly water changes of 10-15% are recommended
Feeding Snowball Shrimp
- Feed high-quality shrimp foods 2-3 times weekly
- Biofilm is essential and should be primary food source
- Blanched vegetables provide excellent nutrition
- Spirulina and algae wafers are good supplements
- Remove uneaten food within 2-3 hours
Breeding Snowball Shrimp
- Named for their distinctive white eggs visible in berried females
- May or may not interbreed with N. davidi varieties - experiences vary
- Females carry white eggs for approximately 30 days
- Shrimplets are fully independent at birth
- Both White Pearl and Blue Pearl variants are available
Common Problems with Snowball Shrimp
- Can be hard to see in tanks - be careful during maintenance
- May be mistaken for sick shrimp due to pale coloration
- White color shows internal issues more readily - useful for health monitoring
- Some specimens may have yellowish undertones rather than pure white
- Crossbreeding status with N. davidi is unclear
Troubleshooting Snowball Shrimp
Neocaridina are hardy but still sensitive to sudden parameter changes. 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.
Snowball Shrimp FAQ
The name comes from their distinctive white eggs. When a female is berried (carrying eggs), the white egg mass visible under her tail looks like a tiny snowball. This is their most recognizable characteristic and makes them easy to identify when breeding.
No, Snowball Shrimp are Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis while Cherry Shrimp are Neocaridina davidi. They're different species with similar care requirements. This species difference may (or may not) prevent successful interbreeding - hobbyists report varying experiences.
This is debated in the hobby. Some hobbyists report successful crosses while others say the different species won't produce viable offspring. If you want to be safe, keep them separate, but they may be compatible tank mates without crossbreeding.
Blue Pearl Shrimp are a color variant of the same Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis species with a subtle blue tint to their coloration. Both have the characteristic white eggs that give Snowball Shrimp their name.
Yes! They're just as hardy and easy to care for as Cherry Shrimp. They have the same water parameter tolerance and breeding ease. Their white coloration just makes them unique among beginner-friendly shrimp.
Dark substrates create the most striking contrast with their white coloration. Black sand or dark gravel really makes them stand out. They don't require any specific substrate type for health - any inert substrate works fine.
Some Snowball Shrimp naturally have cream or yellowish undertones rather than pure white. This is genetic variation rather than a health issue. Diet and water conditions can also slightly affect their appearance.
Track Your Snowball Shrimp Parameters
Stop guessing. Start tracking. ShrimpKeeper gives you species-specific parameter ranges, instant diagnostics, and historical graphs for your Snowball Shrimp colony.