Shrimp-Snowball

Description

Snowball Shrimp are an elegant freshwater dwarf shrimp variety known for their translucent white bodies and distinctive white eggs that resemble tiny snowballs, giving them their common name. Their subtle, frosted appearance creates a beautiful contrast against dark substrates and lush green plants, making them a popular choice for planted aquariums.

Peaceful, hardy, and easy to care for, Snowball Shrimp are an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced shrimp keepers. They spend their day grazing on algae and biofilm, helping to keep the aquarium clean while adding constant movement and interest.

Care Information

• Scientific Name: Neocaridina davidi
• Common Name: Snowball Shrimp
• Origin: Selectively bred colour morph
• Difficulty: Easy
• Adult Size: 2.5–3 cm
• Lifespan: 1–2 years

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 20–26°C
• pH: 6.8–7.8
• GH: 6–8 dGH
• KH: 2–6 dKH
• TDS: 180–250 ppm

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 litres
• Mature aquarium with stable water parameters.
• Plenty of mosses, plants, driftwood, and hiding places.
• Shrimp-safe filtration such as a sponge filter is recommended.
• Avoid sudden changes in water parameters.

Diet

Snowball Shrimp are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet consisting of:

• High-quality shrimp pellets
• Algae wafers
• Blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini, cucumber)
• Indian Almond Leaves
• Occasional protein-rich foods

They also continuously graze on algae and naturally occurring biofilm.

Temperament

• Peaceful and non-aggressive
• Best kept in colonies of 10 or more
• Excellent with other peaceful shrimp and nano fish
• Should not be housed with large or predatory fish

Breeding

Snowball Shrimp breed readily in freshwater aquariums with stable conditions. Females carry bright white eggs beneath their abdomen for around 3–4 weeks before releasing fully formed miniature shrimp. The striking white eggs are one of the defining features of this variety and make berried females especially attractive.

Why You'll Love Snowball Shrimp

✔ Beautiful translucent white appearance
✔ Unique bright white "snowball" eggs
✔ Excellent algae and biofilm grazers
✔ Perfect for planted and nano aquariums
✔ Hardy, peaceful, and beginner-friendly
✔ Easy to breed in stable freshwater aquariums