Neocaridina var Snowball shrimp, Bred in SA

🔍 Quick Facts

Scientific Name: Neocaridina davidi var. “Snowball”

Common Names: Snowball Shrimp, White Pearl Shrimp

Origin: Selectively bred (descendant of wild Neocaridina from Taiwan/China)

Size: 2.0–2.5 cm

Lifespan: 1–2 years

Temperament: Peaceful, social

Difficulty Level: Easy

🏡 Tank Requirements

Tank Size: 20+ litres (larger is more stable)

Temperature: 20–24 °C

pH Range: 6.5–7.5

Water Hardness: 4–12 dGH

KH: 3–8

Filtration: Sponge filter or low-flow filter (shrimp-safe)

Décor & Substrate:

Fine gravel or shrimp-specific substrates

Live plants (Java Moss, Subwassertang, Anubias, Bucephalandra)

Driftwood and Indian almond leaves for biofilm and hiding spots

Moss and leaf litter help fry survival and provide food

🐚 Behavior & Tank Mates

Very peaceful and best kept in groups of 10+

Constantly graze on biofilm, algae, and detritus

Visible and active in well-planted, shrimp-safe tanks

✅ Compatible Tank Mates:

Other Neocaridina shrimp (if water parameters match)

Peaceful nano fish (e.g., Ember Tetras, Chili Rasboras, Pygmy Corydoras)

Snails (Nerites, Mystery Snails)

Avoid fin-nippers and anything large enough to eat shrimp

🍽️ Diet

Snowball Shrimp are opportunistic omnivores:

Biofilm & algae (natural staple)

Shrimp-specific pellets & powders (e.g., Bacter AE, Shrimp King)

Blanched veggies (zucchini, spinach, cucumber)

Protein 1–2× per week (crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, bloodworms)

Calcium supplements (for molting health – e.g., cuttlebone, mineral stones)

🐣 Breeding

Very easy to breed under stable conditions

Females carry ~20–30 eggs under their abdomen (saddle and berries visible)

Eggs hatch in ~3–4 weeks into fully formed miniature shrimp

No larval stage – fry feed on biofilm and powdered food

High survival in mature, planted tanks

✅ Why Keep Snowball Shrimp?

✔️ Unique bright white color adds contrast in planted tanks
✔️ Easy to care for and breed
✔️ Peaceful and community-friendly
✔️ Great algae and biofilm grazers
✔️ Hardy and adaptable like other Neocaridina

Would you like help setting up a dedicated shrimp tank, or pairing them with specific Neocaridina color variants? 😊