Snow Ball Shrimp

About the Snowball Shrimp

The Snowball Shrimp is a beautiful selectively bred freshwater shrimp admired for its pearly white to translucent body and distinctive white eggs, which resemble tiny snowballs when carried by females. Peaceful, hardy, and constantly active, this elegant shrimp is an excellent addition to planted aquariums, nano tanks, and aquascapes.

Derived from the popular Neocaridina davidi, the Snowball Shrimp is an exceptional algae and biofilm grazer, spending its day picking through plants, driftwood, rocks, and substrate in search of microorganisms and organic matter. Their gentle nature and fascinating behaviour make them a favourite for both beginner and experienced shrimp keepers.

Snowball Shrimp thrive in mature aquariums with mosses, fine-leaved plants, driftwood, leaf litter, and plenty of hiding places. Stable water conditions and a well-established aquarium rich in biofilm are essential for long-term success. They are excellent companions for other peaceful nano fish such as Ember Tetras, Chili Rasboras, Celestial Pearl Danios, Pygmy Corydoras, Otocinclus, and Blue-eye Rainbowfish.

A varied diet of quality shrimp foods, algae wafers, blanched vegetables, biofilm, spirulina, and occasional protein-rich treats such as baby brine shrimp will keep them healthy while supporting successful moulting and breeding.

Beautiful, peaceful, and highly beneficial, the Snowball Shrimp is a perfect choice for planted freshwater aquariums and dedicated shrimp tanks.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Neocaridina davidi

Common Name

Snowball Shrimp

Origin

Captive-bred colour variety of a species native to Taiwan

Adult Size

2.5–3 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore

Minimum Tank Size

20 Litres

Temperature

20–26°C

pH

6.5–7.8

Water Hardness

6–12 dGH

Difficulty

Beginner

Lifespan

1.5–2 Years

Suitable For

Shrimp aquariums, planted tanks, nano aquariums, and peaceful community aquariums

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Snowball Shrimp good for beginners?

Yes. Snowball Shrimp are one of the easiest freshwater shrimp to care for, making them an excellent choice for beginners.

What do Snowball Shrimp eat?

They feed on biofilm, algae, quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers, spirulina, blanched zucchini, spinach, and occasional protein-rich foods such as baby brine shrimp.

Can Snowball Shrimp live with fish?

Yes. They do well with peaceful nano fish such as Ember Tetras, Rasboras, Pygmy Corydoras, Otocinclus, and Blue-eyes. Avoid large or predatory fish that may eat shrimp.

Why are they called Snowball Shrimp?

Females carry bright white eggs beneath their abdomen during breeding, giving the appearance of tiny snowballs and inspiring their common name.

Do Snowball Shrimp breed easily?

Yes. In a mature aquarium with stable water conditions, they breed readily and do not require brackish water. Juveniles hatch as miniature versions of the adults.

Common Mistakes

Adding them to immature aquariums

Snowball Shrimp rely heavily on natural biofilm. Always introduce them to a fully cycled, mature aquarium.

Sudden water parameter changes

Shrimp are sensitive to rapid fluctuations in temperature, pH, and hardness. Slow acclimation is essential.

Keeping them with predatory fish

Many larger fish will prey on adult shrimp or their young. Choose peaceful tank mates.

Not providing enough cover

Mosses, shrimp caves, driftwood, and dense plants provide shelter during moulting and improve survival of young shrimp.

Overfeeding

Feed sparingly, as excess food quickly reduces water quality. A healthy aquarium should provide plenty of natural grazing opportunities.