Snow Ball Shrimp (White Pearl Shrimp) – Full Care Guide for Freshwater Aquariums

Snow Ball Shrimp (White Pearl Shrimp) – Full Care Guide for Freshwater Aquariums

Introduction to Snow Ball Shrimp (White Pearl Shrimp)

The Snow Ball Shrimp, also known as the White Pearl Shrimp (Neocaridina cf. zhangjiajiensis), is a popular freshwater dwarf shrimp prized for its milky-white body and vibrant white eggs carried by berried females. These shrimp are peaceful, active, and excellent grazers, perfect for shrimp-only aquariums, planted tanks, and peaceful community setups. With proper care, they thrive and form a healthy shrimp colony.

Appearance and Behavior

Snow Ball Shrimp have a translucent white or milky-white body. Females are larger and carry white eggs under their abdomen, creating a “snowball” effect. They are non-aggressive, constantly grazing on algae and biofilm, making them ideal for calm freshwater aquariums.

Ideal Water Parameters

To keep Snow Ball Shrimp healthy:

  • Temperature: 18–26°C (65–78°F)

  • pH: 6.5–8.0 (ideal 7.0–7.5)

  • GH (General Hardness): 6–8 dGH

  • KH (Carbonate Hardness): 2–5 dKH

Stable water parameters are more important than perfection, as sudden changes can stress the shrimp and affect breeding.

Tank Setup and Environment

Tank recommendations for Snow Ball Shrimp:

  • Minimum 10 litres, larger for colonies

  • Mature, cycled tank with biofilm

  • Live plants and moss for grazing and hiding

  • Driftwood and rocks for cover

  • Gentle sponge filter or low-flow filtration

A well-structured tank ensures healthy growth and maximizes survival for shrimplets.

Diet and Feeding Tips

Snow Ball Shrimp are omnivores and graze constantly. Feed a balanced diet for optimal health:

  • Algae and biofilm

  • Shrimp pellets or wafers

  • Blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini, kale)

  • Occasional protein-rich foods

Avoid overfeeding to maintain water quality and prevent disease.

Breeding Snow Ball Shrimp

Snow Ball Shrimp breed easily in stable conditions. Females carry bright white eggs for 3–4 weeks before shrimplets hatch.

Breeding tips:

  • Maintain stable water parameters

  • Provide moss or fine-leaved plants for hiding

  • Feed high-quality food

  • Shrimp-only tanks improve survival rates

Tankmates and Compatibility

Snow Ball Shrimp are compatible with:

  • Other Neocaridina varieties (be aware of crossbreeding)

  • Nano tetras, rasboras

  • Otocinclus and snails

Avoid aggressive or predatory fish that may prey on shrimplets.

Common Care Tips

  • Avoid copper in any medications or fertilizers.

  • Stability is key: avoid rapid changes in water parameters.

  • Tank maturity: shrimp do better in 4–6 week old aquariums.

  • Regular maintenance: small water changes and clean substrates improve health.

Why Choose Snow Ball / White Pearl Shrimp

Snow Ball Shrimp are easy to care for, visually striking, and perfect for forming freshwater shrimp colonies. Their constant grazing activity, peaceful temperament, and snow-white appearance make them ideal for planted tanks, aquascapes, and community aquariums.

Conclusion

The Snow Ball Shrimp (White Pearl Shrimp) is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced hobbyists alike. With proper tank setup, feeding, and maintenance, these dwarf shrimp thrive, breed readily, and add elegance to any freshwater aquarium.

Start your shrimp colony today and enjoy one of the most peaceful and beautiful freshwater species available.

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