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Snowball Shrimp

Snowball Shrimp

Origin

🇹🇼

Taiwan

Habitat Size

20-50 Liters

Water Type

Fresh Water

Water Temperature

22º-26ºC

Cost in India

₹50 - ₹100

Size

1.5 - 2 inches (Nano)

Diet

Omnivore

A translucent snowball shrimp with visible yellowish eggs stands on dark gravel under green plants
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by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 15 Oct 2025

Snowball Shrimp is also known as White pearl shrimp. Its scientific name is Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis var. white. The shrimp is loved by aquarists because of pure white coloration and their peaceful nature. They are excellent additions to shrimp colonies and planted tanks. The snowball shrimp neocaridina are selectively bred from freshwater streams and ponds in Taiwan and southern China.

Snowball Shrimp Size

The white pearl shrimp can grow anywhere between 2.5 to 3 cm (~1 to 1.2 inches). They can grow slightly bigger if kept in good conditions.

Life expectancy of White pearl shrimp

This shrimp can live from 1 to 2 years under stable and good conditions.

Where can I buy Snowball Shrimp?

Snowball Shrimp is stocked in aquarium shops and e-commerce platforms, usually priced ₹200–₹400.

Best compatible with-

  1. Small peaceful fish: Neon Tetras, Ember/ Rasboras, Guppies
  2. Pygmy Corydoras
  3. Other dwarf shrimp/ peaceful shrimp species
  4. Snails (e.g. Nerite)

Avoid pairing it with-

  1. Large predatory fish
  2. Fin-nipping fish
  3. Crayfish & large crabs
  4. Fish or inverts with copper toxicity or heavy metal exposure

Do Snowball Shrimp have different colours?

Snowball shrimp are known for their striking appearance and loved by many. Here are some of the colour morph that they are available in -

  1. Cherry Shrimp (Red Cherry, Sakura, Fire Red, Painted Fire Red)
  2. Yellow Shrimp (Neon Yellow, Golden Back Yellow)
  3. Blue Dream/ Blue Velvet
  4. Yellow Shrimp (Neon Yellow, Golden Back Yellow)
  5. Green Jade
  6. Orange Sakura / Orange Rili
  7. Chocolate Shrimp
  8. Rili Shrimp

Characteristics

Temperament

Aggressive

Friendly

Compatibility with other fishes

Not Friendly

Super Friendly

Habitat Size

Small

Large

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Snowball Shrimp Habitat Requirement

Initial Setup Cost

₹3,000 - ₹6,000

Water Temperature

22º -26ºC

Water Type

Fresh Water

PH Level

6.5 - 7.5

Below are the habitat requirements for white pearl that must be fulfilled.

Parameter

Details

Tank Size

Minimum ~10 gallons (~38 L) for a small colony.

Temperature

~20-26 °C (~ 68-79 °F)

pH

~6.5-7.5

Water Hardness (GH/KH/TDS)

Moderately soft to hard

Substrate & Decor

- Live plants, moss, driftwood, hiding places.

- Dark substrate enhances their white coloration.

Filtration & Water Quality

- Shrimp-safe filter (e.g. sponge filters) and no ammonia/ nitrites.

- Regular partial water changes.

- Avoid copper or harsh chemicals.

Essential Equipment

Aquarium tank

Water filter

Heater

Light

Substrate

Decor

White Pearl Shrimp Nutritional Guide

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹50 - ₹ 100

The snowball shrimp must be fed the right food to ensure they grow big and remain healthy.

Type

Examples

Biofilm & Algae

Naturally occurring algae & biofilm on plants/decor

Commercial Shrimp Foods

Shrimp wafers, pellets, & invertebrate/ sponge-safe foods

Vegetables

Blanched zucchini, spinach, cucumber, etc.


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Health & Common Issues for Snowball Shrimp

Common Health Issues

White spot / ick

Fungal infections

Parasites

Ammonia poisoning

Columnaris (cotton wool-like growth on the skin)

Bacterial infections

Signs of good health

Active

Bright coloration

Good apetite

Signs of sickness

Frequent hiding

Dull coloring

White film

Reduced activity

White growths

Some of the common diseases and conditions that Snowball shrimp are prone to are -

  1. Moulting: Shrimp need to shed exoskeleton regularly. Adequate calcium and stable water conditions help. During and after moult they are vulnerable.
  2. Water Quality Sensitivity: While Snowball Shrimp are more forgiving than some inverts, ammonia or nitrite spikes will kill them. Always ensure the tank is fully cycled before adding.
  3. Copper & Heavy Metals: Many meds for fish contain copper; avoid such treatments if shrimp present. Monitor that source water is free from harmful metals.

Prerequisites for a Fish

Adequate tank space

Cleanliness

Effort & commitment

Enriching Environment

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Written by

Happy Pet Team

Author

Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the adult size of a Snowball Shrimp?

The average size of this shrimp is ~2.5-3 cm (1-1.2 inches).

How long do they live?

They generally live for 1-2 years. Some live up to ~2.5 years with optimal care.

How many can I keep in a tank?

You can keep quite a few if water quality is maintained. For a small colony, a 10-gallon (~38-L) tank is a good starting point.

How often should I feed them?

It is recommended to feed them 2-3 times/week with vegetables or pellets.

How to distinguish male and female Snowball Shrimp?

Females are larger in size as compared to males.