Snowball Shrimp
Neocaridina cf. zhangjiajiensis var. white
A strikingly bright white color morph of the Neocaridina dwarf shrimp. The name 'Snowball' comes from the pure white, snowball-like eggs the females carry. They are peaceful, highly prolific biofilm grazers that thrive in established aquariums. They are completely safe with nano fish, though baby shrimp may be predated upon by almost any fish.
Snowball Shrimp At a Glance
Snowball Shrimp Tank Requirements
Will Snowball Shrimp fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Snowball Shrimp needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Snowball Shrimp against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Snowball Shrimp Water Parameters
Snowball Shrimp Temperament & Compatibility
Snowball Shrimp Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard, pure-white form found in the aquarium trade. Best kept in colonies to encourage confident grazing and prolific breeding.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Snowball, White Neocaridina
Snowball Shrimp Care Guide Summary
The Snowball Shrimp, scientifically known as Neocaridina cf. zhangjiajiensis var. white, belongs to the Invertebrates family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 3 cm and have a compressed body shape with a fast growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Snowball Shrimp requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 10 litres and a tank length of at least 20 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 18°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6.5–8 and a general hardness of 4–14 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Snowball Shrimp is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. The Snowball Shrimp is typically available in one standard form.
Snowball Shrimp Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Snowball Shrimp, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, an established tank with natural algae growth, as they depend on it as a primary food source, and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress.
Snowball Shrimp Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Snowball Shrimp is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Snowball Shrimp Is Actually For
Snowball Shrimp is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide a keeper who can commit to a proper group of at least 6. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially established algae.
The most common mistake is buying Snowball Shrimp for looks first and only later discovering how its adult size, behavior, or bioload changes the whole tank plan. Another frequent problem is underestimating its social needs. A token pair or trio often behaves very differently from a real group.
Snowball Shrimp Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Snowball Shrimp.
5 Gallon
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
Show 27 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Snowball Shrimp
How big does Snowball Shrimp get?
Snowball Shrimp (Neocaridina cf. zhangjiajiensis var. white) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 3 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a fast growth rate.
What tank size does Snowball Shrimp need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 10 litres and a tank length of at least 20 cm are recommended for Snowball Shrimp. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Snowball Shrimp need?
Snowball Shrimp thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 18–28°C, a pH between 6.5 and 8, and a general hardness of 4–14 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Snowball Shrimp peaceful or aggressive?
Snowball Shrimp is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 0 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Snowball Shrimp should be kept together?
Snowball Shrimp is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Snowball Shrimp have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Snowball Shrimp benefits from established algae (otocinclus), leaf litter/blackwater, and plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 11, 2026
- Last updated
- May 11, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Snowball Shrimp
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Snowball Shrimp based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Platinum Hatchet
Thoracocharax stellatus
Ideal Tank MatesSilver Hatchetfish
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Ideal Tank MatesMarbled Hatchetfish
Carnegiella strigata
Ideal Tank MatesJapanese Ricefish (Medaka)
Oryzias latipes
Ideal Tank MatesClown Killifish
Epiplatys annulatus
Ideal Tank MatesKabia rainbowfish
Glossolepis kabia
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Snowball Shrimp
These plants pair well with Snowball Shrimp based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Carolina Fanwort
Cabomba caroliniana
Fish Similar to Snowball Shrimp
Yellow Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi var. yellow
A bright yellow color morph of the extremely popular and hardy Neocaridina dwarf shrimp. They are completely peaceful scavengers that excel at cleaning up uneaten food and biofilm. They reproduce readily in freshwater aquariums but are highly vulnerable to predation by most fish. They thrive in colonies and should be kept in groups.
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
Caridina cantonensis
A sensitive, highly prized dwarf shrimp species known for its vivid red/white or black/white banding. Unlike the hardy Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina), Bee Shrimp require cool, soft, acidic water and typically require active buffering soil to thrive. They are peaceful grazers perfect for specific biotope setups.
Ninja Shrimp
Caridina serratirostris
The Ninja Shrimp is a fascinating, completely peaceful dwarf shrimp named for its rapid, darting movements and unique ability to quickly change color (from black and brown to red, blue, or translucent) to camouflage with its surroundings. Unlike Neocaridina, their larvae require brackish water to survive, meaning they will not reproduce and overpopulate a freshwater aquarium.
Blue Pearl Shrimp
Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis
A hardy, peaceful dwarf shrimp species closely related to the popular Cherry Shrimp. They are excellent scavengers that constantly graze on biofilm and algae. Due to their tiny size, they are extremely vulnerable to predation and are best kept in dedicated invertebrate setups or with very small, peaceful nano fish (like rasboras).
Orange Delight Shrimp
Caridina loehae
An advanced-level, delicate dwarf shrimp native to the ancient Malili lake system in Sulawesi, Indonesia. Scientifically described as Caridina loehae, they are characterized by their bright orange bodies and white dashes. They require highly stable, warm (26-29°C), and alkaline water mirroring their native ancient lakes. They are peaceful biofilm grazers that will not survive in standard freshwater conditions.
Bee Shrimp
Caridina logemanni
A highly prized dwarf freshwater shrimp known for its striking opaque color bands. Native to streams in Southern China, they require specific parameters to thrive: cool, highly oxygenated, acidic, and very soft water. This is usually achieved using RO (Reverse Osmosis) water remineralized with specific shrimp salts and active buffering soil. They are highly sensitive to nitrogen spikes and copper, and are extremely vulnerable to fish predation.