Snowball Shrimp
Neocaridina cf. zhangjiajiensis
Also sold as White Pearl Shrimp · Snowball Neo · Pearl Shrimp
Synonyms Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis
Snowball Shrimp (Neocaridina cf. zhangjiajiensis) is a peaceful freshwater shrimp that reaches about 4 cm (1.6 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 64–79°F (18–26°C) and pH 6.5–8, is kept in groups of 6 or more, and needs a tank of at least 15 L (4 gal).
At a glance
| Type | Shrimp |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 4 cm (1.6 in) |
| Minimum tank | 15 L (4 gal) |
| Group size | 6 or more |
| Temperature | 64–79°F (18–26°C) |
| pH | 6.5–8 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| GH | 5–13.5 |
| KH | 2–8 |
| Eats shrimp | No |
Before it goes in
- Snowball Shrimp needs at least 15 L (4 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 45F Shallow.
- Keep 6 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
- It leaves shrimp and small fish alone.
- It is the wrong size to share a tank with Betta, Goldfish and Angelfish: it ends up as food.
- It holds at 64–79°F (18–26°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Discus.
- It can go wrong with Betta — it works in some tanks and not in others, so it is not a combination to buy blind.
- Sources say not to put it in a newly set-up tank — give the tank a few months first.
- A group of 6 takes up roughly 22% of what a 45F Shallow will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
What tank size does it need?
At least 15 L (4 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 45F Shallow.
How many should I keep?
6 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.
Will it eat shrimp?
No — adult shrimp and their young are both safe with it.
What water does it want?
64–79°F (18–26°C), pH 6.5–8, GH 5–13.5, KH 2–8.
Can it go in a new tank?
No. Sources say not to add it to a newly set-up tank — it wants a tank that has been running for months.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Otocinclus and Ramshorn Snail.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Snowball Shrimp | Cherry Shrimp | Ghost Shrimp | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 4 cm | 4 cm | 4 cm |
| Min tank | 15 L | 15 L | 20 L |
| Group | 6+ | 6+ | 5+ |
| Temperature | 64–79°F (18–26°C) | 64–79°F (18–26°C) | 64–82°F (18–28°C) |
| Eats shrimp | No | No | Shrimplets only |