Snow White Shrimp

Introduction: Welcome to the pristine world of the Snow White Shrimp, a striking freshwater shrimp known for its pure white coloration and delicate appearance. Native to tropical freshwater environments, the Snow White Shrimp is a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts who seek to add a touch of elegance and a hint of contrast to their aquatic setups.

Scientific Name: The Snow White Shrimp is scientifically known as Caridina cf. cantonensis “Snow White.” It is commonly referred to as the Snow White Shrimp or simply Snow White.

Water Quality and Temperature: To ensure the health and stunning appearance of your Snow White Shrimp, maintain the following water parameters:

• Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 68°F to 74°F (20°C to 23°C). These cooler temperatures replicate their natural tropical freshwater habitat.
• pH Level: Maintain a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5. Snow White Shrimp prefer slightly acidic to neutral conditions.
• GH Level: Aim for a general hardness (GH) level of 4 to 6 dGH. They thrive in softer water conditions.
• KH Level: Keep the carbonate hardness (KH) within the range of 1 to 4 dKH to ensure stable water conditions.

Feeding: The Snow White Shrimp is primarily herbivorous but also consumes small microorganisms. Provide the following:

• Pellets: High-quality shrimp pellets or specialized shrimp food.
• Vegetables: Offer finely chopped blanched vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or carrots.
• Algae: Include algae wafers or powdered spirulina to supplement their diet with essential nutrients.

Tank Mates: Snow White Shrimp are generally peaceful and can coexist with a variety of non-aggressive tank mates. Suitable companions include small fish that are not prone to preying on shrimp, as well as other peaceful invertebrates. Avoid aggressive or large fish that may view shrimp as prey.

Substrates and Tank Decorations: A fine, soft substrate such as sand or small gravel is ideal for Snow White Shrimp. Include hiding spots and structures like rocks, driftwood, and plants to create a comfortable environment and encourage natural behaviors. Mosses and low-growing plants like Java Moss or Anubias can also provide additional cover.

Suitable Plants: Snow White Shrimp benefit from having live plants in their tank. Hardy plants like Java Fern, Anubias, and Cryptocoryne are suitable choices. Floating plants such as Hornwort can offer additional cover and enhance the shrimp’s environment.

Sexing: Sexing Snow White Shrimp can be done by observing size and color differences. Females are typically larger and more robust, with a more rounded abdomen. Males are smaller and more slender. The female’s reproductive organs can sometimes be seen as a saddle-like shape on her back, indicating she is carrying eggs.

Breeding: Breeding Snow White Shrimp in captivity is relatively straightforward. They carry their eggs in a specialized brood pouch under their abdomen. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae will develop into juvenile shrimp. Ensure the tank is well-maintained with stable water conditions to support successful breeding and development of the young shrimp.

Maximum Size and Longevity: Snow White Shrimp typically reach a maximum size of about 1.5 to 2 inches (4 to 5 cm) in length. With proper care, they can live up to 2 to 3 years in captivity.

General Information: The Snow White Shrimp is a beautiful and delicate shrimp known for its striking white coloration. It adds elegance and contrast to freshwater aquariums and plays a beneficial role in maintaining tank cleanliness by consuming algae and detritus.

A Fun Fact: The Snow White Shrimp’s pure white color is due to a genetic mutation that results in a lack of pigment. This unique coloration makes them stand out in any aquarium and is a favorite among shrimp enthusiasts and those looking for a touch of sophistication in their tank.