Snowball Shrimp
Neocaridina cf. zhangjiajiensis var. white

The Snowball Shrimp has an extraordinary translucent white body and the female species carries even whiter eggs which emit a glow against green plants and dark background. Even when the female is not carrying eggs, it has a snow-white saddle where eggs are developing in the ovaries, making it equally attractive. Apparently, this white variety of Neocaridina cf. zhangjiajiensis does not occur naturally but rather it was bred and developed by a German breeder.

Although the Snowball is believed to be adaptable and has high tolerance of a wide range of water parameters, it is most productive and suitable in soft to medium hard water with a pH in the alkaline range. After hatching, the young does not go through planktonic larval stage, but looks exactly like a miniature version of the adult. It may not be an excellent cleaner, but is growing popular with hobbyists for its radiant appearance.