Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis

Lore & Background

Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis was bred in Germany for the aquarium trade, resulting in multiple color variants. Its color ranges from white to blue, with intensity depending on genetics and water conditions. Females are more colorful than males. A translucent white variant is known as the white pearl shrimp or snowball shrimp. The species is often crossbred to produce patterns or different shades.

Reader's Guide

Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis is considered easy to keep, preferring clean water with a pH of 6.5–8.0 and temperatures of 15–30 °C, with optimal comfort at 22–23 °C. Its diet primarily consists of biofilm and algae, though it will accept algae wafers and blanched vegetables such as zucchini, baby carrots, peas, and spinach as supplemental food. The shrimp is extremely prolific, breeding readily and virtually around the clock; a healthy colony multiplies quickly, with females constantly pregnant. The gestation period ranges from 30 to 45 days. A female's developing eggs can be seen as a 'saddle' on the upper shoulder of transparent individuals, indicating she may be ready to mate. The appearance of eyes inside the eggs signals hatching within a few days, and the emergence of a new saddle while the female still carries eggs indicates she is prepared for a new set.

Did You Know?

• The color intensity of blue in N. zhangjiajiensis depends on genetics and water conditions.
• A translucent white variant is called the white pearl shrimp or snowball shrimp.
• Females are more colorful than males, and males are smaller.
• The presence of a 'saddle' on the female indicates eggs in her ovaries and potential readiness to mate.