Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The Snowball Shrimp are uniquely colored and relatively easy to care for making them a very popular choice for first time freshwater shrimp enthusiasts (see ‘Care Requirements’ section below). Native to Taiwan, the majority of our Marshmallow shrimp are sourced locally from breeders right here in Wisconsin! Marshmallow shrimp require stable water parameters to thrive long term and there are a few specific elements in water chemistry that can be detrimental to any Neocaridina shrimp – these include ammonia, nitrite or high nitrate levels (> 20 ppm). All Neocaridina shrimp prefer to be in groups because they are social; a single shrimp will hide almost exclusively. Keep Marshmallow shrimp in a group of 3 or 4 individuals at minimum, but more are certainly encouraged. Female Marshmallow shrimp will grow slightly larger than males, reaching an adult size of approximately 1.5″. Neocaridina note: You will notice that there are many species/colors of shrimp within the genus Neocaridina. While each of these have similar care requirements and can be housed together successfully, one should be aware that in this case, cross-breeding can occur and such intermediate individuals from these parental shrimp species will be more muted in color, if not drab. If the hobbyist is interested in maintaining their shrimp’s gene pool and coloration, only one species of Neocaridina should be kept per aquarium (e.g., Marshmallow shrimp with Marshmallow shrimp only).
Diet Requirements: Marshmallow shrimp are omnivores, and will feed on various foods that have made their way to the bottom of the aquarium or on top of other surfaces, including live plants. There are shrimp-specific foods on the market, and these are important to incorporate into their diets because they provide necessary minerals for exoskeletal molt, growth and overall health of your shrimp. Variety is the spice of life, even for these small invertebrates.
Care Requirements: An established minimum 10 gallon aquarium is ideal for small group of Marshmallow shrimp. While these shrimp are small, this size aquarium better provides a stable environment. Marshmallow shrimp can be kept in small tanks (5 gallons), but it may take a more dedicated aquarist to stay on top of providing adequate water parameters. Marshmallow shrimp are very intolerable of nitrite or ammonia spikes. Weekly or biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters up to standard (Nitrates < 20 ppm), especially a stable pH. Avoid the use of copper based medications as this will cause harm to, or even kill, your shrimp. Marshmallow shrimp will show their best coloration in an environment in which they feel secure. Such an environment is preferably a densely live planted aquarium. At the very least, Neocaridina shrimp require some type of moss to hang out in and take refuge. We’ve noticed a favorite is Java Moss (Vesicularia dubyana), which is relatively easy to maintain and grow. In the proper environment, Marshmallow shrimp can breed without any intervention. Neocaridina shrimp are compatible with nano-type fish species, such as certain tetra and rasboras. Small catfish, shrimp from other genera and snails are also compatible choices. Caridina shrimp are typically incompatible given that they require altered reverse osmosis (RODI) water that has a lower pH. Avoid fish with large mouths that will make a snack out of your shrimp; this can include Siamese Fighting Fish, or bettas, (Betta splendens) in some circumstances. Recommended water conditions, 68-76° F, KH 3-15, pH 6.5-7.5.
Purchase Size:Â Medium: 1/2”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
