How To Keep Snow Zebra Sulawesi Shrimp
How to Keep Snow Zebra Sulawesi Shrimp (Caridina caerulea): A Low-Maintenance Sulawesi Beauty
Snow Zebra Sulawesi Shrimp (Caridina caerulea), often simply called Snow Zebras, are striking freshwater shrimp known for their bold white zebra-like stripes on a dark blue or black body. Unlike most Sulawesi shrimp, which require specialized care and high pH, Snow Zebras are surprisingly hardy and thrive in parameters similar to Neocaridina shrimp. This makes them one of the best entry points into Sulawesi shrimp for hobbyists.
Tank Setup and Water Parameters
These shrimp are adaptable and can thrive in a wide range of standard freshwater setups. A 10-gallon tank or larger is ideal for a colony, with gentle filtration, live plants, and a stable environment.
Ideal water parameters:
Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH: 6–10
KH: 2–6
TDS: 150–250 ppm
A sponge filter or gentle HOB filter with a pre-filter sponge is best to avoid fry being sucked in. Use dechlorinated tap water or remineralized RO water, and keep parameters stable—sudden swings in TDS or temperature can cause molting issues.
Substrate and Aquascaping
Snow Zebras do well on inert or buffering substrates, though inert gravel or sand is ideal for maintaining neutral pH. Provide lots of surface area for biofilm to grow using hardscape like cholla wood, mosses, and shrimp tubes.
Live plants like Anubias, moss, Java fern, and Bucephalandra not only look natural but help maintain water quality and offer shrimp extra grazing areas.
Feeding Snow Zebra Shrimp
A mature tank with a healthy layer of biofilm is the foundation of their diet. Supplement with a rotation of:
Shrimp-specific sinking pellets
Blanched spinach, kale, or zucchini
Protein-rich snacks (sparingly)
Powdered shrimp foods and biofilm enhancers
Feed lightly every 1–2 days and remove uneaten food to avoid ammonia spikes.
Behavior and Tank Mates
Snow Zebras are peaceful and active, often seen grazing on plants, decor, or filter intakes. Keep them in groups of at least 10 for comfort and best activity levels.
Avoid fish tank mates—especially anything predatory or aggressive. Peaceful nano-tank invertebrates like snails are fine, but for breeding success, a shrimp-only tank is best.
Breeding Snow Zebra Shrimp
Under stable conditions, Snow Zebras breed readily in the aquarium. Females carry eggs under their abdomen (berried), which hatch into miniature shrimp after 3–4 weeks.
Baby shrimp are fully aquatic and require no special treatment—just biofilm, powdered food, and plenty of cover to avoid stress. Keep parameters consistent and avoid sudden water changes during molting or berried stages.
Final Thoughts
Snow Zebra Shrimp (Caridina caerulea) are a fantastic option for hobbyists wanting the exotic look of Sulawesi shrimp without the intense care requirements. Their compatibility with standard Neocaridina water conditions makes them ideal for planted tanks and colony setups. With just a little attention to stability and food variety, you'll be rewarded with a thriving, eye-catching shrimp community.
