The Snow White Amano Shrimp, sometimes called the White Amano Shrimp, is a unique color variant of the Caridina multidentata species, commonly known as the Amano shrimp. Unlike typical Amano shrimp, which have a transparent or light gray appearance with dots and dashes along the body, the Snow White variety has a rare and beautiful opaque white coloration. Though these are not as common in the aquarium trade as standard Amano shrimp, they offer the same algae-eating benefits and peaceful temperament.
Key Characteristics
- Appearance: Snow White Amano Shrimp have an almost fully opaque, snow-white body that makes them visually striking against plants and dark substrates. Their white coloration is a result of selective breeding.
- Size: They can reach up to 4-5 cm (1.5-2 inches) in length, making them slightly larger than many other freshwater shrimp species.
- Temperament: Peaceful and social, Snow White Amano Shrimp thrive in groups and coexist well with other non-aggressive fish and invertebrates.
- Diet: Known as some of the best algae-eaters in the aquarium hobby, they readily consume many types of algae, including green hair algae, biofilm, and detritus. They also enjoy supplemental foods like algae wafers and blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini, etc.).
Habitat Requirements
- Tank Setup: Amano shrimp prefer a planted aquarium with ample hiding places. Plants, driftwood, and other decorations provide cover and enhance their foraging area.
-
Water Parameters:
- pH: 6.5 - 7.5
- Temperature: 20-26°C (68-79°F)
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water
- TDS: 100-200 ppm is ideal for maintaining healthy shrimp.
Breeding Challenges
Unlike Neocaridina species, breeding Amano shrimp in captivity is challenging. Their larvae require brackish water to develop, making it difficult to breed them in a typical freshwater aquarium. Because of this, nearly all Amano shrimp (including Snow White varieties) are wild-caught or require specialized breeding setups.
Care Notes
Due to their exceptional algae-eating ability, Snow White Amano Shrimp are ideal for planted and aquascaped tanks, where they can help keep algae under control. However, they require stable water parameters, as shrimp are sensitive to ammonia, nitrites, and copper.
Their unique white coloration makes them a rare and beautiful addition to any aquarium, bringing a striking contrast to green plants and other colorful tank mates.
