Snow White Amano Shrimp (Caridina multidentata)

Common Name

Snow White Amano Shrimp

Scientific Name

Caridina multidentata – Snow White domestic line

Origin and Habitat

Wild Caridina multidentata are native to cool, clear mountain and foothill streams of Japan, Taiwan, and nearby islands. Adults live in freshwater with rocky beds, submerged wood, and strong biofilm growth; larvae develop in brackish estuaries (amphidromous life cycle). The Snow White morph is a selectively bred line with a creamy-white to milk-glass body and translucent highlights—behavior and care identical to standard Amano shrimp.

Temperature and Water Conditions

Preferred range: 68–76 °F (20–24 °C); short periods to ~78 °F (26 °C) possible with high oxygen. Wild pH usually 6.5–7.5, soft to moderate hardness. Stability is far more important than exact wild values. Provide strong biological filtration, steady oxygen, gentle current over grazing surfaces, and regular partial water changes. Avoid copper medications and supply calcium/magnesium for successful molting.

Appearance and Size

Creamy-white to pearly body with translucent legs and antennae. Flank dot rows are faint tan or nearly invisible. Females are larger/broader with longer swimmerets; males are slimmer. Adult size: 4–5 cm (1.5–2 in). Color is brightest right after molting.

Diet in the Wild

Relentless biofilm and algae grazers—scrape diatoms, soft green films, bacterial mats, decaying leaves, and embedded micro-invertebrates.

Feeding in Captivity

Provide mature surfaces (plants, driftwood, stones, leaf litter) for constant grazing. Supplement with shrimp/algae wafers, powdered spirulina, blanched zucchini/spinach, nori, and occasional protein-rich micro-pellets. Feed lightly—food should disappear within hours.

Behavior and Tank Setup

Peaceful, nonstop foragers—perfect for established planted tanks.

• Inert sand or fine gravel, stacked stones, wood, moss
• Gentle to moderate flow, high oxygen
• Tight lid (they can climb)

Excellent with small tetras, rasboras, ricefish, peaceful livebearers, and dwarf Corydoras. Avoid large or predatory fish.

Breeding

Important: Amphidromous life cycle—freshwater adults, brackish larval stage required.

Freshwater Phase

At 70–74 °F (21–23 °C) females carry hundreds of tiny green eggs for 4–6 weeks. Move berried females to a nursery just before hatching.

Brackish Larval Rearing

Target 15–20 ppt (12–25 ppt works for some); use refractometer. Bright light, green water or marine microalgae powders, very gentle air-driven circulation. Larvae metamorphose in 4–6 weeks.

Return to Freshwater

When miniature shrimp appear, dilute salinity very gradually over days or transfer in small batches to a freshwater grow-out tank.

Reality Check

Home breeding is advanced and rarely completed successfully without dedicated brackish systems. Most Snow White Amanos in the trade are produced commercially.

Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Caridina multidentata
• Common name: Snow White Amano Shrimp
• Origin: Japan & nearby islands; Snow White is a domestic line
• Adult size: 4–5 cm (1.5–2 in)
• Temperature: 68–76 °F (20–24 °C) preferred
• Wild p |

   

   

  Temperament

  Peaceful community grazer

   

   

  Diet

  Biofilm/algae + prepared shrimp foods & vegetables

   

   

  Breeding

  Amphidromous—brackish larval stage required (advanced)

   

   

  Special care

  No copper; provide minerals for molting

Tropical Fish Co. Notes

These bring that clean, minimalist look to a planted scape—like moving pearls against wood and moss. They work nonstop, look fantastic on dark substrate, and play perfectly with most peaceful nano fish. Give them mature surfaces, crisp water, and time on the clock. If you try breeding, treat it like a tiny aquaculture project—stable conditions beat perfect numbers every time.