A Bold Beauty from the Lakes of Sulawesi—Learn Why This Rare Shrimp is a Must-Have for Breeders and Invert Lovers Alike

At Aquatic Arts, we can’t help but obsess over freshwater invertebrates—and few inspire our excitement quite like the Snow Zebra Sulawesi Shrimp (Caridina caerulea). With their crisp white stripes and shimmering icy-blue bodies, these stunning shrimp aren’t just eye-catching—they’re surprisingly active, hardy, and now fully bred by us in-house!

Whether you're new to Sulawesi shrimp or an experienced invert keeper, these beauties are a joy to learn about, care for, and even breed. We’ve spent months fine-tuning our setup and feeding regimens, and now we’re ready to share our success—and our secrets—with you.

Why We’re Hooked on Snow Zebra Shrimp

• Stunning Looks: They seriously live up to their name. The crisp zebra pattern over their glacial blue body adds instant elegance to any setup.

• Not Shy at All: Unlike some other Sulawesi shrimp that prefer to hide, Snow Zebras are bold, curious, and often seen swimming and foraging around the tank.

• Tank-Bred, Not Wild-Caught: Our Snow Zebras are born and raised in aquarium conditions, which means they’re more adaptable, resilient, and ideal for hobbyists.

• Compatible with Rabbit Snails: We’ve noticed our Snow Zebra colonies do especially well when housed with Rabbit Snails. The shrimp seem more active and breed more successfully in their presence—an unexpected but exciting discovery!

Sulawesi shrimp hard at work—grazing on a stone rich with biofilm and algae. Their curious personalities and constant foraging make them a true joy to watch up close, like tiny aquatic gardeners in action.

 

Setting Up for Success: Tank Conditions They’ll Love

In the wild, Snow Zebra Sulawesi Shrimp come from Lake Towuti—an ancient, mineral-rich lake with crystal-clear waters. Recreating that environment in your aquarium gives your shrimp the best chance at long-term health and breeding success.

Here’s what we recommend:

• Temp: 78° - 86°F (25° - 30°C)

• pH: 7.5 - 8.5

• KH: 3 - 8

• TDS: 150 - 250

• Tank Size: 10 gallons or more for a proper colony

• Substrate & Hardscape: Fine sand, mineral stones, and piles of smooth rocks make perfect biofilm surfaces and hiding spots

• Filtration: Gentle sponge filter or soft flow to keep water clean without disturbing them

• Lighting: Moderate to high—these shrimp are used to well-lit environments

To keep our water parameters stable and Sulawesi-friendly, we use Salty Shrimp Sulawesi 7.5 remineralizer in all of our breeding tanks. It’s our go-to for replicating the mineral composition of their native lakes.

Up close and personal—this Snow Zebra Sulawesi Shrimp perches gracefully on a piece of driftwood, showcasing its delicate legs, translucent antennae, and intricate striping. A tiny masterpiece in motion.

 

What’s on the Menu? Feeding Snow Zebra Shrimp

A proper diet is key to vibrant coloration and successful breeding. Our feeding routine includes a mix of nutritious, mineral-rich foods:

• Aquatic Arts Algae Wafers – A staple for daily feeding

• Bacter AE – A probiotic micro-powder that boosts biofilm, digestion, and shrimp health (seriously, we swear by this!)

• Blanched Cucumber & Zucchini – Occasional veggie treats they go wild for

• Biofilm & Algae – Naturally growing in the tank and super important

• Indian Almond Leaves & Botanicals – Bonus nutrition and a natural feel

Dinner rush in Sulawesi! A lively group of Snow Zebra Sulawesi Shrimp gathers for a communal feast—every shrimp for themselves, but somehow, everyone’s winning.

Breeding: Our Tips for Success

We’re proud to say we’ve cracked the code for breeding Snow Zebra Sulawesi Shrimp. Here’s what made the difference for us—and what you can try at home:

• Steady Water Conditions: Fluctuations (especially in temperature) are the enemy. Keep things consistent with a heater and stable pH.

• Use Sulawesi 7.5 Remineralizer: It creates the mineral balance they need to molt, grow, and reproduce.

• Rock Piles: We stack rocks in the tank to give shrimp hiding spaces and biofilm-rich grazing surfaces.

• Rabbit Snail Roommates: Not only do Rabbit Snails get along with these shrimp—they seem to encourage more activity and breeding.

• Balanced Diet: Feed a variety of foods rich in minerals, probiotics, and natural plant matter.

With the right setup and a bit of patience, you’ll start to see berried females (carrying eggs) and eventually, tiny baby shrimp swimming among the rocks. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience!

Why Buy Bred by Aquatic Arts?

All our Snow Zebra Sulawesi Shrimp are bred in-house—not imported—which means:

• They’re already used to aquarium life

• They ship better, survive better, and thrive more easily

• You’re supporting sustainable, ethical breeding—not wild harvesting

Snack time, Sulawesi-style! A Snow Zebra Sulawesi Shrimp enjoys an algae wafer while hitching a ride on its Rabbit Snail buddy—both sharing a peaceful moment and a tasty treat.

Ready to Join the Obsession?

Whether you’re building a full Sulawesi biotope or just want something extraordinary for your tank, the Snow Zebra Sulawesi Shrimp (Caridina caerulea) is a must-have. Their beauty, boldness, and breeding potential make them a standout invert for any level of aquarist.

We’ve fallen in love with them—and now, we invite you to do the same.

👉 Start your own Snow Zebra Sulawesi colony today—Bred by Aquatic Arts!