Black Snowfall

A dark Caridina shrimp dusted with fine white spray-spots — smaller and finer than a Snowflake’s, like spray rather than snow.

The black base gives the pattern strong contrast, while the white spotting sharpens with maturity and may develop a subtle green or blue tone as the shell thickens. Tiger genetics also show through on the legs, where black-and-white patterning can become more defined over time.

Four grades: Entry, Mid, High and Collector, selected by the density, evenness, colour and overall expression of the pattern at shipping size.

Caridina need soft, slightly acidic water and a mature, stable aquarium.

Black Snowfall is a distinct line carrying tiger genetics. Where a Snowflake carries heavy, snow-like spots across its belly, a Snowfall carries a finer scatter — small “spray spots” — over a dark body. The deep base gives the white pattern its contrast; what develops with age is the sharpness and tone of the spotting.

About the photo. The pictured shrimp represents the grade target. We ship unsexed juveniles, so the spotting and shell coverage may continue to sharpen with each moult. Adults are available on request.

Three things develop as they grow:

• Spray spots: Fine white scatter that sharpens into distinct small spots with maturity.
• White tone: The dark base remains strong, while the white may take on a subtle green or blue tone as the shell thickens.
• Spider legs: Black-and-white patterning carried onto the legs; solidity follows shell thickness and can be less consistent on Entry.

We grade by what the shrimp shows at shipping size: the density and evenness of the spray, the strength of the base colour, shell coverage and overall pattern clarity.

Entry: Lighter, more scattered spray with visible gaps.

Mid: Denser and more even spray across the body.

High: Deep base colour with strong contrast, dense balanced spray and clearer coverage across the body and legs.

Collector: Standout animals selected for the deepest base colour, the most even and concentrated spray, stronger shell coverage and the clearest overall expression of the line.

Grading is done by eye at shipping size. Shrimp may arrive pale after transport and colour back up once settled.