Tiger Shrimp

Care at a glance

Overview

Keep it in a group, since shrimp are more confident and active in numbers, in a tank of around 25 liters or more. It lives on the bottom and over plants, grazing all day. Water should be soft to neutral, pH 6 to 7.5, and cool, 18 to 23 C, with no copper and no big swings. Feed biofilm, algae, blanched vegetables, and the occasional shrimp pellet. It is peaceful, so house it only with small, gentle fish or other shrimp that won't eat it.

In the wild

The tiger shrimp is a Caridina from southern China and Hong Kong, living in cool, clean, well-oxygenated streams with stable water. That cool requirement matters: it does best below typical tropical temperatures, around 18 to 23 C, so it often needs a tank in a cool room or with no heater. Set up a mature, planted tank with moss, fine cover, and good filtration. Avoid anything that pushes the water warm.

Good to know

This is a dwarf freshwater shrimp in the family Atyidae, reaching about 4 cm. It carries dark tiger-like banding and often orange eyes. It breeds in fresh water without a larval saltwater stage, so females carry the eggs under the tail and release fully formed miniature shrimp. It needs soft to neutral, stable water to do well.

Did you know

Tiger shrimp readily crossbreed with other Caridina of the same species group, like crystal and bee shrimp, which is how many mixed-up patterns end up in the hobby. If you want to keep a clean line, don't house them with related shrimp, because the offspring will blend together over generations.

Related species

• 

  Crystal Red Shrimp

  Caridina cantonensis

  1.6 in (4 cm)8 gal (30 L)66–79°F (19–26°C)

• 

  Amano Shrimp

  Caridina multidentata

  2 in (5 cm)8 gal (30 L)59–81°F (15–27°C)

• 

  Blue Bolt Shrimp

  Caridina cantonensis

  1.2 in (3 cm)5 gal (20 L)64–75°F (18–24°C)

• 

  Green babaulti shrimp

  Caridina babaulti

  1.2 in (3 cm)10 gal (38 L)72–82°F (22–28°C)
• Bee Shrimp

  Caridina cantonensis

  1.2 in (3 cm)5 gal (20 L)66–79°F (19–26°C)
• Crystal Black Shrimp

  Caridina cantonensis

  1.2 in (3 cm)5 gal (20 L)64–75°F (18–24°C)