Blue Tiger Shrimp

Caridina cf. cantonensis 'Blue Tiger'

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Atyidae

Variety of Tiger Shrimp · blue tiger

📍 Southern China

Blue Tiger Shrimp are a selectively bred Caridina variety displaying a translucent blue body with darker blue banding and the characteristic orange eyes of the Tiger Shrimp line. The intensity of the blue coloration varies by grade, with the most saturated 'Royal Blue' specimens being particularly prized. They share Caridina cantonensis care requirements — soft, cool, acidic water with very low TDS and zero tolerance for copper or nitrate spikes.

Size1.2"

Min Tank5g

School6+

peaceful

Zoneall

Care Guide

Diet

Blue Tiger Shrimp are omnivores that primarily graze on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter in the substrate and on surfaces. Supplement their diet 2-3 times weekly with high-quality shrimp-specific powdered foods, blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini), and occasional frozen foods like micro worms. Ensure leaf litter (Indian almond leaves) is always present to provide natural grazing material and maintain water chemistry.

Behavior

These shrimp are peaceful, slow-moving grazers that spend most of their time foraging along the substrate and on plants. They are primarily nocturnal and will hide during the day, becoming more active in dimly lit conditions. Blue Tiger Shrimp are social and should be kept in groups of at least 6 to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.

Breeding

Breeding is moderately difficult and highly sensitive to water parameter fluctuations; sudden changes in pH, TDS, or temperature can cause breeding to halt or fail. Females carry eggs for 3-4 weeks before releasing fully-formed shrimplets that require abundant biofilm and microfauna to survive. Success requires stable, pristine water conditions and patience, as breeding frequency is lower than other Caridina species.

Tank Mates

Amano Shrimp

Similar water requirements and peaceful temperament; both prefer soft, acidic conditions

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Compatible water parameters, though may interbreed; keep separate if maintaining pure bloodlines

good

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae eater with identical soft water and low-temperature requirements

excellent

Ember Tetra

Small, peaceful fish that won't predate on adult shrimp; prefers similar acidic, soft water

good

Chili Rasbora

Tiny, non-aggressive fish with matching water chemistry preferences and minimal bioload

excellent

Nerite Snail

Peaceful algae grazer that shares the same water requirements and poses no threat

excellent

Common Diseases

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Discoloration, lethargy, molting problems, visible lesions or fuzzy growth on body

Treatment

Perform 25% water changes daily, maintain pristine water parameters (especially ammonia at 0 ppm), and isolate affected individuals if possible. Avoid antibiotics in the main tank as they harm beneficial bacteria; focus on water quality

Parasitic Infection

Symptoms

Excessive scratching, visible parasites on body, loss of appetite, color fading

Treatment

Increase water changes and improve filtration to reduce parasite load. Quarantine affected shrimp separately. Some keepers use salt dips (very dilute) or plant-based treatments, but prevention through stable conditions is most effective

Molting Disorder

Symptoms

Inability to shed exoskeleton, shrimp stuck in molt, death shortly after molting attempt

Treatment

Ensure adequate calcium and minerals by maintaining proper TDS (100-150 ppm) and adding mineral supplements if needed. Provide stable water parameters and reduce stress; avoid sudden pH or temperature changes

Fungal Infection

Symptoms

White or gray fuzzy coating on body or appendages, lethargy, reduced feeding

Treatment

Perform daily 25% water changes and improve water circulation. Remove decaying plant matter and uneaten food immediately. Maintain optimal water parameters; fungal infections often indicate poor water quality or stress