Orange Eye Blue Tiger Shrimp

Caridina mariae var. OEBT

📍 Taiwan

The Orange Eye Blue Tiger Shrimp (OEBT) is a striking freshwater shrimp variant of Caridina mariae, prized for its vibrant blue coloration and distinctive orange eyes. These small, peaceful invertebrates are excellent for planted aquariums and make ideal additions to community tanks with compatible species. They are moderately challenging to keep, requiring stable water parameters and a mature tank with established biofilm.

Size1.2"

Min Tank10g

School6+

peaceful

Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

OEBT shrimp are primarily biofilm grazers and will consume algae wafers, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), and commercial shrimp pellets. They thrive in mature, established tanks with abundant biofilm on surfaces. Supplement with quality shrimp food 2-3 times weekly; avoid overfeeding.

Behavior

These shrimp are active foragers that spend most of their time grazing on tank surfaces and substrate. They are social and do best in small groups or colonies, displaying minimal aggression toward one another. They molt regularly as they grow; provide plenty of hiding spots with plants and hardscape to feel secure during vulnerable molting periods.

Breeding

OEBT shrimp breed readily in freshwater without requiring brackish conditions, making them excellent for home aquariums. Females produce small batches of 20-30 shrimplets every 4-6 weeks under stable conditions. High survival rates in planted tanks with good water quality mean populations can grow quickly; monitor colony size to avoid overstocking.

Tank Mates

Amano Shrimp

Same peaceful temperament; compatible biofilm-grazing diet

excellent

Neon Tetra

Small, non-predatory fish; will not hunt or harass shrimp

good

Ember Tetra

Tiny, peaceful schooling fish; safe with shrimp colonies

good

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae eater; shares similar biofilm-dependent diet

excellent

Dwarf Hairgrass Mini

Plant that provides cover and biofilm surface area

excellent

Java Moss

Dense plant providing shelter and abundant biofilm growth

excellent

Common Diseases

Molting Stress / Failed Molt

Symptoms

Shrimp stuck in old exoskeleton, lethargy, inability to move freely, death if exoskeleton not shed

Treatment

Ensure adequate calcium (cuttlebone, mineral supplements) and stable pH/GH. Provide hiding spots. Maintain pristine water quality. Do not disturb molting shrimp.

Copper Toxicity

Symptoms

Lethargy, loss of color, erratic swimming, sudden death

Treatment

Avoid all copper-based medications and fertilizers. Use only shrimp-safe plant fertilizers. Perform water changes if copper contamination is suspected. Copper is highly toxic to all Caridina species.

Bacterial Infection / Shell Erosion

Symptoms

White spots on body, cloudy appearance, pitting or erosion of shell, lethargy

Treatment

Perform 25-30% water changes daily. Increase aeration. Ensure adequate calcium and minerals. Remove affected individuals if infection spreads. Maintain pristine water parameters.

Parasitic Flukes

Symptoms

Excessive grooming, rubbing on surfaces, visible parasites, color loss, lethargy

Treatment

Quarantine affected shrimp. Perform frequent water changes. Use shrimp-safe parasite treatments (avoid copper). Salt baths (1 tsp per gallon for 10-15 minutes) may help; use with caution.