Orange Eye Blue Tiger Shrimp

Caridina mariae var. OEBT

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Atyidae

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.

Where it's from

Recorded as introduced in Norway

The range of its wild species, Caridina mariae var. OEBT.

At a glance

Size: 1.2 in; 3 cm
Min tank: 10 gal; 38 L
Group: 6+
Temp: 72–79°F; 22–26°C
pH: 6.5-7.5
GH: 71–143 ppm; 4–8 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Bottom
Lifespan: 2-3 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

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

See all 6

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

No state or federal restrictions on record.

Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.

The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Global Register of Invasive and Introduced Species (CC BY 4.0).