Tiger Shrimp

Caridina mariae

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Atyidae

📍 Southeast Asia

Tiger Shrimp (Orange Eye Blue Tiger or Black Tiger depending on variant) display striking alternating body bands of blue-black to brown on a translucent base, with prominent orange eyes in some forms. They are Caridina species requiring the same soft, acidic, low-TDS water as bee shrimp. Several colour forms exist including Orange Eye Blue Tiger (OEBT) which is among the most sought-after shrimp in the hobby, commanding premium prices for high-grade specimens.

Size1.2"

Min Tank5g

School6+

peaceful

Zoneall

Care Guide

Diet

Tiger Shrimp are omnivores that primarily graze on biofilm and algae in the aquarium. Supplement with high-quality powdered shrimp food, sinking pellets, and blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini) 2-3 times weekly. Occasional frozen foods like bloodworms provide protein; leaf litter (Indian almond leaves) offers natural grazing material and tannins.

Behavior

Tiger Shrimp are peaceful, sedentary foragers that spend most of their time grazing on surfaces and exploring substrate. They are primarily nocturnal and become more active during low-light periods. These shrimp are sensitive to disturbance and prefer densely planted tanks with hiding spots; they rarely interact with tankmates but may hide if stressed.

Breeding

Breeding Tiger Shrimp in captivity is moderately difficult and requires stable, soft acidic water (0–4 dGH, pH 5.8–6.5) with minimal water changes. Females produce small batches of larvae that develop in the water column; fry are planktonic and difficult to raise without specialized care. Success rates improve with mature, established tanks and excellent water stability.

Tank Mates

Amano Shrimp

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

excellent

Bee Shrimp

Identical care needs and compatible water parameters; both thrive in established planted tanks

excellent

Crystal Red Shrimp

Same soft-water Caridina requirements; peaceful cohabitation with minimal competition

excellent

Java Moss

Provides grazing surface, shelter, and biofilm production essential for shrimp nutrition

excellent

Anubias Nana

Hardy plant that creates hiding spots and supports biofilm without being uprooted by shrimp

excellent

Ember Tetra

Small, peaceful fish with similar soft-water preferences; minimal predation risk to adult shrimp

good

Common Diseases

Molting Syndrome

Symptoms

Difficulty shedding exoskeleton, incomplete molts, lethargy, death shortly after molting

Treatment

Ensure adequate calcium and minerals via GH booster or mineral supplements; maintain stable pH and temperature; provide iodine-rich foods; perform minimal water changes during molting season

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

White spots or patches on body, cloudy appearance, lethargy, loss of appetite

Treatment

Perform 25% water change immediately; increase aeration; remove uneaten food and decaying matter; maintain pristine water quality; avoid antibiotics in shrimp tanks; consider salt baths as last resort only

Parasitic Infection

Symptoms

Visible parasites on body, excessive grooming, color loss, reduced activity

Treatment

Quarantine affected shrimp if possible; perform frequent small water changes; increase water flow and aeration; maintain optimal water parameters; avoid copper-based treatments which are toxic to shrimp

Ammonia/Nitrite Poisoning

Symptoms

Sudden lethargy, loss of color, gasping at water surface, mass die-off

Treatment

Perform immediate 50% water change; test water parameters; reduce feeding; increase aeration; check filter function; avoid overstocking; establish proper nitrogen cycle before adding shrimp