Shrimp Name: Tiger Shrimp (Caridina cf. cantonensis “Tiger”) (High Order)

Origin: Southern China

Description: When I am fully mature, I size to an average of 2.5-3.5cm. As my name suggests, I have tiger-like black/dark brown stripes normally 5 in total. Often, I am confused with my distant relative, the Chinese Zebra Shrimp which also has stripes on its body besides white spots. I might be like a tiger, but I am not that type of tiger for I am an omnivore. I like eating dead animal matter, like other dead shrimp and some microscopic ‘bugs’. I also feed on algae including some flake food, pellets and wafers.

Water Parameters: 23-28ºC/68°F-78°F. An average of 76°F -78°F is preferable. I am comfortable with but not limited to soft, acidic water if you want to successfully keep and breed me. A pH around 6.5 – 7.5 is suitable. I am one of the easiest Caridina species to care for. As long as the water is slightly acidic and soft, I require no special attention.  As with all dwarf shrimp it is important to keep all water parameters at an optimum level.

Sexing: These shrimp are difficult to sex because both the male and female shrimp are almost identical. Though, the overall width of the female is slightly larger. One of the obvious differences is that the female has a round “undercarriage” below the body. Unlike the Cherry shrimp, coloration is the same in both sexes. 

Breeding: Breeding us is fairly easy so long the conditions are constant with regular water changes. Our preference when it comes to starting a breeding cycle would be cooler temperatures with soft acidic water, minus ammonia and nitrites. The hatchlings would benefit greatly from acidic water. Our young ones have no larval stage; instead they are born as miniature adults. Our females carry an average of 15 – 20 eggs. Young ones appear after 4 weeks and become mature after 3-4 months. Please, let it be known that we are not as prolific as our kindred, the Red Cherry shrimp.

Compatibility: If dare, we can cross breed with Bee Shrimp, Black, Blue and Red Tiger shrimp, Bumblebee, Tiger Orange Eyes, Chinese Zebra Shrimp and the Crystal Red Shrimp, so you should keep these species in separate tanks if you want to avoid hybrids. We get along with small fish like tetras and DO NOT appreciate the company of big or aggressive fish. I DON’T WANT to see these shrimp in my tank as we are not compatible: Bee, Black Tiger, Blue Tiger, Bumblebee, Crystal Red, (New Bee), Red Tail, Red Tiger, Tiger O.E, (Tupfel)