The Complete Tiger Shrimp Care Guide

What Are Tiger Shrimp?

Tiger Shrimp (Caridina mariae) are a fascinating group of freshwater dwarf shrimp native to southern China and Hong Kong. They get their name from the distinctive dark stripes running along their semi-transparent bodies, reminiscent of tiger markings. Through years of selective breeding, hobbyists have developed stunning color varieties including the famous Orange Eye Blue Tiger (OEBT).

What makes Tiger Shrimp special in the hobby is their middle-ground position between beginner-friendly Neocaridina and demanding Crystal/Taiwan Bee shrimp. They’re more forgiving than Crystal Shrimp while still offering beautiful colors and interesting breeding projects.

Why Choose Tiger Shrimp?

Tiger Shrimp are an excellent choice for:

• Intermediate keepers ready to move beyond Neocaridina
• Those who want Caridina aesthetics without extreme parameter requirements
• Hybridization projects (creating Tibee and Fancy Tiger varieties)
• Keepers who can’t commit to RO-only water systems

They’re NOT ideal if you:

• Want shrimp that breed 100% true to color
• Prefer the most beginner-friendly option (choose Neocaridina)
• Want the extreme colors of Taiwan Bee (those need stricter parameters)

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Tiger Shrimp vs Other Caridina

Understanding where Tiger Shrimp fit in the Caridina family helps you provide appropriate care.

Parameter	Neocaridina	Tiger Shrimp	Crystal/Taiwan Bee
pH	6.8-8.0	6.5-7.5	5.8-6.8
GH	6-12 dGH	4-10 dGH	4-6 dGH
KH	2-8 dKH	0-4 dKH	0-1 dKH
TDS	150-300 ppm	130-220 ppm	100-150 ppm
Temperature	70-78F	68-77F	68-74F
RO Water	Optional	Recommended	Required
Active Substrate	Not needed	Optional	Required
Difficulty	Beginner	Intermediate	Advanced

Key Differences

Compared to Neocaridina:

• Tigers need softer water with lower TDS
• Tigers prefer slightly cooler temperatures
• Tigers benefit from RO water (though some succeed with soft tap)
• Tigers are more sensitive to parameter swings

Compared to Crystal/Taiwan Bee:

• Tigers tolerate higher pH (neutral rather than acidic)
• Tigers can handle some KH (don’t need zero)
• Tigers don’t require active buffering substrate
• Tigers are more forgiving of minor parameter fluctuations
• Tigers are generally hardier and less prone to bacterial infections

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The Taxonomy Confusion

You’ll see Tiger Shrimp labeled as both Caridina mariae and Caridina cantonensis (or cf. cantonensis). Here’s the clarification:

In 2014, researchers Klotz & von Rintelen formally described Tiger Shrimp as Caridina mariae, distinguishing them from the related Caridina cantonensis (Bee Shrimp/Crystal Shrimp).

Key distinctions:

• C. mariae (Tiger): Semi-transparent body with dark tiger stripes, stripes extend across carapace and abdominal segments
• C. cantonensis (Bee/Crystal): Numerous small spots, bands rather than stripes

Why it matters: Despite being different species, Tigers and Bees can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. This has led to popular hybrids like Tibee and Fancy Tiger shrimp.

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All Tiger Shrimp Varieties

Orange Eye Blue Tiger (OEBT)

Orange Eye Blue Tiger shrimp are the most sought-after Tiger variety. Their striking combination of blue body coloration and distinctive orange eyes makes them instantly recognizable.

Critical breeding note: OEBTs do NOT breed true. Offspring show significant variation:

• Some will be solid blue (desired)
• Many will be blonde or light-colored
• Some may have brownish rather than orange eyes

Maintaining a quality OEBT colony requires regular culling - removing lighter-colored individuals from the breeding population. Without culling, your colony will drift toward lighter colors over generations.

The orange eye genetics: The bright orange eyes result from a lack of rhodopsin, a light-sensitive pigment. This genetic trait may cause reduced vision or partial blindness, which is why OEBTs often appear “bolder” than other shrimp - they simply can’t see predators as well.

OEBT Grading:

Grade	Characteristics
Low	Splotchy, translucent blue; brownish eyes
Medium	Solid blue body with transparent legs/underbelly
High	Fully opaque blue including legs; bright orange eyes
Royal	Extremely dark blue, almost black; no visible stripes

Super Tiger

Super Tiger shrimp represent the “enhanced” wild-type Tiger pattern. They feature:

• Intense, well-defined stripes (darker and more pronounced than standard Tigers)
• Semi-transparent base coloration
• Bold patterning that makes stripes “pop”

Super Tigers are excellent for breeding projects when you want to emphasize the classic tiger pattern.

Royal Blue Tiger

Royal Blue Tiger shrimp are the darkest blue Tiger variety:

• Extremely deep blue coloration appearing almost black
• Blue coverage so complete that tiger stripes may be invisible
• Most have orange eyes (Orange Eye Royal Blue Tiger - OERBT)

Royal Blue Tigers command premium prices due to their intense coloration. They’re essentially the “highest grade” of the blue Tiger line.

Aura Blue Tiger

Aura Blue Tiger shrimp display a unique characteristic:

• Blue coloration appears to “glow” or emanate from within
• Softer, more ethereal appearance than solid Blue Tigers
• Tiger stripes still visible through the “aura” effect

The aura effect is best visible under proper lighting against dark backgrounds.

Fancy Tiger Hybrids

Fancy Tigers are hybrids between Tiger Shrimp (C. mariae) and Taiwan Bee/Crystal Shrimp (C. cantonensis). They combine:

• Tiger stripe patterns
• Taiwan Bee intense coloration

Blue Fancy Tiger

Blue Fancy Tiger shrimp feature blue tiger stripes on lighter backgrounds. They often show:

• Blue striping from Taiwan Bee genetics
• Tiger pattern from C. mariae genetics
• Some specimens may have orange eyes (OEBT influence)

Red Fancy Tiger

Red Fancy Tiger shrimp display vivid red stripes:

• Red coloration inherited from Crystal Red/Taiwan Bee lines
• Tiger striping pattern
• Often show good “hybrid vigor” - hardier than pure Taiwan Bee

Breeding Fancy Tigers: Because they’re hybrids, offspring show significant variation. F1 hybrids often breed relatively true, but subsequent generations produce more varied patterns. This can be frustrating for some keepers but exciting for those who enjoy selective breeding projects.

Wild Type Tiger

Standard Tiger Shrimp with natural coloration:

• Semi-transparent body
• Dark brown to black stripes
• No selective breeding for enhanced color

Wild types are hardy and affordable, making them good starter Tigers for new keepers.

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Water Parameters

Tiger Shrimp are more parameter-flexible than Crystal/Taiwan Bee, but they still need attention to water quality.

TDS for Tiger Shrimp

Target Range: 130-220 ppm (optimal 150-200 ppm)

This is lower than Neocaridina but higher than Crystal Shrimp, reflecting Tiger Shrimp’s middle-ground position.

TDS Range	Assessment
Below 100 ppm	Too low, risk of osmotic stress
130-180 ppm	Good for most Tigers
180-220 ppm	Acceptable, upper range
Above 250 ppm	Too high, may cause stress

GH for Tiger Shrimp

Target Range: 4-10 dGH (optimal 6-8 dGH)

Tiger Shrimp tolerate a wider GH range than other Caridina. This flexibility is one reason they’re easier to keep.

GH Range	Assessment
Below 4 dGH	Risk of molting issues
4-6 dGH	Lower end, suitable
6-8 dGH	Optimal range
8-10 dGH	Higher end, acceptable
Above 10 dGH	Too high for most Tigers

KH for Tiger Shrimp

Target Range: 0-4 dKH (optimal 1-3 dKH)

Unlike Crystal/Taiwan Bee that need zero KH, Tiger Shrimp tolerate some carbonate hardness. This is significant because:

• You don’t need active buffering substrate
• Tap water may be usable (if soft enough)
• pH stability is easier to maintain

pH for Tiger Shrimp

Target Range: 6.5-7.5 (optimal 7.0-7.4)

This is notably higher than Crystal Shrimp’s 5.8-6.8 range. Tiger Shrimp actually prefer slightly alkaline to neutral water rather than acidic conditions.

Some successful OEBT breeders report keeping them at pH 7.2-7.4 with excellent results.

Temperature for Tiger Shrimp

Target Range: 68-77F / 20-25C (optimal 70-74F / 21-23C)

Tiger Shrimp are comfortable at room temperature and generally don’t need heaters. Cooler temperatures offer benefits:

• Longer lifespan
• Better color expression
• Higher dissolved oxygen
• Reduced bacterial growth

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Tank Setup

Tank Size

• Minimum: 5 gallons (19 liters)
• Recommended: 10 gallons (38 liters) or larger

Larger tanks provide more stable parameters, which is beneficial for all shrimp keeping.

Substrate Options

Unlike Crystal/Taiwan Bee, Tiger Shrimp don’t require active buffering substrate. Options include:

Active Substrates (optional):

• ADA Amazonia
• SL-Aqua Soil
• Controsoil
• Fluval Stratum

Inert Substrates (acceptable):

• Black sand
• Fine gravel
• Pool filter sand
• Fluorite Black

Some experienced keepers use a mix - part active substrate for some buffering, combined with inert substrate. Dark substrates help Tiger Shrimp display their best colors.

Filtration

Sponge filters are ideal:

• Safe for baby shrimp
• Provide surface area for biofilm grazing
• Gentle water flow

If using canister or HOB filters, protect the intake with a sponge pre-filter.

Water: RO vs Tap

RO Water (Recommended):

• Full control over mineral content
• Consistent results
• Best for breeding

Tap Water (Possible if):

• Your tap water is naturally soft (TDS below 150, GH below 8)
• You use water conditioner to remove chlorine/chloramine
• You test and monitor parameters regularly

Many OEBT breeders use RO water remineralized with Salty Shrimp GH/KH+ (note: GH/KH+ is acceptable for Tigers, unlike Crystal Shrimp which need GH+ only).

Plants and Hardscape

Essential elements:

• Java Moss - Critical for baby shrimp survival, biofilm growth
• Anubias, Bucephalandra - Hardy, low-light plants
• Driftwood - Provides hiding spots and biofilm surface
• Indian Almond Leaves - Mild antibacterial properties, biofilm food

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Feeding Tiger Shrimp

Tiger Shrimp are omnivorous and more aggressive eaters than many shrimp species.

Feeding Schedule

• Frequency: Every 1-2 days
• Amount: What they consume in 2-3 hours
• Warning: Overfeeding causes water quality issues

Recommended Foods

Biofilm Boosters:

• Bacter AE
• SL-Aqua Milione
• Powdered spirulina

Commercial Foods:

• Shrimp King Complete
• Glasgarten Shrimp Dinner
• Borneo Wild
• Dennerle Shrimp King

Natural Foods:

• Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, carrots)
• Indian Almond Leaves
• Mulberry leaves
• Bee pollen

For Color Enhancement: Foods containing carotenoids (astaxanthin) help maintain and enhance blue coloration in OEBT. Carrots and quality commercial foods with color-enhancing ingredients are beneficial.

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Breeding Tiger Shrimp

Basic Requirements

Tiger Shrimp breed readily when:

• Parameters are stable
• Tank is mature (3+ months)
• Biofilm is abundant
• Both sexes are present
• Temperature is appropriate

Sexual Dimorphism

Characteristic	Male	Female
Size	0.8-1 inch (2-2.5 cm)	1-1.2 inches (2.5-3 cm)
Body Shape	Slimmer	Curved underbelly
Coloration	Often lighter	Usually darker, more intense

Breeding Process

1. Mating: Female releases pheromones after molting; males actively search
2. Egg carrying: Female carries 20-30 eggs under her tail (pleopods)
3. Incubation: 28-36 days depending on temperature
4. Hatching: Fully formed miniature shrimp emerge (no larval stage)

The Culling Necessity (OEBT)

OEBT require active selection to maintain quality. Without culling:

• Blue intensity decreases each generation
• More blonde/light-colored offspring
• Orange eye trait may weaken

Culling strategy:

1. Identify highest-quality specimens (darkest blue, brightest orange eyes)
2. Keep these as breeding stock
3. Move lighter individuals to a separate tank
4. Repeat each generation

Tiger Shrimp Grading

Grade	Description	Characteristics
G3	Low	Light, transparent coloring; weak pattern
G2	Medium	Consistent but imperfect coloring; some transparency
G1	High	Deep, vibrant colors; minimal transparency
G0	Competition	Intense, saturated colors; full opacity

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Hybridization: Creating Tibees and Fancy Tigers

Tiger Shrimp’s ability to interbreed with Crystal/Bee shrimp opens exciting possibilities.

Tibee Shrimp

Tibee = Tiger x Bee

Crossing Tiger Shrimp with Crystal Red or Crystal Black produces Tibee shrimp with:

• Mixed characteristics of both parents
• Variable patterns
• Good hybrid vigor (often hardier)

Creating Fancy Tigers

Fancy Tigers result from crossing Tigers with Taiwan Bee varieties:

• Tiger x Blue Bolt → Blue Fancy Tiger potential
• Tiger x Crystal Red → Red Fancy Tiger potential

The genetics are complex, and results vary. Many breeders spend years developing stable Fancy Tiger lines.

Keeping Lines Pure

If you want pure Tiger Shrimp OR pure Crystal/Taiwan Bee:

• Keep them in separate tanks
• They WILL interbreed if housed together
• Even one stray shrimp can contaminate a line

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Common Problems and Solutions

Color Fading

Causes:

• Stress from parameter fluctuations
• Poor diet lacking carotenoids
• Bright lighting washing out colors
• Genetics (culling may be needed)

Solutions:

• Stabilize parameters
• Feed color-enhancing foods
• Use moderate lighting
• Select darkest individuals for breeding

Deaths After Purchase

Common cause: Parameter shock from different water conditions at the source.

Prevention:

• Drip acclimate for 2-3 hours
• Match temperature first (float bag 30 minutes)
• Never pour shipping water into your tank

Bacterial Infections

Tiger Shrimp (especially intensely colored varieties like Royal Blue) can be susceptible to bacterial infections due to inbreeding.

Signs:

• Milky/cloudy body
• Visible internal masses
• Sudden deaths

Prevention:

• Maintain excellent water quality
• Don’t overcrowd
• Use UV sterilizer if problems persist
• Keep muck/debris buildup minimal

Not Breeding

Check:

• Tank maturity (need 3+ months)
• Parameter stability
• Both sexes present
• Temperature (try 70-72F)
• Stress factors

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Frequently Asked Questions

See the FAQ section in the sidebar for the most common questions about Tiger Shrimp care.

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Track Your Tigers with ShrimpKeeper

Tiger Shrimp occupy a unique middle ground in the hobby. Too demanding for complete neglect, but forgiving enough for intermediate keepers.

The ShrimpKeeper app helps you:

• Track Tiger-specific parameter ranges
• Monitor TDS and GH for optimal levels
• Log breeding and culling records
• Detect parameter drift before it causes problems

Your OEBT colony represents a significant investment in time and selective breeding. Give them the tracking they deserve.

Download ShrimpKeeper and take your Tiger keeping to the next level.

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Related Guides

• Caridina Shrimp Care Guide: Learn about Crystal Shrimp and Taiwan Bee varieties that share ancestry with Tigers.

• Neocaridina Shrimp Care Guide: If Tigers seem demanding, start with these hardy, colorful beginner shrimp.

• Sulawesi Shrimp Care Guide: Ready for the ultimate challenge? Sulawesi shrimp have completely different requirements.

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This guide synthesizes information from scientific literature, experienced hobbyist communities, and breeder knowledge. Sources include Aquarium Breeder, The Shrimp Farm, Shrimp Science, Flip Aquatics, Buce Plant, and r/shrimptank.