About Aura Blue Tiger Shrimp
Aura Blue Tiger shrimp are named for their distinctive 'aura' - a glowing blue coloration that seems to emanate from within rather than sitting on the surface. This ethereal quality sets them apart from other blue shrimp varieties and creates a captivating appearance as they move through the aquarium. Combined with their tiger stripe patterns, they offer a unique aesthetic. The aura effect is what makes these shrimp special. Unlike Blue Bolts with their solid blue coloring, or Orange Eye Blue Tigers with their distinct orange eyes, Aura Blue Tigers display a softer, more diffuse blue that appears to glow. This effect is most visible in proper lighting and against contrasting backgrounds. Aura Blue Tigers share care requirements with other soft-water Caridina and are considered intermediate in difficulty. They're somewhat easier than extreme Taiwan Bee varieties while still requiring proper Caridina husbandry. Their unique appearance and moderate difficulty make them attractive to hobbyists looking for something distinctive without the challenges of the most demanding varieties.
Quick Facts
Water Parameters for Aura Blue Tiger Shrimp
Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for the health and coloration of Aura Blue Tiger Shrimp.
| Parameter | Range | Optimal |
|---|---|---|
| TDS | 100-150 ppm | 120-150 ppm |
| GH | 4-6 dGH | 4-5 dGH |
| KH | 0-2 dKH | 0-1 dKH |
| pH | 5.8-6.8 | 6-6.4 |
| Temperature | 68-75°F (20-24°C) | 70-73°F |
Tank Setup for Aura Blue Tiger Shrimp
- Active buffering substrate is required
- Heavy planting with mosses and low-light plants
- Sponge filtration protects shrimplets
- Good lighting enhances the aura effect
- Dark substrates provide contrast for viewing
Care Tips for Aura Blue Tiger Shrimp
- RO water remineralized with Caridina GH+ is required
- Active buffering substrate maintains acidic conditions
- TDS should remain stable between 100-150 ppm
- Intermediate difficulty among Caridina varieties
- Weekly water changes (10%) with matched parameters
- Avoid copper and contaminants
- Proper lighting enhances the visibility of the aura effect
Feeding Aura Blue Tiger Shrimp
- Feed quality Caridina-specific foods
- Biofilm forms the dietary foundation
- Some keepers believe certain foods enhance blue coloring
- Feed moderately to maintain water quality
- Mineral supplements support healthy molting
Breeding Aura Blue Tiger Shrimp
- Aura intensity varies in offspring
- Select pairs with strongest aura expression for breeding
- Can be crossed with other blue tiger varieties
- Offspring may need culling for consistent aura quality
- Standard Caridina breeding requirements apply
Aura Blue Tiger Shrimp Grading System
Aura Blue Tiger Shrimp are commonly graded based on color intensity, coverage, and pattern quality. Higher grades typically command higher prices and are the result of selective breeding.
Standard Aura Blue Tiger
Visible blue aura effect with tiger striping. Aura intensity may be subtle.
Characteristics
- Blue aura visible
- Tiger stripes present
- Good pattern
- Aura may be subtle
High Grade Aura Blue Tiger
Strong blue aura effect with well-defined tiger stripes. Excellent overall appearance.
Characteristics
- Strong blue aura
- Well-defined stripes
- Excellent appearance
- Good contrast
Premium Aura Blue Tiger
Maximum aura intensity with perfect stripe definition. Show-quality specimens.
Characteristics
- Maximum aura intensity
- Perfect stripes
- Show quality
- Exceptional appearance
Grades listed from lowest to highest quality
Common Problems with Aura Blue Tiger Shrimp
- Aura effect visibility depends on lighting and background
- Intensity varies between individuals
- Some specimens may have subtle aura expression
- May be confused with other blue tiger varieties
- Still requires careful parameter management
Troubleshooting Aura Blue Tiger Shrimp
Tiger shrimp require stable conditions and are sensitive to parameter changes. Here are common problems to watch for:
Failed Molt: Shrimp Stuck in Shell
Understanding failed molts where shrimp cannot escape their old exoskeleton. Learn why it happens, why affected shrimp cannot be saved, and how to prevent future molt failures.
Why Are My Shrimp Dying?
Comprehensive triage guide for unexplained shrimp deaths. Learn to identify the cause and take immediate action to save your remaining colony.
White Ring of Death in Shrimp
Understanding the dreaded white ring or white line that appears around a shrimp's body, signaling a fatal molting problem that cannot be reversed once visible.
Baby Shrimp (Shrimplets) Dying
Why newborn shrimp disappear or die when adult shrimp seem healthy. Covers filter intake, predation, starvation, and sensitivity issues specific to shrimplets.
Bacterial Infection in Shrimp
Identifying and treating bacterial infections in aquarium shrimp. Learn to recognize symptoms and understand why prevention through water quality is more effective than treatment.
Planaria in Shrimp Tank
Identifying and eliminating planaria flatworms that prey on shrimp, especially shrimplets. Learn safe treatment methods that won't harm your colony.
Aura Blue Tiger Shrimp FAQ
Aura Blue Tigers display a distinctive 'aura' - a glowing blue coloration that appears to emanate from within rather than sitting on the surface. This creates an ethereal effect different from the solid blue of Blue Bolts or the orange-eyed look of OEBTs.
They're considered intermediate difficulty - requiring soft, acidic water (TDS 100-150, pH 5.8-6.8) like other Caridina, but generally more forgiving than extreme Taiwan Bee varieties. Good for hobbyists with some Caridina experience.
Aura Blue Tigers have a distinctive glowing 'aura' effect and typically black eyes. Orange Eye Blue Tigers (OEBT) have solid blue coloring and distinctive orange eyes. They're different varieties with distinct appearances.
The aura intensity varies in offspring - not all will show it equally. Selecting breeding pairs with strong aura expression and culling for quality helps maintain the trait across generations.
Proper lighting enhances the aura visibility - bright, quality lights help. Dark substrates provide contrast that makes the blue glow more apparent. Viewing angle and background color also affect how visible the effect is.
Yes, they can interbreed with other Caridina cantonensis varieties including Taiwan Bees, Crystal shrimp, and other tiger types. Crossing may alter the aura trait - keep separate if maintaining pure lines.
Standard Caridina parameters: TDS 100-150 ppm, GH 4-6, KH 0-2, pH 5.8-6.8, temperature 20-24C (68-75F). RO water remineralized with GH+ and active buffering substrate are required.
Track Your Aura Blue Tiger Shrimp Parameters
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