About Red Fancy Tiger Shrimp
Red Fancy Tiger shrimp represent an exciting development in the shrimp hobby - the successful hybridization of Tiger shrimp (Caridina mariae) with Taiwan Bee varieties. The result combines the distinctive tiger striping pattern with Taiwan Bee colors, creating shrimp that display vivid red stripes on lighter backgrounds. These hybrids have gained popularity for their unique appearance and relative hardiness. The 'Fancy' in their name refers to the enhanced coloring derived from Taiwan Bee genetics, distinguishing them from standard Tiger shrimp. Red Fancy Tigers show their tiger ancestry through distinct vertical stripes, while the Taiwan Bee influence contributes to more intense red coloration and potentially interesting pattern variations. One advantage of Fancy Tigers over pure Taiwan Bee varieties is their reported hybrid vigor - many keepers find them somewhat hardier and more forgiving than some sensitive Taiwan Bee varieties. This makes them a good choice for keepers who want Taiwan Bee aesthetics with slightly more tolerance for minor parameter fluctuations. However, they still require proper Caridina care with soft, acidic water.
Quick Facts
Water Parameters for Red Fancy Tiger Shrimp
Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for the health and coloration of Red Fancy 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 Red Fancy Tiger Shrimp
- Active buffering substrate is required
- Heavy planting with mosses provides grazing surfaces
- Sponge filtration protects shrimplets
- Fancy Tigers show beautifully against contrasting substrates
- Include botanicals for biofilm and water conditioning
Care Tips for Red Fancy Tiger Shrimp
- RO water remineralized with Caridina GH+ is required
- Active buffering substrate maintains proper pH conditions
- Keep TDS between 100-150 ppm with stable parameters
- Fancy Tigers may show some hybrid vigor over pure Taiwan Bees
- Weekly water changes (10%) with matched parameters
- Avoid copper and contaminants - shrimp-safe products only
- Mature tanks with established biofilm produce best results
Feeding Red Fancy Tiger Shrimp
- Feed quality Caridina-specific foods
- Biofilm should form the dietary foundation
- Color-enhancing foods may improve red intensity
- Feed sparingly to maintain water quality
- Mineral supplements support healthy molting
Breeding Red Fancy Tiger Shrimp
- Offspring patterns can be variable due to hybrid genetics
- F1 hybrids often show hybrid vigor with good survival
- Later generations may produce more varied patterns
- Keep Tiger and Taiwan Bee stock separate for controlled breeding
- Select best-patterned specimens for breeding programs
Red Fancy Tiger Shrimp Grading System
Red Fancy 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 Red Fancy Tiger
Good tiger striping pattern with visible red coloring. Stripes may be thinner or less defined.
Characteristics
- Visible tiger stripes
- Red coloring present
- Pattern may vary
- Good hybrid appearance
High Grade Red Fancy Tiger
Well-defined red stripes with excellent pattern clarity. Strong color intensity.
Characteristics
- Well-defined stripes
- Strong red color
- Clear pattern separation
- Excellent contrast
Premium Red Fancy Tiger
Exceptional specimens with perfect striping, intense red color, and show-quality appearance.
Characteristics
- Perfect striping
- Maximum red intensity
- Show quality
- Breeding premium
Grades listed from lowest to highest quality
Common Problems with Red Fancy Tiger Shrimp
- Pattern variation in offspring can frustrate selective breeders
- Some specimens may show less defined striping
- Genetic complexity makes breeding outcomes unpredictable
- Still requires careful Caridina parameters despite hybrid vigor
- Quality varies between sources - buy from reputable breeders
Troubleshooting Red Fancy 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.
Red Fancy Tiger Shrimp FAQ
Fancy Tigers are hybrids between Tiger shrimp (Caridina mariae) and Taiwan Bee varieties (Caridina cantonensis). They combine tiger striping patterns with Taiwan Bee colors. 'Fancy' refers to the enhanced coloring from Taiwan Bee genetics.
Many keepers report that Fancy Tigers show some hybrid vigor, making them slightly more forgiving than sensitive Taiwan Bee varieties. However, they still require proper Caridina care with soft, acidic water (TDS 100-150, pH 5.8-6.8).
Due to hybrid genetics, offspring patterns can be variable. Some may show strong tiger striping while others may have less defined patterns. F1 hybrids often breed relatively true, but later generations show more variation.
Yes, they can interbreed as both have Caridina genetics. Offspring will show mixed characteristics. Some breeders intentionally cross them to develop new pattern varieties, while others maintain separate pure lines.
Like all Caridina, they need soft, acidic water: 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.
Select the reddest specimens for breeding, feed color-enhancing foods with astaxanthin, maintain optimal parameters, and reduce stress. Genetics play the biggest role - high-quality breeding stock produces better results.
The color of their tiger stripes! Red Fancy Tigers have red stripes, Blue Fancy Tigers have blue stripes. Both are Tiger x Taiwan Bee hybrids with similar care requirements. Color depends on which Taiwan Bee varieties were used in the cross.
Track Your Red Fancy Tiger Shrimp Parameters
Stop guessing. Start tracking. ShrimpKeeper gives you species-specific parameter ranges, instant diagnostics, and historical graphs for your Red Fancy Tiger Shrimp colony.