About Super Tiger Shrimp
Super Tiger shrimp represent the enhanced version of wild-type Tiger shrimp, selectively bred for bold, dramatic stripe patterns. While wild Tiger shrimp display relatively subtle striping, Super Tigers have been developed to maximize the contrast and definition of their tiger-like bands. The result is a visually striking shrimp that showcases the classic tiger pattern in its most impressive form. Originating from the wild Tiger shrimp populations of Southern China, Super Tigers retain the hardiness of their ancestors while displaying significantly enhanced coloration. The breeding process focused on selecting individuals with the boldest, most defined stripes and breeding them together over generations. Today's Super Tigers display dramatic dark bands on lighter backgrounds, with the best specimens showing almost zebra-like contrast. Super Tigers occupy a comfortable middle ground in the hobby - more visually impressive than basic Neocaridina but less demanding than Taiwan Bees. They're excellent for keepers who want to experience Caridina keeping without the extreme parameter precision required by Crystal shrimp or Taiwan Bee varieties. Their relatively hardy nature, combined with willingness to breed and striking appearance, makes them popular among intermediate hobbyists.
Quick Facts
Water Parameters for Super Tiger Shrimp
Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for the health and coloration of Super Tiger Shrimp.
| Parameter | Range | Optimal |
|---|---|---|
| TDS | 100-180 ppm | 120-160 ppm |
| GH | 4-7 dGH | 5-6 dGH |
| KH | 0-3 dKH | 0-2 dKH |
| pH | 6-7.2 | 6.4-6.8 |
| Temperature | 64-79°F (18-26°C) | 68-75°F |
Tank Setup for Super Tiger Shrimp
- Active substrate recommended for pH buffering
- Light-colored substrates can highlight the tiger pattern
- Heavy planting with mosses provides biofilm and hiding spots
- Sponge filters are ideal - safe for shrimplets and provide biofilm
- Include driftwood and botanicals for additional biofilm surfaces
Care Tips for Super Tiger Shrimp
- More forgiving than Taiwan Bee varieties while still requiring Caridina parameters
- RO water remineralized with Caridina-appropriate minerals is recommended
- Active substrate helps maintain the slightly acidic conditions they prefer
- Stable parameters are more important than hitting exact numbers
- Weekly water changes (10-15%) with parameter-matched water
- Avoid copper-based medications and contaminants
- Good beginner Caridina species for those ready to move beyond Neocaridina
Feeding Super Tiger Shrimp
- Feed quality shrimp-specific foods 2-3 times weekly
- Biofilm should form the primary dietary base
- Protein-rich foods support growth and stripe development
- Blanched vegetables as occasional treats
- Calcium supplements ensure healthy molting
Breeding Super Tiger Shrimp
- Prolific breeders with large clutches (20-35 eggs)
- Offspring stripe intensity varies - cull less-defined individuals to improve colony quality
- Select the boldest striped specimens for breeding
- Will breed readily without special triggers in stable conditions
- Can cross with other Tiger varieties but may dilute stripe quality
Super Tiger Shrimp Grading System
Super 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 Super Tiger
Good stripe definition with clear tiger pattern. Stripes more defined than wild-type but may have some variation.
Characteristics
- Clear tiger striping
- Good contrast
- Defined pattern
- May have minor variations
High Grade Super Tiger
Bold, well-defined stripes with excellent contrast. Consistent pattern across the body.
Characteristics
- Bold stripe definition
- Excellent contrast
- Consistent pattern
- Strong coloration
Premium Super Tiger
Maximum stripe intensity with perfect definition. Show-quality specimens with dramatic appearance.
Characteristics
- Maximum stripe intensity
- Perfect definition
- Show quality
- Dramatic contrast
Grades listed from lowest to highest quality
Common Problems with Super Tiger Shrimp
- Stripe intensity varies in offspring - requires selective breeding to maintain quality
- May fade slightly under stress or poor conditions
- Some 'super tiger' labels may be marketing for average specimens
- Can interbreed with other Tigers, potentially diluting the super trait
- Stripes may appear less bold on dark substrates due to color adaptation
Troubleshooting Super 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.
Super Tiger Shrimp FAQ
Super Tigers have been selectively bred for bold, enhanced stripe patterns. Regular wild-type Tigers have more subtle striping, while Super Tigers display dramatic, well-defined bands with strong contrast. The 'super' refers to the intensity and quality of the tiger pattern.
They're excellent for intermediate keepers - not true beginners but ideal for those with Neocaridina experience ready to try Caridina. They're hardier than Taiwan Bees while still requiring soft-water Caridina parameters. A good 'next step' species.
Stripe intensity varies in offspring. Not all will match their parents' quality. Selective breeding by keeping and breeding only the boldest-striped individuals improves colony quality over generations. Culling less-defined specimens is common practice.
Yes, they can coexist in the same tank as they share similar parameter requirements. However, they CAN interbreed, producing hybrid offspring that may not display either pattern well. Keep separate if maintaining pure breeding lines.
Active substrate is recommended but not strictly required like with Taiwan Bees. They can do well on inert substrates if water parameters are managed properly through RO remineralization. Active substrate just makes pH maintenance easier.
Select only the boldest-striped individuals for breeding and cull or separate less-defined specimens. Over generations, this selective pressure improves average colony quality. Also ensure optimal conditions - stress can cause temporary stripe fading.
Super Tigers are enhanced-stripe versions of wild-type Tiger shrimp. Fancy Tigers are specifically Tiger x Taiwan Bee hybrids bred for new pattern combinations. They have different genetics and breeding - Fancy Tigers inherit traits from both Tiger and Taiwan Bee lines.
Track Your Super Tiger Shrimp Parameters
Stop guessing. Start tracking. ShrimpKeeper gives you species-specific parameter ranges, instant diagnostics, and historical graphs for your Super Tiger Shrimp colony.