Tiger Shrimp – Caridina cf. Cantonensis “Tiger”

Common names:  Tiger Shrimp

Scientific name: Caridina cf. Cantonensis “Tiger”

Average Adult Size: 1-1.2 inches / 2-3cm

Place of origin: China

Typical tank setup: Lots of plants and wood for grazing and providing cover.

Recommended min. aquarium capacity: 8 gallons / 30 litres

Compatibility: Community shrimp, but could be seen as food by large fish.

Temp: 62 – 81 Deg F / 17 – 27 Deg C

Water chemistry: ph 6.5-7.5. Tolerable of a wide range of conditions.

Feeding: Caridina cf. Cantonensis will happily accept most tropical fish food flakes. You can supplement their diet with algae wafers as well.

Sexing: Males are generally smaller and slimmer. Females have a curved and round underbelly upon reaching adulthood making them easier to identify.

Breeding: Females can be seen carrying eggs, which then go through a larval stage once hatched.

Additional Information: The Tiger Shrimp is one of the most popular aquarium shrimp and has a tiger like appearance with it’s black stripes and orange head and tail. It’s popularity is also down to it’s easy care and low price compared to some of the other shrimps available in the hobby. Having said that care should be taken not to overfeed and good water quality must be provided for them to thrive. Breeding is relatively easy also but again water quality is a key element.