Family: Caridina
Distribution: The Tiger Shrimp, one of the more popular Caridinas, originates from Southeast Asia.
PH: 6.0 – 7.5
Temperature: 20 – 24°C (68 – 75°F)
Hardness: 3 – 10 dKH
Description: The Tiger Shrimp has a yellow head and black tail, along with black stripes that stretch along its body. Males reach a smallish 2.5 cm in length; females are slightly larger at 3 cm. Mature Tiger Shrimp can display a wide range of colours ranging from green to blue – even red. Sexing can be very difficult given that males and females look almost identical, but there is one key difference: the round undercarriage under the female’s body. The male Tiger Shrimp has a straight line in this area, as well as a slightly narrower body. The Tiger Shrimp is one of the most aesthetically pleasing shrimps and, as a result, is very popular within the hobby.
Diet: The Tiger shrimp will eat regular fish food pellet, flake, algae and bio-film. It will even enjoy fresh vegetables from time to time.
Breeding: Unlike the Ninja Shrimp, the Tiger Shrimp has no larval stage. The female will produce around 20 – 25 hatchlings and, once hatched, it can be as little as a week before the female is again capable of possessing eggs. The Tiger Shrimp is very easily bred and, therefore, an excellent species for beginners.
Comments: You can house a colony of Tiger Shrimp in a 10 – 20 gallon tank. Keep the water clean and use a sponge filter to stop the tiny babies from being sucked into the filter.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: Keep Tiger Shrimp in a “shrimp only” tank; they are small and a prime target for predators.
Originally posted 2010-01-18 08:08:13. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
