Family: Caridina
Distribution: Caridina cf. cantonensis, or Blue Tiger Shrimp, have their origins in southern China.
PH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 15– 27°C (59 – 81°F)
Hardness: 3 – 6 dH (General Hardness); 1 – 2 dH (Carbonate Hardness)
Description: Blue Tigers have only recently been introduced to the hobby. This small shrimp, which reaches 3 cm in length at best, has a blue colouring to go with its bright orange eyes. Not all offspring will have the blue colouration, but they will definitely have the orange eyes. They can be anywhere from a very light to very dark blue. Females are slightly larger with a curved underbelly and, in many cases, are darker than the males.
Diet: Blue Tiger Shrimp will eat spinach, zucchini and algae, among other foods.
Breeding: Caridina sp. cantonensis are a reasonably difficult species to breed. Strict attention must be paid to its favoured water conditions because the Black Tiger is fragile due to poor genetics. The sexually mature female may display a saddle if her colouration is good.
Comments: Try not to change the water temperature and chemistry too often. Black Tigers should be kept in a tank anywhere between 40 – 90 litres. It is a difficult species to maintain and should only be attempted by experienced hobbyists.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: This shrimp is easy to maintain but should not be housed with large, aggressive fish. It will get along easily with other dwarf shrimp, including the Amano Shrimp, Bumblebee Shrimp and the Bamboo Shrimp.
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