Red Tupfel Shrimp
Caridina serrata
The Red Tupfel Shrimp is a selectively bred color morph of the wild Tupfel (Spotted) Shrimp (Caridina serrata). They feature a translucent body with striking red spots. They are closely related to Tiger and Bee shrimp but are generally considered slightly more hardy and forgiving of water parameters. They thrive in established nano setups with plenty of biofilm to graze on.
Red Tupfel Shrimp At a Glance
Red Tupfel Shrimp Tank Requirements
Will Red Tupfel Shrimp fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Red Tupfel Shrimp needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Red Tupfel Shrimp against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Red Tupfel Shrimp Water Parameters
Red Tupfel Shrimp Temperament & Compatibility
Red Tupfel Shrimp Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Red Tupfel
The specific red-spotted morph of Caridina serrata. Highly sought after for its delicate red pattern on a translucent body.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Red Spotted Shrimp, Red Tüpfel
Standard (Wild Type Tupfel)
The natural wild-type coloration, featuring dark/brownish scattered spots over a clear or slightly tinted body.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Tüpfel, Spotted Shrimp, Wild Type Caridina
Tangerine Tiger
A popular bright orange/yellow morph of Caridina serrata. Shares the same hardiness and water parameter requirements.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Golden Tiger, Orange Tiger Shrimp
Red Tupfel Shrimp Care Guide Summary
The Red Tupfel Shrimp, scientifically known as Caridina serrata, belongs to the Invertebrates family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 3 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Red Tupfel Shrimp requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 19 litres and a tank length of at least 30 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 18°C and 25°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 4–10 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Red Tupfel Shrimp is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 3 varieties: Red Tupfel, Standard (Wild Type Tupfel), and Tangerine Tiger. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Red Tupfel Shrimp Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Red Tupfel Shrimp, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat, an established tank with natural algae growth, as they depend on it as a primary food source, and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress.
Red Tupfel Shrimp Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Red Tupfel Shrimp is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Red Tupfel Shrimp Is Actually For
Red Tupfel Shrimp is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide a keeper who can commit to a proper group of at least 6. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially established algae.
The most common mistake is buying Red Tupfel Shrimp for looks first and only later discovering how its adult size, behavior, or bioload changes the whole tank plan. Another frequent problem is underestimating its social needs. A token pair or trio often behaves very differently from a real group.
Red Tupfel Shrimp Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Red Tupfel Shrimp.
5 Gallon
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
Show 27 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Tupfel Shrimp
How big does Red Tupfel Shrimp get?
Red Tupfel Shrimp (Caridina serrata) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 3 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Red Tupfel Shrimp need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 19 litres and a tank length of at least 30 cm are recommended for Red Tupfel Shrimp. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Red Tupfel Shrimp need?
Red Tupfel Shrimp thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 18–25°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 4–10 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Red Tupfel Shrimp peaceful or aggressive?
Red Tupfel Shrimp is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 0 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Red Tupfel Shrimp should be kept together?
Red Tupfel Shrimp is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Red Tupfel Shrimp have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Red Tupfel Shrimp benefits from established algae (otocinclus), plants - densely covered, and leaf litter/blackwater in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 11, 2026
- Last updated
- May 11, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Red Tupfel Shrimp
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Red Tupfel Shrimp based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Japanese Ricefish (Medaka)
Oryzias latipes
Ideal Tank MatesScissortail Rasbora
Rasbora trilineata
Ideal Tank MatesRosy Red Minnow / Fathead Minnow
Pimephales promelas
Ideal Tank MatesRose Danio
Danio roseus
Ideal Tank MatesTrapdoor Snail
Cipangopaludina chinensis
Ideal Tank MatesWestern Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia australis
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Red Tupfel Shrimp
These plants pair well with Red Tupfel Shrimp based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Carolina Fanwort
Cabomba caroliniana
Fish Similar to Red Tupfel Shrimp
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
Caridina cantonensis
A sensitive, highly prized dwarf shrimp species known for its vivid red/white or black/white banding. Unlike the hardy Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina), Bee Shrimp require cool, soft, acidic water and typically require active buffering soil to thrive. They are peaceful grazers perfect for specific biotope setups.
Tiger Shrimp
Caridina mariae
A highly popular dwarf shrimp species known for the distinct dark striping across its back. Originally from Southern China, they have been selectively bred into several striking color morphs. They are peaceful algae-eaters and detritivores, but like most Caridina species, they require stable water parameters, mature tanks, and no predatory fish.
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Caridina sp. Red Goldflake
The Red Goldflake Shrimp is a stunning but delicate freshwater invertebrate native to the ancient lakes of Sulawesi, Indonesia. It features a dark maroon base color heavily speckled with brilliant golden flecks. As a Sulawesi species, it strictly requires highly stable, warm, alkaline water with specific mineral content to thrive. They feed continuously on biofilm and algae. Highly sensitive, they are recommended only for advanced shrimp keepers.
Yellow Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi var. yellow
A bright yellow color morph of the extremely popular and hardy Neocaridina dwarf shrimp. They are completely peaceful scavengers that excel at cleaning up uneaten food and biofilm. They reproduce readily in freshwater aquariums but are highly vulnerable to predation by most fish. They thrive in colonies and should be kept in groups.
Bee Shrimp
Caridina logemanni
A highly prized dwarf freshwater shrimp known for its striking opaque color bands. Native to streams in Southern China, they require specific parameters to thrive: cool, highly oxygenated, acidic, and very soft water. This is usually achieved using RO (Reverse Osmosis) water remineralized with specific shrimp salts and active buffering soil. They are highly sensitive to nitrogen spikes and copper, and are extremely vulnerable to fish predation.
Ninja Shrimp
Caridina serratirostris
The Ninja Shrimp is a fascinating, completely peaceful dwarf shrimp named for its rapid, darting movements and unique ability to quickly change color (from black and brown to red, blue, or translucent) to camouflage with its surroundings. Unlike Neocaridina, their larvae require brackish water to survive, meaning they will not reproduce and overpopulate a freshwater aquarium.