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.
Tiger Shrimp At a Glance
Tiger Shrimp Tank Requirements
Will Tiger Shrimp fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Tiger Shrimp needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Tiger Shrimp against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Tiger Shrimp Water Parameters
Tiger Shrimp Temperament & Compatibility
Tiger Shrimp Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard (Wild Type)
The wild-type morph features a transparent to slightly amber body with prominent thin black or dark brown stripes. The most hardy of the Tiger variants.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Normal Tiger, Wild Tiger Shrimp
Orange Eyed Blue Tiger (OEBT)
A striking and highly prized selectively bred morph. They feature a deep, solid blue body, dark tiger stripes, and contrasting bright orange eyes. They are somewhat more sensitive to water parameter swings than the wild type.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: OEBT, Blue Tiger Shrimp, Royal Blue Tiger
Super Tiger
Selectively bred for much wider, thicker black stripes than the standard form, often with contrasting bright orange accents on the tail and rostrum.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Super Tiger Shrimp
Tiger Shrimp Care Guide Summary
The Tiger Shrimp, scientifically known as Caridina mariae, belongs to the Invertebrates family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 2.5 cm and have a compressed body shape with a fast 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 Tiger 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 20°C and 25°C, with a pH range of 6–7.4 and a general hardness of 4–8 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Tiger Shrimp is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 3 varieties: Standard (Wild Type), Orange Eyed Blue Tiger (OEBT), and Super 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.
Tiger Shrimp Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Tiger 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 smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, 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.
Tiger Shrimp Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Tiger Shrimp is a social species that requires the company of its own kind to thrive. When choosing tankmates, boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Tiger Shrimp Is Actually For
Tiger 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 5. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially established algae.
The most common mistake is buying Tiger 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.
Tiger Shrimp Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Tiger 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 Tiger Shrimp
How big does Tiger Shrimp get?
Tiger Shrimp (Caridina mariae) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 2.5 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a fast growth rate.
What tank size does Tiger Shrimp need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 19 litres and a tank length of at least 30 cm are recommended for Tiger Shrimp. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Tiger Shrimp need?
Tiger Shrimp thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 20–25°C, a pH between 6 and 7.4, and a general hardness of 4–8 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Tiger Shrimp peaceful or aggressive?
Tiger Shrimp is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 0 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Tiger Shrimp live alone?
No, Tiger Shrimp should be kept in groups of at least 5 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.
Does Tiger Shrimp have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Tiger Shrimp benefits from established algae (otocinclus), plants - densely covered, and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) 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 Tiger Shrimp
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Tiger Shrimp based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Clown Killifish
Epiplatys annulatus
Ideal Tank MatesPurple Zebra Shrimp
Potamalpheops sp.
Ideal Tank MatesGarnet Tetra
Hemigrammus pulcher
Ideal Tank MatesCrying Whiptail
Loricaria sp. "Rio Atabapo"
Ideal Tank MatesLoricaria lentiginosa
Loricaria lentiginosa
Ideal Tank MatesGoby Pleco (Pitbull Pleco)
Parotocinclus jumbo
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Tiger Shrimp
These plants pair well with Tiger 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 Tiger Shrimp
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.
Brown Camo Shrimp
Caridina babaulti var. Brown
The Brown Camo Shrimp (Caridina babaulti) is a fascinating dwarf shrimp known for its ability to rapidly change color to match its surroundings, much like a chameleon. They are excellent scavengers and algae grazers. Unlike some highly sensitive Caridina species (like Crystal Reds), Babaulti are relatively hardy and can adapt to a wider range of water parameters, making them a great choice for planted nano tanks.
Orange Delight Shrimp
Caridina loehae
An advanced-level, delicate dwarf shrimp native to the ancient Malili lake system in Sulawesi, Indonesia. Scientifically described as Caridina loehae, they are characterized by their bright orange bodies and white dashes. They require highly stable, warm (26-29°C), and alkaline water mirroring their native ancient lakes. They are peaceful biofilm grazers that will not survive in standard freshwater conditions.
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.
Tiger Pleco (L002)
Panaqolus sp. L002
The L002 Tiger Pleco is a striking dwarf species of wood-eating catfish (Panaqolus). Characterized by high-contrast yellow and dark brown banded patterns, it is an excellent bottom dweller for smaller aquariums. As a xylophagous (wood-eating) species, it absolutely requires natural driftwood in the aquarium for grazing, digestion, and shelter.