Fancy Tiger Shrimps

Fancy Tiger Shrimp

Elevate your aquarium’s allure with the exquisite Fancy Tiger Shrimp, a harmonious blend of vibrant coloration and striking patterns.

Description

The Fancy Tiger Shrimp (Caridina mariae) is a captivating freshwater species resulting from the selective breeding of Crystal Red Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis) and Tiger Shrimp (Caridina mariae). This hybrid showcases the vivid red and white coloration of the Crystal Red parent, complemented by the distinctive tiger-like striping inherited from the Tiger Shrimp lineage. Such unique aesthetics make the Fancy Tiger Shrimp a prized addition for aquarists seeking both beauty and diversity in their tanks.

Features

• Size: Attains an adult size of approximately 1.2 inches (3 cm).

• Lifespan: Typically lives between 1 to 2 years under optimal conditions.

• Temperament: Peaceful and sociable; thrives in community tanks with non-aggressive species.

• Diet: Omnivorous scavengers that feed on biofilm, algae, and high-quality shrimp pellets.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 68F to 77F (20C to 25C)

  • pH Level: 6.0 to 7.0

  • General Hardness (GH): 4 to 6

  • Carbonate Hardness (KH): 0 to 1

  • Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): 100 to 180 ppm

Why Choose Fancy Tiger Shrimp?

• Aesthetic Appeal: Their unique combination of bold stripes and vibrant colors adds a dynamic visual element to any aquarium setup.

• Active Algae Eaters: Contribute to maintaining a clean tank environment by feeding on algae and detritus.

• Breeding Potential: With proper care, they can reproduce in captivity, allowing enthusiasts to cultivate their own colonies.

Compatible Plants

Incorporating live plants enhances the habitat for Fancy Tiger Shrimp, providing shelter and surfaces for biofilm growth. Consider adding:

• Java Moss: Offers excellent cover and promotes biofilm development, a natural food source.

• Anubias Nana: Provides sturdy leaves for grazing and adds aesthetic value.

• Cryptocoryne: Adds variety and additional hiding spots, contributing to a stress-free environment.

Recommended Products

To ensure the health and vitality of your Fancy Tiger Shrimp, consider the following:

• Shrimp Pellets: Specially formulated to meet the dietary needs of freshwater shrimp, ensuring balanced nutrition.

• Water Conditioners: Essential for maintaining optimal water parameters and removing harmful substances.

• Aquarium Test Kits: Regular monitoring of water quality parameters like pH, GH, KH, and TDS is crucial for shrimp care.

Care Sheet

• Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended to provide ample space and stable water conditions.

• Substrate: Utilizing an active or buffering substrate helps maintain the slightly acidic pH preferred by Fancy Tiger Shrimp.

• Filtration: Gentle filtration, such as sponge filters, prevents strong currents and ensures safety for shrimp.

• Tank Mates: Ideal companions include other peaceful, small species like neon tetras, guppies, and non-aggressive invertebrates. Avoid housing with large or predatory species.

• Maintenance: Regular water changes of 10-20% weekly are essential to maintain water quality and remove excess nutrients.

FAQs

• Are Fancy Tiger Shrimp suitable for beginners? Due to their specific water parameter requirements and sensitivity, they are better suited for intermediate to advanced aquarists.

• How often should I feed my shrimp? Provide small amounts of food 1-2 times daily, ensuring they consume it within 2-3 hours to prevent overfeeding and water quality issues.

• Can they be bred in captivity? Yes, with optimal water conditions and proper care, Fancy Tiger Shrimp can breed in home aquariums.

• Do they require a heater? Depending on ambient room temperature, a heater may be necessary to maintain stable temperatures within their preferred range.

• Will they interbreed with other shrimp species? Fancy Tiger Shrimp may interbreed with other Caridina species, which can result in hybrid offspring. It’s advisable to house them separately if maintaining pure strains is desired.

By providing a well-maintained environment and attentive care, your Fancy Tiger Shrimp will thrive, adding both beauty and ecological balance to your aquarium.

Note: Fancy Tiger Shrimps come in Fancy Red, Fancy Black and mixed colors