Formerly classified under Caridina cantonensis cf. “Blue Tiger”, the tiger shrimp has now been identified as a distinct species named Caridina mariae. These blue tiger shrimp represent a selectively bred variant of their wild counterparts. Females typically reach an average size of about 3 cm, while males tend to be slightly smaller and slimmer. Their vibrant blue body coloration, paired with striking orange eyes (often abbreviated as OE), renders the Blue Tiger Shrimp highly sought after and visually captivating.

Blue Tiger Shrimp thrive well in group setups, even in tanks as small as 10 liters, though we recommend aquariums of 20 liters or more, especially for beginners. Optimal development is favored by soft, slightly acidic water with a carbonate hardness (KH) of approximately 3 to 4 degrees. If your tap water doesn’t meet these parameters, you can achieve ideal conditions through the use of osmosis water and a special hardening salt (GH/KH+). A dark substrate accentuates the shrimp’s colors beautifully and contributes to their overall well-being. When content, these shrimp exhibit intense shades of blue, ranging from vivid to deep royal blue. It’s important to note that temperatures exceeding 25°C are poorly tolerated, so consider implementing cooling measures, particularly during the summer months.

Breeding blue tiger shrimp is relatively straightforward, often occurring without much intervention from the keeper. Every 5 to 6 weeks, mating takes place, and after a few weeks of gestation, females typically release 20-40 fully developed baby shrimp. Separate breeding setups are usually unnecessary, as adult blue tiger shrimp seldom prey on their offspring. To maintain a robustly colored lineage, regular selection of breeding stock is advisable.

Blue tiger shrimp readily accept a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, tablets, specialized shrimp food, as well as frozen and live options. Protein-rich foods should be provided twice a week, supplemented with ample vegetable matter such as algae, spinach, or nettle. Brown autumn leaves can serve as a permanent food source within the aquarium, promoting healthy development and molting.

When housed with peaceful fish, crayfish, or snails, blue tiger shrimp typically coexist harmoniously, provided water parameters are compatible. For tankmates, it’s recommended to provide plenty of hiding spots in the form of mosses or small clay caves to ensure freshly molted individuals and offspring have adequate shelter. If kept alongside other shrimp species, precautions should be taken to prevent interbreeding and the formation of hybrids. Purposeful mating of tiger shrimp with bee shrimp can result in intriguing hybrids showcasing a diverse array of colors and patterns.

Profile Blue tiger shrimp OE:

Scientific Name: Caridina mariae Klotz, 2014
German Name: Blue Tiger Shrimp (OE)
Difficulty Level: Suitable for informed beginners and experienced aquarists
Origin/Distribution: South China
Coloration: Eyes range from light to orange, body displays a blue hue with distinctive black tiger stripe pattern. Females may exhibit rust-colored variations.
Age Expectancy: 18 to 24 months
Water Parameters: General Hardness (GH) 3 to 10, Carbonate Hardness (KH) 0 to 3, pH 5 to 7.5, Temperature 15 to 25°C
Tank Size: Can be housed in tanks as small as 10 liters, but we recommend a minimum size of 20 liters, especially for beginners
Food: Provide protein-rich food 1 to 2 times weekly, supplemented with predominantly vegetable-based diet (Natureholic Mainfeed)
Propagation: Relatively easy, with 20 to 40 young hatching after four to six weeks
Behavior: Peaceful
Socialization: Compatible with other shrimp species, small peaceful fish, and snails
Further Information: Includes recommendations for aquarium foliage, feeding guidelines for shrimp, crayfish, snails, and mussels, as well as tips for aspiring aquarists.