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Tiger Shrimp

Caridina serrata

Also known as: Orange Eye Tiger, Orange Eye Tiger Shrimp

Bold tiger stripes and easy care make this shrimp a great starting point.

Tiger Shrimp
AI-generated illustration
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© Google Gemini 2.5 Flash Image · AI-generated

About

The Tiger Shrimp (Caridina serrata) is one of the most recognizable dwarf shrimp in the freshwater hobby, named for the dark vertical banding that runs across its pale body in a pattern that really does resemble tiger stripes. Depending on the variant you come across, those bands can range from deep black to reddish-brown, and the eyes often carry an orange tint that gives the Orange Eye Tiger form its name. They originate from streams and rivers in Asia, where they graze constantly on biofilm, algae, and organic debris. A feeding habit they carry right into the aquarium. In a well-established tank with plenty of surface area for biofilm to grow, Tiger Shrimp settle in quickly and breed readily, which makes them a genuinely rewarding choice for keepers who are new to shrimp keeping. They are peaceful by nature and do well in groups, where you get to watch the full social activity of a busy colony. Foraging, molting, and the occasional scramble when a female drops eggs. A mature, cycled tank with stable water conditions is really the main thing they ask for, and once that foundation is in place, these shrimp tend to look after themselves.

Frequently asked questions

What water parameters does the Tiger Shrimp need?
The Tiger Shrimp does best with a temperature of 65–80°F, a pH of 6–7.5, hardness around 4–8 dGH.
Is the Tiger Shrimp aggressive?
The Tiger Shrimp is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
What does the Tiger Shrimp eat?
The Tiger Shrimp is an omnivore. It does well on a varied diet of quality flake or pellet plus occasional frozen or live foods.