Tiger Shrimp
Caridina cantonensis tiger
Family: Atyidae • Origin: Various
Tiger Shrimp (Caridina cantonensis tiger) is a peaceful shrimp reaching 1.3 inches. Keep in groups of 6+. Minimum tank: 5 gallons.
Is Tiger Shrimp Right for Your Tank?
Tiger Shrimp is an excellent choice for beginners — rated "intermediate" difficulty (2/5). They're hardy, forgiving of minor water parameter fluctuations, and generally easy to feed. At just 5 gallons minimum, they work well in nano tanks and smaller setups.
With a peaceful temperament, Tiger Shrimp makes a great community fish. They coexist well with other non-aggressive species of similar size. This is a schooling species — keep at least 6 together, or they may become stressed and display abnormal behavior. Expected lifespan: 2 years with proper care.
Common Mistakes with Tiger Shrimp
Keeping fewer than 6 together
Tiger Shrimp is a schooling species — they need a group of at least 6 to feel secure. Lone or paired individuals become stressed, hide constantly, and may develop health issues or aggression.
Putting them in a tank under 5 gallons
While 5 gallons is the minimum, nano tanks require more frequent water changes and leave less room for error. A slightly larger tank (8 gal) is much more forgiving.
Care Tips
- • Max size: 1.3"
- • Temp: 68-76°F
- • pH: 6-7
- • Schooling: keep 6+
- • peaceful temperament
Feeding: Standard omnivore diet appropriate for Atyidae.
Compatibility Notes: Typical peaceful Atyidae species.
Tank Setup & Water Parameters
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size
- 5 gallons
- Recommended Tank Size
- 8 gallons
- Swimming Level
- bottom
- Minimum School Size
- 6+ fish
Water Parameters
- Temperature
- 68–76°F
- pH Range
- 6–7
- Hardness (dGH)
- 5–15
- Water Type
- freshwater
Behavior & Temperament
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Aggression Level
- 1/5
- Schooling
- Yes
- Territorial
- No
- Fin Nipper
- No
- Predatory
- No
- Diet Type
- omnivore
- Growth Rate
- moderate
Typical peaceful Atyidae species.
Breeding
- Breeding Type
- egg layer
- Breeding Difficulty
- moderate
- Lifespan
- 2 years
Ideal For
Compatible Tank Mates
View all →
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
Black Skirt Tetra
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
Similar Species
Green Jade Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi var. green jade
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Blue Velvet Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi var. blue
Crystal Red Shrimp
Caridina cantonensis