Family: Caridina
Distribution: The Red Tiger Shrimp is distributed in wild Chinese streams.
PH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 15 – 27°C (59 – 81°F)
Hardness: 3 – 10 dKH
Description: This Caridina shrimp has red stripes, black eyes and an orange or yellow tail. Males are 2.5 cm in length; females are slightly larger at 3 cm. It is so far unknown as to why the Red Tiger has red stripes and its cousin, the Tiger Shrimp, doesn’t. Females of this species have a curved underbelly which makes sexing easy, but both males and females display the same intense red-striped colouration.
Diet: The Red Tiger Shrimp will accept any shrimp food: spinach, shrimp pellets, fish flakes, bloodworms, etc. Be careful not to overfeed this shrimp; shrimps are scavengers and, as such, do not need a constant food source.
Breeding: Females will produce 20 -25 hatchlings and can take as little as a week to have eggs again after hatching. This species breeds identically to the normal Tiger Shrimp, and has no larval stage. Females will produce around 20 – 25 hatchlings and are capable of possessing eggs again as little as a week later. The Red Tiger Shrimp is easily bred, easy to look after and, therefore, an excellent species for beginners.
Comments: This species differs only in colour to the Tiger Shrimp, so treat accordingly. A colony of Red Tiger Shrimp can be housed in a 10 – 20 gallon tank. Be vigilant with your water levels – the cleaner the better – and consider using a sponge filter to stop the tiny babies from being sucked away.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: A one-species tank is recommended for this tiny, placid shrimp; it is small and a prime target for predators.
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