Fancy Black Tiger Shrimp (Caridina sp. “Black Tiger”) – SS Grade

For the safety of these shrimp and your investment, we only ship this species exclusively via UPS 1 Day Service. If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS 1 Day as a shipping option during checkout.

The Fancy Black Tiger Shrimp is a rare and visually striking freshwater Caridina shrimp known for its deep black body coloration, sharp leg banding, and unique tiger-style markings. The SS Grade variety features a bolder, more consistent black with excellent contrast, making it a premium choice for experienced shrimp keepers and aquascapers looking for a dramatic centerpiece shrimp.

What We Love About This Shrimp:

• Stunning Black Coloration: SS Grade shrimp show rich, velvety black bodies with defined markings.
• Tiger Patterning: Classic banding that gives these shrimp their “Tiger” name.
• Great for Advanced Hobbyists: A rare Caridina shrimp with show-quality appeal.
• Peaceful and Active: Always grazing and exploring their environment.

Natural Habitat:

While the Fancy Black Tiger Shrimp is a selectively bred variety, its wild ancestors originate from soft, acidic freshwater habitats in Southeast Asia. These areas are typically shaded with dense leaf litter and minimal flow, creating a calm, tannin-rich environment ideal for shrimp.

Aquascaping Recommendations:

• Plants: Java Moss, Bucephalandra, Subwassertang, Anubias Nana Petite
• Hardscape: Malaysian Driftwood, Cholla Wood, Dragon Stone
• Botanicals: Indian Almond Leaves, Alder Cones, Catappa Bark – all help provide biofilm and stabilize water chemistry

Diet and Feeding:

Fancy Black Tiger Shrimp are excellent scavengers that feed on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter in the aquarium. For a well-rounded and nutrient-rich diet, we recommend rotating the following foods:

• Aquatic Arts Snowflake Shrimp Food
• Aquatic Arts Pollen Granules
• Aquatic Arts Algae Wafers
• Blanched vegetables such as spinach or zucchini (offered sparingly)

A varied diet helps support healthy molting, reproduction, and color vibrancy.

Tank Mates and Compatibility:

These shrimp do best in species-only or shrimp-focused tanks. Suitable tank mates include small, peaceful nano fish like chili rasboras, as well as other non-aggressive Caridina. Avoid keeping them with large or predatory fish.

Shrimp Safe:

Yes, though mixing with other Caridina types may result in interbreeding. Keep this in mind if you're working on maintaining a pure colony.

Breeding:

Breeding Fancy Black Tiger Shrimp is possible in a stable, mature tank with soft, acidic water. Females carry fertilized eggs under their abdomen for 3–4 weeks until hatching. Ensure lots of moss, botanicals, and hiding spots for shrimplets to thrive.

Recommended Tank Parameters:

• Temperature: 68° - 74° F (20° - 23° C)
• pH: 5.5 - 6.5
• KH: 0 - 2
• GH: 4 - 6
• TDS: 100 - 160 ppm
• Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons (10+ gallons preferred for colonies)

Care Guidelines:

• Diet: Biofilm, algae, and high-quality shrimp foods like Aquatic Arts Snowflake, Pollen Granules, and Algae Wafers
• Social Behavior: Peaceful; best in groups of 5 or more
• Origin: Tank-bred (SS Grade)
• Average Adult Size: 1 – 1.25 inches (2.5 – 3.2 cm)
• Average Purchase Size: 0.5 – 0.75 inches (1.3 – 1.9 cm)

Bring mystery and elegance to your shrimp tank with SS Grade Fancy Black Tiger Shrimp—a must-have for advanced aquarists and serious Caridina collectors.