Black Fancy Tiger Shrimp

Black Fancy Tiger Shrimp | Caridina cf. cantonensis sp. tiger — A Striking Striped Shrimp for Planted Aquariums

Black Fancy Tiger Shrimp is a colour variation of Tiger Shrimp, a peaceful species native to clean, oxygen-rich waters in Asia, particularly South China. Its transparent or clear brown body typically has 5–6 dark vertical stripes, with yellow colouring on the head and tail. Other colour variations include blue and red.

A planted aquarium with clean, oxygen-rich water provides a suitable environment. Floating plants help dim the lighting, and regular weekly water changes support water quality. Tiger Shrimp are omnivorous and can be fed shrimp food and boiled vegetables.

Specifications

• Common name: Black Fancy Tiger Shrimp
• Scientific name: Caridina cf. cantonensis sp. tiger
• Origin: Asia, particularly South China
• Appearance: Transparent or clear brown body with 5–6 dark vertical stripes; yellow head and tail colouring
• Colour variation: Black
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Minimum aquarium size: 20 litres
• Temperature: 20–27°C
• pH: 6.5–7.2
• Water hardness: 5–7 °NK
• Water changes: 20–30% weekly
• Diet: Omnivorous; shrimp food and boiled vegetables
• Breeding: Females carry around 20–25 eggs; juvenile patterns become visible at about one month, and shrimp reach sexual maturity at around four months
• Life expectancy: 1–2 years

How to Keep Black Fancy Tiger Shrimp

1. Choose a suitable aquarium: Use an aquarium of at least 20 litres.
2. Add plants and floating cover: Provide plenty of plants and use floating plants to soften the lighting.
3. Maintain clean, oxygen-rich water: Keep the water within the recommended ranges of 20–27°C, pH 6.5–7.2 and hardness 5–7 °NK.
4. Change water regularly: Replace 20–30% of the water each week to support good water quality.
5. Offer a varied diet: Feed shrimp food and boiled vegetables.

Care & Maintenance Tips

• Keep water clean and oxygen-rich.
• Maintain the recommended weekly water-change routine.
• Use plants and floating cover to create a suitable aquarium environment.
• Watch for females carrying eggs and allow young shrimp time to develop their striped pattern.