The Black Tiger Shrimp is a beautiful and peaceful shrimp that is easy to care for and will make a wonderful addition to any freshwater aquarium setup. It is an omnivorous shrimp that will eat a variety of foods, including algae, detritus, and small insects. It is tolerant of a wide range of water conditions and does not require special care. The Black Tiger Shrimp is a popular shrimp for both beginner and experienced shrimp keepers.
Black Tiger Shrimp Key Care Stats
| Scientific name: | Caridina cf. cantonensis |
| Other name: | Crystal Black shrimp, Tiger shrimp, OEBT |
| Care level: | Easy |
| Adult size: | 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) |
| Life expectancy: | 2–5 years |
| Minimum tank size: | 5–10 gallons |
| Tank set-up: | Freshwater |
| Water pH: | 6.5–7.5 |
| Temperature: | 65–78 °F (18–25 °C) |
| Behavior: | Peaceful |
| Best kept: | In groups of 6 or more |
| Recommended diet: | Omnivore |
Where Do They Come From?
The Black Tiger Shrimp is native to the Pearl River Delta in China. The shrimp can also be found in the wild in Taiwan, Vietnam, and Laos. They are popular aquarium shrimp and are often bred in captivity.
How Long Do Black Tiger Shrimp Live for?
The average lifespan of a Black Tiger Shrimp is 1 – 2 years. But, with proper care, they can live up to 3-5 years. For more information on how to care for your shrimp, see this care guide below.
How Big do Black Tigers Grow?
The average size of a Black Tiger Shrimp is 1.5 – 2.0 inches (3.8 – 5.1 cm). The maximum size of a black tiger shrimp is 2.5 inches (6.4 cm). Also, the female BTS is typically larger than the male. This is because the female Black Tiger Shrimp has to carry eggs which increases her size.
Black Tiger Shrimp Anatomy, Appearance, & Varieties
Black Tiger shrimp are part of the neocaridina family tree, which includes over 100 different species of shrimp. This family is further divided into two subfamilies: the caridina and the neocaridina. Black Tiger shrimp belong to the caridina subfamily, which includes approximately 60 different species of shrimp. Caridina shrimp are typically larger and have a more slender body than neocaridina shrimp.
The Black Tiger shrimp (Caridina cf. cantonensis) is a freshwater dwarf shrimp that is native to China. It is a popular aquarium shrimp and is also used in the food industry. The Black Tiger shrimp has a black body with white stripes and is named for its tiger-like appearance. There are also several other types of similar shrimp, such as the Red Cherry shrimp and the Yellow shrimp, that are often confused with the Black Tiger shrimp.
Male and Female Difference
Males are typically smaller than females and have narrower tails. They also tend to be more aggressive than females and are more likely to fight with each other.
Females, on the other hand, are typically larger than males and have wider tails. The female Black Tiger shrimp has a larger and more rounded abdomen that is full of eggs. They are also typically more docile than males and are less likely to fight with each other.
So, if you are looking for a peaceful community tank, it is best to go with all females or a mix of males and females with more females than males.
Black Tiger Shrimp Care & Tank Requirements
This is a beautiful freshwater shrimp that is originally from China. This species does well in a community tank with other peaceful fish and invertebrates. This shrimp is a hardy shrimp that is easy to care for and can live in a wide range of water conditions.
The Best Aquarium Size for Black Tiger Shrimps
The minimum tank size for black tiger shrimp is 5 gallons (19 liters), this is because they are very small shrimp. A 5-gallon tank can house around 10–20 black tiger shrimp. If you want to keep a larger group of black tiger shrimp, then you will need a bigger tank. A 10-gallon tank can house around 20–40 black tiger shrimp. A 20-gallon tank can house around 40-80 black tiger shrimp. The bigger the tank, the better, black tiger shrimp do best in a planted tank with plenty of hiding places. Also, the more black tiger shrimp you have, the more waste they will produce, so you will need to make more water changes to keep the water clean.
Water Parameters
The Black Tiger Shrimp can live in a wide range of water parameters, but they prefer water that is slightly acidic with a pH of 6.5–7.5. The ideal water temperature for this species is 68–77 degrees Fahrenheit. The Black Tiger Shrimp can also tolerate a wide range of water hardness levels, but they prefer soft to medium hardness water.
This shrimp does not need a strong water current in their tank, but they do need some movement to keep the water oxygenated. Also, make sure to do regular water changes to keep the water clean and free of ammonia and nitrites. You can do it at least 10–20% every 2 weeks or 30–50% once a month. So, your shrimp will stay healthy and happy!
Filtration
The Black Tiger Shrimp is a peaceful shrimp that does well in a community tank with other peaceful fish and invertebrates. This species does well in a wide range of water conditions and does not require a special diet or filtration. However, it is important to maintain clean water conditions in the tank to prevent the spread of disease.
A good filtration system will help to keep the water clean and provide a healthy environment for the shrimp. Also, be careful when choosing a filter for your shrimp tank, as some filters can be too strong and suck up the shrimp. It is best to use a sponge filter or a canister filter with a low flow rate.
Do Black Tiger Shrimp Need Air Pump?
No, they does not need an air pump, but it is recommended to have one in your tank to help keep the water oxygenated. If you do not have an air pump, you can simply do weekly water changes to help keep the tank oxygenated.
Aquarium Lighting
The tiger shrimp do not require special lighting and can live in a wide range of lighting conditions. This species does best in a low to the moderate-light aquarium. But if you have a high-light aquarium, you can still keep this species as long as you provide them with plenty of hiding places and plants to help them feel comfortable. Other than that, any type of lighting will do as long as it is not too bright.
Plants and Decorations
This species does not require any special plants or decorations. However, it is always a good idea to provide plenty of hiding places for your shrimp. Driftwood, rocks, and aquarium-safe plants are all great options for providing hiding places for your shrimp.
What’s the Best Substrate for Black Tiger Shrimps?
The shrimp does well in a variety of substrates. A good option for this shrimp is a sandy substrate with some rocks and driftwood for decoration. The best substrate for this shrimp is fine-grained sand that is not too dense. Also, make sure that the substrate does not have any sharp edges that could injure the shrimp.
Food & Diet
The Black Tiger Shrimp is a very active shrimp and is known for its voracious appetite. This is a very hardy shrimp and can live in a wide range of water conditions.
This is an omnivore and will eat a wide variety of food. It is important to provide a varied diet that includes both plant and animal matter. A good quality shrimp food or sinking pellet food will provide the necessary nutrients. You can also supplement the diet with blanched vegetables, frozen food, and live food.
What Can I Feed Black Tiger Shrimp?
The Black Tiger Shrimp is a color variation of the Cantonensis species of shrimp. The diet of the Black Tiger Shrimp is similar to that of other Cantonensis shrimp. The shrimp is a scavenger and will feed on just about anything. The diet of the shrimp should include:
- Vegetables. Black Tiger Shrimp are fond of vegetables. Some of the best vegetables for them include zucchini, cucumber, broccoli, spinach, kale, and cabbage.
- Fruits. Fruits such as apples, bananas, grapes, and melon are also enjoyed by Black Tiger Shrimp.
- Protein. Black Tiger Shrimp also require protein in their diet. This can be provided in the form of cooked meat, fish, insects, and other shrimp.
- Commercial diets. There are also many commercial diets available that are specially formulated for shrimp. These diets usually contain a mix of all the necessary nutrients that shrimp need.
Also, remember, like all animals, each shrimp’s nutritional requirements can vary slightly. It is best to provide a variety of foods to ensure that your shrimp are getting all the nutrients they need.
How Often Do Black Tiger Shrimp Need to Be Fed?
The Black Tiger shrimp should be fed 2-3 times a week. The shrimp will eat just about anything, so there is no need to worry about overfeeding them. Also, since they are scavengers, they will help keep the tank clean.
How Long Can a Black Tiger Shrimp Go Without Food?
A Black Tiger shrimp can go without food for a couple of days. If the shrimp does not have access to food, it will start to slow down and eventually die. One of the best ways to keep your shrimp healthy is to make sure there is always food available for them. The automatic feeder is a great way to do this.
Behavior & Temperament
The Black Tiger Shrimp is a peaceful, active little shrimp that is a great addition to any nano aquarium. They are one of the few shrimp that can be kept with fish that won’t eat them, and they are also one of the few shrimp that can be kept with other shrimp. They are very easy to care for and are very hardy.
The Black Tiger Shrimp is a peaceful and social shrimp that does well in groups. They are peaceful towards other shrimp and will not bother inverts or plants. These tiger shrimp are very active and love to explore their surroundings. They are also known to be very good at cleaning up algae in the aquarium.
The Black Tiger Shrimp is a peaceful species that is a great addition to any aquarium with shrimp. They are known to be very active and peaceful with each other and other shrimp. They may occasionally show aggression in the form of chasing each other. So, be sure to provide plenty of places for them to hide, such as plants, rocks, and driftwood.
Good Tank Mates
The Tiger shrimp can be kept with other peaceful shrimp and fish. They make great tank mates with other Caridina shrimp, such as Crystal Red shrimp, Snowball shrimp, and Panda shrimp. They can also be kept with small peaceful fish. Here is a list of good tank mates for Black Tiger Shrimp:
- Crystal Red shrimp
- Snowball shrimp
- Panda shrimp
- Rasboras
The best way to avoid problems with tank mates is to choose shrimp and fish that have similar needs in terms of water parameters and diet.
Unsafe Tank Mates
Black Tiger Shrimp are not aggressive and get along well with most tank mates. However, there are a few exceptions. Avoid keeping them with fish that are known to eat shrimp, such as certain species of Tetras, Barbs, and Gouramis. It is also best to avoid keeping them with larger, more aggressive shrimp such as Crystal Red shrimp. Here is a list of safe tank mates for this shrimp:
- Tiger Barb
- Silver Barb
- Green Neon Tetra
- Cardinal Tetra
- Penguin Tetra
- Harlequin Rasbora
- Corydoras Catfish
- Otocinclus Catfish
- Gouramis
If you are unsure whether a particular fish is safe to keep with Black Tiger Shrimp, it is always best to do your research before adding it to your tank.
Black Tiger Shrimp Breeding
The Black Tiger shrimp is a very popular shrimp in the aquarium trade. They are originally from Southeast Asia, and their natural habitats are brackish to saltwater areas. Black Tiger shrimp are known for their black and white striped pattern and their hardiness. They are also very easy to breed in captivity.
Black Tiger shrimp are not sexually dimorphic, which means that you cannot tell the males from the females just by looking at them. The only way to breed them is by looking at their reproductive organs. The males have a long and slender first set of pleopods (swimmerets), while the females have a shorter and thicker first set of pleopods.
The Black Tiger shrimp is a substrate spawner, which means that the female shrimp will lay her eggs on the substrate (rocks, gravel, sand, etc.), and the male shrimp will fertilize them. The eggs will hatch in about 2 weeks, and the baby shrimp will be called “larvae”. The larvae will go through several stages of development before they become juvenile shrimp. The whole process from egg to juvenile shrimp takes about 2 months.
Black Tiger shrimp are very easy to breed in captivity, and they will often breed on their own without any intervention from the aquarist. However, if you want to maximize the number of baby shrimp that are born, there are a few things that you can do.
First, you should make sure that the female shrimp has plenty of food to eat. A well-fed female shrimp will be much more likely to produce a large number of eggs. Second, you should make sure that the water quality in the aquarium is very good. Good water quality is essential for the health of the shrimp and the eggs. Third, you should provide the shrimp with plenty of hiding places. Hiding places are important because they give the shrimp a place to feel safe and secure.
FAQs on How to Care for Black Tiger Shrimp
How many Black Tiger shrimps can I keep in a 10-gallon tank?
A maximum of 10–15 Black Tiger shrimps can be kept in a 10-gallon tank. So, if you are planning to keep more than 15 shrimp, it is recommended to purchase a larger tank.
Are Black Tiger shrimp farm-raised?
Yes, most Black Tiger shrimp are farm-raised. They are typically raised in freshwater ponds in Asia.
Why is Black Tiger Shrimp Expensive?
The Black Tiger shrimp is an uncommon species of shrimp that is only found in certain parts of the world. They are not as easily bred in captivity as other species of shrimp, which contributes to their higher price tag.
Closing Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoyed this care guide for the Black Tiger Shrimp. They are a bit more delicate than some other species of shrimp, but with proper care, they will thrive in your aquarium. Also, be sure to check out our other care guides for more information on keeping and breeding shrimp.
If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments below, and I will get back to you as soon as possible! Until next time, thanks for reading, and I hope you have a great day!
References:
- Neocaridina Family Tree (N. Palmata & N. Davidi): https://pin.it/yETZTNk
- Dwarf Shrimp Internal Anatomy – Shrimp and Snail Breeder: https://pin.it/1dyeo40
- Breeding and Life Cycle of Neocaridina denticulata sinensis (by Nur Fatihah Abd Halid, Annie Christianus): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257465395_Breeding_and_Life_Cycle_of_Neocaridina_denticulata_sinensis_Kemp_1918
