Common Name: Orange Eyed Blue Tiger
Scientific name: Caridina cf Cantonesis
Maximum Size: 2.5-3 cm
Water Parameters:
pH 5.0 - 6.5
gH 4 - 6
kH 0-4
TDS 150-259
Temperature 18–24 celcius
Shipping/Selling Size: 1-2 cm
The Orange Eye Blue Tiger is a popular dwarf shrimp variety in the aquarium hobby. It is a genetic morph achieved by extensive selective breeding of the Caridina Tiger shrimp. Good quality specimens have deep blue bodies, dark tiger stripes, and bright orange eyes. The highest grade specimens achieve a solid blue shrimp that eliminates or greatly diminishes the Caridina Tiger striping. Lower grades may have translucent bodies, patchy patterns, and brown eyes.
Care requirements are the same as most dwarf Caridina shrimp. The Orange Eye Blue Tiger varietythrives at room temperature and doesn’t require a heater. They do best at a pH of 6.2 - 6.6, preferring softer and more acidic water. Ensure the shrimp are kept in a low-flow, well-cycled tank with aged water and plenty of algae to feed on.
The Orange Eye Blue Tiger is a scavenger that continually feeds on detritus and decomposing plant material within the aquarium. Its diet consists of algae, biofilm, and decaying organic matter, and can be further supplemented with commercial plant-based shrimp pellets or wafers. Adding hardscape elements like lava rock to the aquarium encourages the growth of biofilm and algae due to the rock’s rough texture. This provides increased surface area for algae growth as well as an extra food source for shrimp to feed on.