Tiger Shrimp

Caridina mariae

Also sold as Caridina cf. cantonensis "Tiger

Synonyms Red tiger

Tiger Shrimp (Caridina mariae) is a peaceful freshwater shrimp that reaches about 2.5 cm (1 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 68–75°F (20–24°C) and pH 6–6.8, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 30 L (8 gal).

At a glance

Type	Shrimp
Adult size	2.5 cm (1 in)
Minimum tank	30 L (8 gal)
Group size	Can be kept singly
Temperature	68–75°F (20–24°C)
pH	6–6.8
Temperament	Peaceful
Lifespan	1–2 years
Eats shrimp	No

Before it goes in

Tiger Shrimp needs at least 30 L (8 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the Dennerle Nano Cube 30L.
It leaves shrimp and small fish alone.
It is the wrong size to share a tank with Betta, Goldfish and Angelfish: it ends up as food.
It holds at 68–75°F (20–24°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with German Blue Ram and Discus.
Sources say not to put it in a newly set-up tank — give the tank a few months first.

What tank size does it need?

At least 30 L (8 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the Dennerle Nano Cube 30L.

Will it eat shrimp?

No — adult shrimp and their young are both safe with it.

What water does it want?

68–75°F (20–24°C), pH 6–6.8.

How long does it live?

1–2 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.

Can it go in a new tank?

No. Sources say not to add it to a newly set-up tank — it wants a tank that has been running for months.

Good tank mates

Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Otocinclus and Ramshorn Snail.
Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.

Often compared with

	Tiger Shrimp	Cardinal Sulawesi Shrimp	Crystal Red Shrimp
Adult size	2.5 cm	2.5 cm	3 cm
Min tank	30 L	40 L	20 L
Group	1+	1+	10+
Temperature	68–75°F (20–24°C)	78–88°F (25.5–31°C)	68–75°F (20–24°C)
Eats shrimp	No	No	No

More livestock

Plan a tank with Tiger Shrimp →

Sources (4) · checked Sep 2026