Red Fancy Tiger Shrimp

Red Fancy Tiger Shrimp (Caridina cf. cantonensis var. ‘Red Fancy Tiger’, often called Red Fancy Tiger or Fancy Red Tiger) are a premium, selectively bred hybrid freshwater aquarium shrimp from crosses between Crystal Red Shrimp and Tiger Shrimp lineages. They are prized for their bold, high-contrast red-and-white tiger-like patterns — featuring a vibrant ruby-red to deep crimson base with crisp, irregular white stripes, bands, mottling, or patches that create unique, eye-catching designs on each individual, making every shrimp in the colony one-of-a-kind.

Key Features & Appearance

• Coloration: Intense red dominant with sharp white tiger/zebra stripes, marbled spots, or banded patterns; high-grade (S-SSS+) lines show more solid red coverage, cleaner white contrasts, reduced transparency, and intricate detailing for maximum vibrancy and drama.
• Size: Adults typically 1–1.2 inches (2.5–3 cm); juveniles often smaller and pattern develops with growth.
• Behavior: Peaceful, active grazers that forage on biofilm, algae, detritus, and plant matter — superb natural cleaners. They thrive in groups (10+ for colony dynamics and breeding) and are engaging but may hide in dense planted setups.
• Lifespan: 1–2 years with optimal care.

These Caridina are advanced due to sensitivity and variable genetics (high cull rates in breeding for elite patterns), but they offer stunning visual appeal and some hybrid hardiness from tiger genes.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: 10+ gallons recommended; larger for stable parameters.
• Water Parameters (critical):
  • Temperature: 20–26°C (68–79°F); optimal 22–24°C.
  • pH: 5.8–6.8 (acidic preferred; RO water remineralized with bee shrimp salts).
  • GH: 4–6, KH: 0–2 (very soft, low carbonate for molting success).
  • TDS: 120–180 ppm typical for premium grades.
• Setup Tips: Active buffering substrate (e.g., ADA Amazonia), heavy moss (Java/Christmas), botanicals (Indian almond leaves, alder cones), driftwood, leaf litter for biofilm, hiding, and acidity. Low-flow sponge filters protect shrimplets; avoid copper, overfeeding, or swings.
• Diet: Biofilm/algae primary; supplement lightly with shrimp foods, blanched veggies, or pellets — minimal feeding prevents crashes.
• Compatibility: Shrimp-only or ultra-peaceful nano tanks (small rasboras, otos, snails). Avoid aggressive fish, mixing with other Caridina (cross-breeding risks), or unstable conditions.

Breeding: Females carry turquoise/blue eggs/saddle, hatching 10–30+ shrimplets after 3–5 weeks. Soft/acidic stability, cover, and selective culling for patterns are key; genetics can be challenging with high variability.

At Valley Aquatics, Red Fancy Tiger Shrimp are an elite highlight for Abbotsford’s dedicated planted-tank hobbyists