Easy
Red Rili Shrimp
18–28°C · pH 6.5–8 · 20L
£13.99
Racoon Tiger Shrimp are a patterned, soft-water Caridina with bold tiger striping and a dark "racoon" head marking. Peaceful active grazers for a mature planted nano tank. Moderate care, 20L+ minimum. Tracked UK delivery with a live arrival guarantee.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Caridina sp. raccoon tiger
Racoon Tiger Shrimp are a shoaling species — they need 6+ to feel safe and show their full colour. Larger shoals stay calmer, eat better, and look stunning.
Racoon Tiger Shrimp are a patterned, soft-water Caridina with bold tiger striping and a dark "racoon" head marking. Peaceful active grazers for a mature planted nano tank. Moderate care, 20L+ minimum. Tracked UK delivery with a live arrival guarantee.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Add the hobby's best algae-eating shrimp to your aquarium with Amano Shrimp. Peaceful, hardy, and larger than cherries — ideal for planted community tanks. Order now for UK delivery.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
If you want a shrimp that looks more refined than the usual beginner Neocaridina, the Racoon Tiger Shrimp is one of the most eye-catching ornamental shrimp in the freshwater shrimp UK hobby. It is a selectively bred tiger-pattern Caridina (part of the wider Caridina cantonensis bee-shrimp complex) that combines fine tiger striping with a darker head marking, giving the "racoon" look hobbyists prize. Adults reach around 2.5cm, stay peaceful, and can live for up to 2 years in stable, soft water, which makes them a rewarding step up from basic aquarium shrimp UK species into more specialised Caridina keeping. For an authoritative overview of the husbandry these shrimp need, see our shrimp keeping care guide.
These shrimp appeal to keepers who want the elegance of designer Caridina lines with a pattern that stands out in a planted nano tank. They are not the easiest option for complete beginners, but they reward careful keepers with active grazing behaviour and the possibility of building a thriving colony. If you are looking to buy shrimp UK with real display value rather than a plain clean-up crew, a Racoon Tiger becomes a living focal point in a mature, well-planted aquascape.
Racoon Tiger Shrimp belong to the same wider Caridina group that includes many bee shrimp and tiger shrimp forms kept in specialist aquariums. Within that group, selective breeding produces stronger contrast and cleaner markings than wild-type shrimp. Racoon Tigers sit in a desirable middle ground: more unusual than common cherry shrimp, but still practical for a dedicated keeper with stable, soft water and a mature tank.
The Racoon Tiger Shrimp sold in the hobby is a captive-bred ornamental Caridina. Its lineage traces to soft, mildly acidic stream systems in East Asia, the same broad environment that produced bee and tiger shrimp. Unlike hardy algae-eating shrimp adapted to tougher water, Racoon Tigers descend from a line that does best in cleaner, softer conditions.
In nature, related Caridina inhabit shallow streams with leaf litter, biofilm-coated stones, submerged roots, and steady water movement. That matters because the best results come from copying those features: stable parameters, plenty of grazing surfaces, and very low pollution. Shrimp feel secure among moss, wood, rock crevices, and fine-rooted plants where they can graze continuously without being exposed.
Racoon Tigers are not a native freshwater shrimp UK species and must never be released outdoors. Cool nights, hard tap water, and seasonal swings make UK ponds unsuitable, so they should only be kept in controlled, heated aquariums where temperature and water chemistry can be managed precisely.
Helpfully for home breeders, Caridina of this complex generally produce miniature shrimp rather than free-swimming larvae. In a mature aquarium, females carry eggs under the abdomen and hatch fully formed shrimplets, making their life cycle far more practical than shrimp that require a marine or brackish larval stage.
Mimicking a shaded mountain-stream habitat improves survival and colour. Use leaf litter, moss, mineral-balanced soft water, and an active buffering substrate rather than treating Racoon Tigers like hardy tap-water shrimp.
A good racoon tiger shrimp aquarium setup is all about stability. These shrimp tolerate less fluctuation than many Neocaridina, so the aim is not just hitting the right numbers once, but holding them steady week after week. If you are researching how to care for racoon tiger shrimp, start with water chemistry and tank maturity before thinking about stocking.
The racoon tiger shrimp minimum tank size is 20 litres, which is the practical lower limit for maintaining stable water quality. In reality, 30-45 litres is easier for most keepers because it gives more room for biofilm growth and buffers against mistakes. For a starter group, aim for 6-10 shrimp and let the colony grow naturally. A lightly stocked 30-litre tank can comfortably support a breeding group when feeding and maintenance are sensible.
The most important racoon tiger shrimp water parameters are a temperature of 20-25°C, pH 5.5-6.8, and soft water with low carbonate hardness. The ideal racoon tiger shrimp temperature sits around 21-23°C for long-term health and consistent breeding; prolonged high temperatures can shorten lifespan and reduce egg survival. For hardness, aim for low KH (around 0-2) and a modest GH of roughly 4-6 dGH. This is very different from many Neocaridina such as cherry shrimp, which often tolerate harder, more alkaline water.
A gentle sponge filter, or a shrimp-safe hang-on filter fitted with a pre-filter sponge, is ideal. Strong intake grills can trap shrimplets, and excessive current makes feeding harder. Mature sponge filters are especially useful because they grow biofilm and microscopic food. Avoid sudden media changes that strip beneficial bacteria.
For Racoon Tigers, an active buffering substrate designed for Caridina works far better than inert decorative gravel or sand. It helps maintain the lower pH they prefer and supports stable racoon tiger shrimp tank requirements more reliably. A fine, dark substrate also improves visual contrast so the stripe pattern stands out.
Good planting for a shrimp tank includes mosses, subwassertang, bucephalandra, ferns, and fine-rooted stems, because plant surfaces hold biofilm and create safe grazing zones. A planted layout with driftwood, leaf litter, and shaded corners encourages natural behaviour and shrimplet survival. If you like colourful companion shrimp displays, you can also browse Blue Rili Shrimp, Blue Mary Shrimp, and Super Red Sakura Shrimp for comparison, though Neocaridina are usually best kept as separate lines.
Cycle the tank for 4-6 weeks before adding Caridina shrimp. A mature tank with visible biofilm is far safer than a spotless new setup that looks ready but is biologically unstable.
The natural racoon tiger shrimp diet is based on biofilm, algae films, decaying plant matter, microorganisms, and tiny organic particles. In the aquarium they are constant grazers rather than big-meal feeders, so a sensible feeding routine supports natural grazing first and adds measured supplemental foods second.
High-quality shrimp pellets, biofilm-promoting botanicals, and mature surfaces should form the base diet. These shrimp pick at algae and detritus all day, but a clean display tank rarely produces enough food on its own. They do graze soft algae films, but they are not a heavy-duty algae clean-up crew.
Offer blanched spinach, courgette, nettle, mulberry leaves, and occasional protein-rich foods 2-3 times per week to support moulting, growth, and breeding. Feed lightly, remove leftovers promptly, and let natural grazing do most of the work.
Racoon Tigers are not the best choice for serious algae control. They may graze soft algae films and fine growth, but they will not clear a heavy infestation of hair algae or black beard algae. If the tank is otherwise healthy, sparse grazing usually just means the tank is very clean or the algae type is too tough for a small shrimp.
Avoid copper-containing foods or medications, large uneaten portions, and highly processed foods that foul the water quickly. Healthy shrimp mostly graze safe organic matter; they do not replace proper tank cleaning or plant care.
| Time | Food | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Natural biofilm/algae grazing | Available in tank |
| Evening | Shrimp pellet or blanched vegetable | Very small portion, eaten within 2 hours |
Overfeeding causes ammonia spikes, bacterial blooms, and failed moults. In shrimp tanks, excess food harms water quality faster than slight underfeeding, especially in small nano setups.
Racoon Tiger Shrimp grow to roughly 2.5cm and have the slim, elegant body shape typical of ornamental Caridina. Their appeal comes from the striped tiger pattern running across the body and the darker head-area marking that creates the "racoon" effect. Against a dark substrate, the contrast can look dramatic without being garish.
Compared with cherry shrimp, the difference is obvious: racoon tiger shrimp vs cherry shrimp is pattern versus solid colour. Cherry shrimp offer block colour, while Racoon Tigers are about fine pattern, translucency, and detail. The same applies to racoon tiger shrimp vs blue velvet shrimp: Blue Velvet are bold and uniform, whereas Racoon Tigers look more intricate and collector-focused. Against crystal red shrimp, Racoon Tigers lean into striping and earthy contrast rather than white-red blocks.
Females are generally larger, fuller-bodied, and deeper underneath the abdomen, especially when mature. Males are slimmer and often appear slightly more delicate. Our photos show the contrast and body markings clearly, helping you assess pattern quality before choosing your shrimp.
The safest answer is that Racoon Tiger Shrimp do best in a species tank or a very carefully planned shrimp community. The main risk is predation: even peaceful fish may eat shrimplets, and many medium-sized fish will eat adults too. If you are searching for safe racoon tiger shrimp tank mates, prioritise gentle invertebrates over fish.
The best companions are other gentle invertebrates and a few genuinely shrimp-safe species. Small snails such as nerites and ramshorns usually coexist well. Carefully selected Red Pinto Shrimp, Black Pinto Shrimp, and Red Bolt Taiwan Bee Shrimp can suit advanced keepers running compatible Caridina parameters. Otocinclus are among the few fish considered reasonably safe in larger, mature shrimp tanks, though shrimplets can still be vulnerable, which is why many keepers ultimately prefer shrimp-only tanks for the best survival and breeding.
Keeping Racoon Tigers with Neocaridina such as White Spotted Red Shrimp, Blue Rili Shrimp, and Blue Mary Shrimp is possible in principle, but the issue is not aggression — it is water chemistry and line purity. Neocaridina generally prefer a different mineral balance from specialist Caridina, and mixing lines can complicate selective breeding goals. For the healthiest results, keep them in separate, parameter-matched tanks.
Avoid bettas, most rasboras, tetras, gouramis, cichlids, goldfish, crayfish, and larger bottom dwellers. The rule is simple: if a fish can fit a shrimp in its mouth, it may try. Goldfish are especially unsuitable because they uproot decor, produce heavy waste, and treat shrimp as food.
| Species | Compatible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Red Pinto Shrimp | ✅ Yes | Suitable in matched Caridina water with careful colony planning |
| Red Bolt Taiwan Bee Shrimp | ⚠️ Caution | Possible in specialist tanks, but selective breeding goals may be affected |
| Bettas, goldfish, crayfish | ❌ Avoid | High predation risk or incompatible husbandry |
Quarantine new arrivals for 2-4 weeks before adding them to a shrimp colony. This reduces the risk of parasites, bacterial issues, and sudden losses in established Caridina tanks.
Racoon tiger shrimp breeding is moderate rather than easy, but it is achievable in freshwater because this Caridina hatches miniature shrimplets directly, with no brackish larval stage. In the right water, females carry eggs and release fully formed young into the tank.
A dedicated shrimp tank with stable soft water, an active substrate, moss, leaf litter, and gentle filtration works best. Keep the temperature around 21-23°C, avoid sudden TDS swings, and feed a varied diet. A mature, biofilm-rich tank matters far more than expensive equipment.
Females are larger and broader underneath, giving space to hold eggs on the swimmerets under the abdomen. Males are slimmer. A "berried" female carrying eggs is the clearest sign of successful pairing.
Incubation usually takes around 3-4 weeks depending on temperature. Lower, stable temperatures tend to support stronger juveniles and better egg survival. Avoid disturbing berried females or making large parameter changes during this period.
The biggest obstacles are unstable pH, high KH, overfeeding, and immature tanks. Breeding success depends almost entirely on a consistent environment that allows reliable moulting and egg development.
For the best shrimplet survival, avoid heavy gravel-vacuuming in breeding tanks. Let mosses, leaf litter, and sponge filters act as nursery zones where newborn shrimp graze on biofilm without being pulled into equipment or exposed to sudden parameter swings.
Choosing between shrimp species depends on your water, goals, and experience. Some keepers want the easiest colony possible; others want rarer patterns. If you are deciding between Caridina and Neocaridina, the comparison below helps you match a shrimp to your tap water rather than chasing a morph that will not thrive.
| Feature | Racoon Tiger Shrimp | Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Size | ~2.5cm | 2.5-3cm |
| Care Level | Moderate | Easy |
| Temperature | 20-25°C | 18-28°C |
| Water Preference | Soft, acidic (pH 5.5-6.8) | Neutral to slightly hard |
| Best For | Specialist soft-water shrimp tanks | Beginner community shrimp tanks |
If you want the easiest route, Neocaridina such as cherry shrimp are more forgiving. If you want something more refined and are happy to maintain softer water, Racoon Tigers are a stronger choice. For related specialist options, compare Black Pinto Shrimp, Red Pinto Shrimp, and Red Bolt Taiwan Bee Shrimp.
Healthy Racoon Tigers are active grazers with clear body posture, regular moulting, and a strong appetite. They should move calmly over surfaces, pick at biofilm, and react quickly to food. Sudden inactivity, repeated failed moults, lying on the side, or unexplained deaths usually point to water chemistry or contamination rather than a single disease organism.
Typical shrimp problems include failed moults from poor mineral balance, stress from unstable pH, bacterial decline in dirty tanks, and poisoning from metals or household contaminants. Prevention is the same across the Caridina group: stable water, low waste, and zero copper exposure. Sudden dullness or patchiness in the pattern is a warning sign worth investigating early.
Isolate new shrimp in a mature, cycled tank for 2-4 weeks, monitor feeding and moulting, and never medicate casually. Treatment options are limited because many fish medicines are unsafe for invertebrates, so water changes, removing contaminants, and correcting parameters are safer first steps than reaching for medication.
NEVER use copper-based medications with invertebrates. Even low copper levels can be lethal to shrimp, and residues may remain in substrate, decor, and filter media after treatment.
Racoon Tigers are peaceful, social shrimp that do best in groups of 6 or more. They are most active when they feel secure, so a sparsely decorated tank often makes them look shy. In a mature planted setup, you will see them grazing constantly across wood, moss, leaves, and substrate.
They are not aggressive and do not defend territories the way many fish do. During feeding, larger females may push past smaller shrimp, but this is normal competition rather than harmful behaviour. Males often become more active after a female moults and releases breeding pheromones, which can trigger sudden bursts of swimming around the tank.
Like many Caridina, they spend most of their time on the bottom and among hardscape. If they seem to vanish, they are usually hiding rather than gone. Dense moss, leaf litter, and shaded crevices make shrimp feel secure and bring out more natural daytime activity.
Racoon Tiger Shrimp need more than basic holding conditions, so how they are kept before sale matters. Our focus with this species is stable soft-water husbandry, careful grading for pattern, and low-stress handling before dispatch. Healthy Caridina should arrive active, well-coloured, and ready for slow acclimation into a mature shrimp tank.
For customers searching to buy racoon tiger shrimp UK or for racoon tiger shrimp for sale UK, we pack shrimp for transit with insulation suited to UK conditions: secure bags with oxygen, insulated outer packaging, and seasonal heat packs when required. With Caridina, condition on arrival matters even more than price — a well-started shrimp from stable water is worth far more than a cheaper shrimp that arrives stressed and struggles to moult.
Order your Racoon Tiger Shrimp with confidence once your tank is fully cycled and mature. They are best added to established, shrimp-safe aquariums where their pattern and behaviour can really be appreciated.
If you enjoy patterned Caridina, compare this shrimp with Red Pinto Shrimp for bold designer markings or Black Pinto Shrimp for darker contrast. For a high-end Caridina look, Red Bolt Taiwan Bee Shrimp is another excellent option.
If you are building a colourful second tank with easier care, take a look at Super Red Sakura Shrimp or Blue Rili Shrimp. Still deciding between specialist Caridina and beginner Neocaridina? Browse the wider freshwater shrimp UK collection to compare colours, care levels, and community suitability.
18–28°C · pH 6.5–8 · 20L
18–26°C · pH 6.5–8 · 30L
20–28°C · pH 6.5–7.5 · 40L
20–25°C · pH 5.5–6.8 · 20L
20–25°C · pH 5.5–6.8 · 20L
18–28°C · pH 6.5–8 · 20L
23–27°C · pH 7.4–8.4 · 500L
20–27°C · pH 6–7 · 54L
23–27°C · pH 7.4–8.4 · 150L
24–28°C · pH 6.5–7.8 · 300L
20–24°C · pH 7–8 · 45L
24–28°C · pH 6.5–7.5 · 2000L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 200L
24–28°C · pH 5.5–7 · 60L
18–25°C · pH 6–8 · 100L
24–28°C · pH 7–8 · 120L
18–28°C · pH 6.5–8 · 20L
24–27°C · pH 7.5–8.8 · 150L
22–26°C · pH 6–7.5 · 60L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 40L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 500L