tiger Shrimp (Caridina sp.tiger) - Aquarium Shrimp for Sale UK

Banding gives the tiger shrimp its name and most of its charm: a striped Caridina pattern in constant motion across the floor of a planted aquarium. At around 2 cm it is one of the larger dwarf shrimp we list, and the grazing habit noted on its record makes it a working resident as well as an ornamental one — algae and detritus both feature on the menu of this omnivorous detritivore, which quietly tidies as it decorates. Against sand or dark substrate the banding stands out from across the room, and at 2 cm there is enough shrimp here to actually see, a real advantage over the smallest dwarf species.

Its water preference is what really sets it apart on this page. The tiger likes things cooler and softer than most: 18–24 °C, a distinctly acidic pH of 5.8–6.8, and very soft water from 1 to 8 dGH. That profile is a poor match for hard-water systems, so test your parameters honestly before ordering rather than hoping the shrimp adapts — with a moderate care rating, matching the water is most of the job, and the rest takes care of itself. That cooler band also means this is one Caridina that does not demand tropical-grade warmth, with the record content anywhere from 18 °C.

Tankmates follow standard shrimp-safe logic. Other peaceful dwarf shrimp, snails, small non-predatory fish and peaceful microfish coexist happily; loaches, cichlids, crayfish, predatory species and any fish with a shrimp-sized appetite do not. The temperament is wholly peaceful, the lifespan typically two years, and 30 litres stands as the recorded minimum tank for a colony. Bottom-region living is the recorded habit, so expect the action at substrate level rather than mid-water.

Tiger shrimp parameters

• Adult size: ~2 cm
• Typical lifespan: 2 years
• Minimum tank: 30 litres
• Temperature: 18–24 °C — cooler than most Caridina
• Chemistry: pH 5.8–6.8, 1–8 dGH (soft, acidic)
• Diet: omnivore / detritivore

Ordering notes

Soft, acidic, stable water is the one non-negotiable here — get that right and tiger shrimp largely look after themselves. Deliveries travel UK-wide with a licensed live-animal courier and our live arrival guarantee.