BLACK FANCY TIGER SHRIMP

Black Fancy Tiger Shrimp (Caridina cf. cantonensis), also known as Black Tiger Shrimp, are a beautiful and intriguing species of freshwater shrimp known for their striking black and white stripes. They are a type of Taiwan Bee Shrimp and are popular in the aquarium hobby due to their unique appearance and interesting behavior. Here’s a detailed care guide for Black Fancy Tiger Shrimp:

Tank Size and Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended for Black Fancy Tiger Shrimp. Larger tanks provide more stable water conditions and more room for them to explore and thrive.
• Substrate: Use a fine, soft substrate such as sand or specialized shrimp substrate. Shrimp-specific substrates help maintain the right water parameters and provide a good surface for them to forage.
• Plants and Decor: Include live plants like Java moss, Java fern, and Anubias, which offer hiding spots and grazing areas. Shrimp also appreciate driftwood, rocks, and other natural decorations that create a more natural and varied environment.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient. Shrimp do not require intense light, and providing shaded areas or floating plants can help create a comfortable environment.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: Maintain a temperature range of 68-74°F (20-23°C). Black Fancy Tiger Shrimp prefer stable, cooler temperatures and can be sensitive to sudden fluctuations.
• pH: They thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.0 Maintaining stable pH levels is crucial for their health.
• Hardness: Soft water is preferred, with a general hardness (GH) of 4-6 dGH and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 0-4 dKH. Shrimp-specific water conditioners can help achieve and maintain the appropriate hardness levels.
• Water Quality: Excellent water quality is essential. Perform regular water changes (20-30% weekly) to keep ammonia and nitrite levels at 0 ppm and nitrates below 10 ppm. A well-maintained filtration system is crucial to keeping the water clean and oxygenated.

Filtration and Water Flow

• Filtration: Use a gentle filtration system, such as a sponge filter or a low-flow canister filter. Avoid strong currents, as they can stress the shrimp. Sponge filters are ideal as they provide both filtration and gentle water movement.
• Water Flow: Ensure that the water flow is gentle to moderate. Excessively strong currents can be stressful for shrimp and may make it difficult for them to forage effectively.

Feeding

• Diet: Black Fancy Tiger Shrimp are omnivorous and should be provided with a balanced diet. Offer high-quality shrimp pellets or tablets as a staple food.
• Supplemental Foods: Supplement their diet with algae wafers, blanched vegetables (such as zucchini or spinach), and occasional live or frozen foods like daphnia or baby brine shrimp.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed small amounts once or twice a day, providing only what the shrimp can consume in a few minutes. Overfeeding can lead to poor water quality and health issues.