Racoon Tiger Shrimp

The Raccoon Tiger Shrimp (Caridina sp. 'Raccoon Tiger') is an eye-catching freshwater shrimp variety cherished for its intricate tiger-like stripes and subtle raccoon mask pattern. Native to selectively bred lines within the Caridina genus, these shrimp are perfect for experienced shrimp keepers looking to add unique beauty and functionality to their aquariums. Active and peaceful, Raccoon Tiger Shrimp excel at grazing on biofilm and algae, making them an excellent addition to planted tanks. They require pristine water conditions and thrive in aquariums designed for their specialized needs.

Care Guide:

Scientific Name: Caridina sp. 'Raccoon Tiger'
Common Name: Raccoon Tiger Shrimp
Family: Atyidae
Origin: Selective breeding from wild Caridina species, likely originating in Asia.

1. Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 68°F to 76°F (20°C to 24°C)
• pH Range: 6.0 to 6.8 (slightly acidic)
• Water Hardness: Soft water preferred (1-6 dGH)
• TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): 100-200 ppm
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm (sensitive to toxins)
• Nitrate: <10 ppm (low levels are critical)

Tip: Use RO (reverse osmosis) water with remineralizers specifically designed for Caridina shrimp to achieve optimal parameters.

2. Tank Setup:

• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons for a small colony.
• Substrate: Soft, buffering substrates like ADA Aqua Soil to maintain low pH and provide essential minerals.
• Plants: Live plants like Java Moss, Anubias, and Bucephalandra offer grazing surfaces and hiding spots. Floating plants can provide shade and help with nitrate control.
• Decor: Add driftwood and rocks for biofilm growth and additional hiding areas.
• Lighting: Low to moderate lighting to support plant growth without encouraging excessive algae.
• Filtration: Sponge filters or gentle hang-on-back filters to avoid suction accidents while maintaining oxygenation and water quality.

3. Feeding:

Raccoon Tiger Shrimp are omnivorous scavengers that graze on biofilm and algae but require a balanced diet.

• Primary Diet: Biofilm and algae present in the tank.
• Supplementary Foods: High-quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers, and powdered foods formulated for Caridina species.
• Treats: Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach) and protein-based snacks like freeze-dried daphnia or brine shrimp.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed small amounts 2-3 times per week, ensuring no leftovers to maintain water quality.

4. Tank Mates:

Due to their small size and sensitivity, tank mates must be chosen carefully.

• Compatible Tank Mates: Other peaceful shrimp species (e.g., Bee Shrimp, Crystal Shrimp), small snails (e.g., Nerite or Malaysian Trumpet Snails), or nano fish like Ember Tetras or Galaxy Rasboras.
• Tank Mate Cautions: Avoid aggressive or predatory fish like cichlids or bettas, which may prey on shrimp.

Tip: A shrimp-only tank is ideal to ensure stress-free living conditions and optimal breeding success.

5. Behavior and Temperament:

• Activity Level: Active and engaging, often seen grazing on surfaces or exploring their surroundings.
• Social Behavior: Peaceful and thrives in colonies. Keeping them in groups of at least 10 helps reduce stress and encourages natural behaviors.
• Special Notes: They are shy initially but become more active as they acclimate to their environment.

6. Health and Maintenance:

Raccoon Tiger Shrimp are sensitive to water quality and require consistent care.

• Water Changes: Perform small (10-15%) weekly water changes using remineralized RO water.
• Tank Maturity: Only introduce shrimp into a well-established tank with stable parameters and biofilm.
• Common Health Issues: Susceptible to stress, ammonia/nitrite spikes, and copper toxicity. Avoid medications or fertilizers containing copper.

7. Breeding:

Breeding Raccoon Tiger Shrimp is achievable under optimal conditions.

• Reproductive Behavior: Females carry eggs under their abdomen, which hatch into fully formed miniature shrimp.
• Breeding Setup: Ensure stable water parameters with slightly acidic, soft water.
• Fry Care: Feed powdered or liquid shrimp foods to ensure fry can access nourishment. Protect them from predatory tank mates.

Key Care Tips:

1. Maintain soft, acidic water with zero ammonia and nitrites.
2. Provide plenty of live plants, mosses, and biofilm for grazing.
3. Avoid large or aggressive tank mates to reduce stress and potential predation.
4. Feed sparingly to avoid water contamination.
5. Ensure the tank is well-established before introducing shrimp to avoid parameter swings.

The Raccoon Tiger Shrimp is an elegant and rewarding addition to aquariums designed with care and precision. With their stunning patterns and engaging behavior, they provide both beauty and utility by keeping algae in check and creating a dynamic ecosystem in your tank.