Black Tiger Galaxy Shrimp

About the Black Tiger Galaxy Shrimp

The Black Tiger Galaxy Shrimp is one of the most exclusive and visually stunning freshwater shrimp available. A premium selectively bred Caridina variety, it combines the bold black striping of Tiger Shrimp with the striking white "galaxy" spotting found in Taiwan Bee shrimp. The result is an extraordinary shrimp featuring a jet-black body decorated with brilliant white or metallic speckles, making every individual a unique living masterpiece.

Highly sought after by advanced shrimp keepers, Black Tiger Galaxy Shrimp are prized for their intricate patterns, exceptional genetics, and rarity. They spend their day grazing on biofilm, algae, and microorganisms found on mosses, driftwood, rocks, and botanicals, making them both beautiful and beneficial additions to a planted aquarium.

Black Tiger Galaxy Shrimp thrive in mature aquariums with stable water chemistry, soft acidic water, abundant mosses, botanicals, and biofilm-rich surfaces. Unlike Neocaridina shrimp, they require more specialised care and consistent water parameters to remain healthy and breed successfully. They are best kept in dedicated shrimp aquariums or with very peaceful nano fish such as Otocinclus, Pygmy Corydoras, and small Blue-eye Rainbowfish.

A varied diet of premium Caridina shrimp foods, biofilm, algae, spirulina, Indian Almond Leaves, mulberry leaves, blanched vegetables, and occasional protein-rich foods will promote healthy moulting, vibrant colouration, and successful breeding.

Rare, elegant, and highly rewarding, the Black Tiger Galaxy Shrimp is a true collector's shrimp and an exceptional centrepiece for premium planted aquariums.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Caridina cantonensis

Common Name

Black Tiger Galaxy Shrimp

Origin

Captive-bred ornamental variety

Adult Size

2.5–3 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore

Minimum Tank Size

30 Litres

Temperature

20–24°C

pH

5.8–6.8

Water Hardness

GH 4–6 | KH 0–1

Difficulty

Advanced

Lifespan

1.5–2 Years

Suitable For

Dedicated shrimp aquariums, planted aquascapes, and advanced Caridina colonies

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Black Tiger Galaxy Shrimp suitable for beginners?

No. They are an advanced Caridina shrimp that requires soft, acidic water, excellent water quality, and stable parameters. They are best suited to experienced shrimp keepers.

What do Black Tiger Galaxy Shrimp eat?

They feed on biofilm, premium Caridina shrimp foods, algae, spirulina, Indian Almond Leaves, mulberry leaves, blanched vegetables, and occasional protein-rich foods.

Can Black Tiger Galaxy Shrimp live with fish?

Yes, but only with very peaceful nano species such as Otocinclus, Pygmy Corydoras, and Blue-eyes. A shrimp-only aquarium is ideal for breeding and maximising survival of young shrimp.

Do Black Tiger Galaxy Shrimp breed easily?

They will breed in freshwater when kept under stable conditions, but they are slower and more demanding than Neocaridina shrimp. High water quality and consistency are essential for successful breeding.

Can Black Tiger Galaxy Shrimp be kept with Neocaridina shrimp?

While they generally won't hybridise with Neocaridina, their care requirements differ significantly. It is usually best to keep them in a dedicated Caridina aquarium with suitable water parameters.

Common Mistakes

Keeping them in hard or alkaline water

Black Tiger Galaxy Shrimp require soft, acidic water. Hard water can lead to moulting issues, poor health, and reduced breeding success.

Adding them to immature aquariums

A mature aquarium rich in biofilm is essential for long-term health and successful breeding.

Sudden water parameter changes

Caridina shrimp are highly sensitive to rapid changes in temperature, pH, GH, and TDS. Slow acclimation is critical.

Keeping them with predatory fish

Even small community fish may prey on shrimplets. Dedicated shrimp aquariums provide the highest survival rates.

Overfeeding

Feed sparingly to maintain pristine water quality. Allow shrimp to graze naturally on biofilm and algae between feedings.