The Black Fancy Tiger Shrimp is a selectively bred Caridina tiger variant known for its deep black base coloration contrasted with crisp white banding across the body. The "Fancy" designation reflects the enhanced pattern intensity and color saturation achieved through selective breeding — a more defined and visually striking version of the standard tiger pattern. Active, social, and best kept in groups, Black Fancy Tigers bring bold monochromatic contrast to planted tanks and pair naturally with dark-leafed plants, driftwood, and botanicals that allow the coloring to stand out.

6.5–7.5 pH Range

GH 4–8 General Hardness

KH 0–4 Carbonate Hardness

68–76°F Temperature

What to Expect

Color & Behavior Over Time

Deep black base with white banding — the black coloration is dense and opaque, with white bands running across the carapace and abdomen in the characteristic tiger pattern. Pattern definition and band width vary naturally between individuals. Color intensifies in stable conditions — like most Caridina, the depth and saturation of the black coloration is closely tied to water quality and stability. Consistent parameters and low stress bring out the richest expression of the pattern. Post-molt softening is temporary — freshly molted shrimp appear paler and more washed out until the new shell hardens, typically within 24–48 hours. This is normal and not an indication of poor health. Active and highly visible grazers — Black Fancy Tigers are confident and busy, spending most of their time moving across hardscape, botanicals, and plant surfaces picking at biofilm. Their dark coloration makes them easy to spot and observe. Social and colony-oriented — these shrimp are most active and display the most natural behavior in groups of eight or more. Smaller numbers can result in shyer, less visible individuals. Diet supports pattern quality — a varied diet of biofilm-supporting foods, spirulina, and quality shrimp pellets helps maintain the deep pigmentation and supports healthy molting cycles throughout the colony.

How to Set It Up

Getting Started

1 Establish a mature, cycled tank — Black Fancy Tigers do best in tanks with developed biofilm and stable water chemistry. Allow the tank to fully cycle before introducing shrimp and avoid adding them to freshly set up aquariums.

2 Use an active or inert substrate suited to tiger parameters — target pH 6.5–7.5 with GH 4–8 and KH 0–4. Unlike Taiwan Bee shrimp, Black Fancy Tigers tolerate a slightly wider pH range, but soft water with low KH remains important for reliable molting.

3 Add dense planting and hardscape cover — provide mosses, fine-leafed plants, and driftwood for grazing surfaces and hiding spots. Well-planted tanks with natural cover encourage confident, visible behavior and support breeding activity.

4 Keep only compatible Caridina tankmates — Black Fancy Tigers should be kept with other Caridina on similar parameters. Avoid mixing with Neocaridina or species requiring significantly different water chemistry, and keep away from any fish that may prey on small shrimp.

💡 Bonus Tip

Dark substrates and background choices make a significant difference in how this shrimp photographs and presents in the tank. The black and white pattern reads most dramatically against a dark substrate — it's worth the extra thought when planning the setup.

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Complete the setup with live plants

Plants provide essential hiding spots and enhance the natural look of your tank, creating a healthier, more enriching environment for your shrimp. Browse our Aquatic Plants collection.

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