Royal Blue Tiger OE Shrimp (Caridina mariae)

02 October 2026

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The Royal Blue Tiger OE Shrimp is a selectively bred blue color form of Caridina mariae, commonly known as the tiger shrimp. “OE” refers to orange eyes, a visible trait in the supplied image. It is a small, peaceful freshwater shrimp suited to a mature, planted aquarium with stable, mineral-balanced water. Exact lineage and grade cannot be confirmed from the trade label and photograph alone.

Royal Blue Tiger OE Shrimp (Caridina mariae)

Taxonomy and identification

Caridina mariae is a freshwater atyid shrimp commonly called the tiger shrimp. Royal Blue Tiger and OE are trade and selective-breeding terms rather than separate species names; OE indicates orange eyes. The supplied image is consistent with a dark blue, orange-eyed tiger-type shrimp, but color grade, genetic line and exact identification should be verified with the seller because aquarium strains can vary.

Natural habitat

Caridina mariae is associated with freshwater habitats in Taiwan. In aquaria, it benefits from conditions that resemble clean, well-oxygenated streams: gentle circulation, abundant biofilm, shaded areas and surfaces for grazing. Use a mature filter system and avoid sudden changes in temperature, pH, conductivity or hardness.

Aquarium setup and water

A mature aquarium of about 30 litres or larger is practical for a small colony. Provide mosses, fine-leaved plants, wood, stones and other textured surfaces where biofilm can develop. Use a sponge filter or protect the intake with a fine pre-filter. Aim for stable, soft to moderately mineralized water, a pH of 6.2–7.2 and 20–25 °C. Ammonia and nitrite must remain undetectable, and nitrate should be kept low. Match replacement water closely and make gradual changes.

Feeding

Biofilm and microorganisms on plants and hard surfaces should form the foundation of the diet. Supplement with small portions of a quality shrimp food, algae-based food or blanched vegetables such as spinach or zucchini. Remove uneaten food promptly. Mineral supplements are not a substitute for balanced feeding, and overfeeding can damage water quality.

Tank mates

The safest companions are other peaceful dwarf shrimp and small, non-predatory snails. Many fish will eat shrimplets, while larger, boisterous or predatory fish can stress adults as well. Keep this shrimp away from species that require substantially different water conditions. Mixing with other Caridina lines may produce variable offspring and can compromise a selective color project.

Molting and routine care

Shrimp periodically shed their exoskeleton to grow. A newly molted shrimp is soft and vulnerable, so dense plants, moss and crevices are important refuges. Do not remove a normal shed exoskeleton immediately; it is often eaten and provides recycled minerals. Failed molts are commonly associated with unstable parameters, unsuitable mineral availability, poor nutrition or abrupt changes. Keep maintenance gentle and avoid large, sudden water changes.

Breeding

Caridina mariae has abbreviated freshwater development: females carry relatively large eggs beneath the abdomen, and young hatch as miniature shrimp rather than passing through a marine larval stage. Stable, mature water, abundant biofilm and cover for juveniles support breeding. After hatching, the young graze continuously on surfaces and benefit from powdered foods used sparingly. Selective breeding requires separating desired offspring and avoiding unintended crosses with other tiger or Caridina lines. Egg number, hatch rate and juvenile coloration vary with the female, line and aquarium conditions.

Shrimp info

Size: 2.5–3.5 cm
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Temperature : 20–25 °C
pH: 6.2–7.2

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