Tiger Shrimp S/M

Species Profile
Scientific Name: Penaeus monodon
Common Name: Tiger Shrimp, Black Tiger Shrimp, Giant Tiger Prawn
Size: Can reach up to approximately 12 inches (30 cm) as an adult; S/M specimens are juveniles or subadults. 
Life Expectancy: Typically around 1–2 years in aquaculture, with lifespan varying considerably depending on conditions
Habitat: Tropical coastal marine and brackish environments, including estuaries, lagoons, mangroves, sandy/muddy bottoms, and offshore waters. Adults can occur down to about 110 m. 

Tank Requirements

Minimum Tank Size: Large aquarium recommended because this species grows substantially; S/M animals should be housed with their eventual adult size in mind
Ideal Temperature: 77–91°F (25–33°C), with optimal growth generally around 82–91°F (28–33°C). 
Salinity: Approximately 25–35 ppt for typical marine conditions; the species can tolerate considerably broader salinity ranges. 
pH Range: Approximately 7.5–8.4 in marine systems
Water Hardness: Naturally adapted to mineral-rich marine/brackish water
Water Quality: Excellent filtration, strong oxygenation, stable salinity, and low ammonia/nitrite are important
Substrate: Fine sand or soft substrate is preferred because Tiger Shrimp are bottom-dwelling and may burrow
Temperament: Generally peaceful toward similarly sized animals but predatory/opportunistic, particularly as they grow.

Diet & Nutrition

Omnivorous/Opportunistic: Yes

Tiger Shrimp are active bottom-feeders and consume a wide variety of organic material, including:

• Marine pellets and shrimp foods

• Fish or seafood-based foods

• Small crustaceans and other invertebrates

• Detritus and organic matter

• Worms and other small benthic organisms

• Algae and plant material

They are more predatory than small ornamental aquarium shrimp and should not be treated as a typical algae-cleanup shrimp.

Appearance

Color: Brown, gray-brown, or greenish-brown body with distinctive dark and light transverse bands
Size: Long, robust body with a prominent rostrum, muscular abdomen, and well-developed swimming legs
Pattern: Characteristic tiger-like striping across the body and tail
Legs: Often show yellowish or bluish coloration around the bases of the swimming legs. 

Distinctive Features

• Strong black/brown and light banding gives the species its “Tiger Shrimp” name

• Large-bodied compared with ornamental dwarf shrimp

• Rapid-growing species

• Juveniles commonly occupy estuaries, lagoons, mangroves, and shallow coastal waters

• Adults move toward deeper marine environments

• Can reach approximately 30 cm / 12 inches

• Females generally grow larger than males.

• S/M specimens are young Tiger Shrimp, not a separate species or variety