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Cardinal Sulawesi Shrimp
Caridina dennerli
📍 Sulawesi, Indonesia
Cardinal Sulawesi Shrimp are stunning freshwater shrimp native to Sulawesi, Indonesia, prized for their vibrant red coloration and active behavior. These shrimp are moderately challenging to keep, requiring stable water parameters and a mature tank with established biofilm. They are peaceful community shrimp that thrive in planted tanks with plenty of hiding places.
Care Guide
Diet
Cardinal Sulawesi Shrimp are primarily detritivores that graze on biofilm and algae in the tank. Supplement with high-quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers, and blanched vegetables like zucchini and spinach 2-3 times per week. A mature, established tank with abundant biofilm is essential for their long-term health.
Behavior
These shrimp are active foragers that spend most of their time on the substrate and plants searching for food and biofilm. They are social and do best in small groups or colonies, displaying natural hierarchies without aggression. They molt regularly as they grow, and a healthy molt is crucial for their survival.
Breeding
Cardinal Sulawesi Shrimp breed readily in freshwater without requiring brackish larvae stages, making them relatively easy to breed compared to some Caridina species. Females produce small clutches of 10-20 shrimplets every 4-6 weeks in established tanks with good water quality. Fry are miniature versions of adults and require abundant biofilm and fine foods to survive.
Tank Mates
Provides biofilm, grazing surfaces, and shelter for shrimp
Creates biofilm-rich environment and hiding places essential for shrimp
Peaceful algae eater that does not compete aggressively for food
Small, peaceful fish that occupy mid-water column and do not prey on shrimp
Provides biofilm surfaces and shelter without competing for food
Common Diseases
Molting Failure / Incomplete Molt
Shrimp unable to shed exoskeleton completely, stuck in molt, lethargy, death if not resolved
Ensure adequate calcium and minerals via mineral supplements or remineralized water; maintain stable pH and temperature; provide soft plants for assistance; increase water changes if parameters fluctuate
Copper Toxicity
Lethargy, loss of color, erratic swimming, sudden death
Avoid all copper-based medications and fertilizers; use copper-free plant fertilizers; perform large water changes; use activated carbon in filter if copper contamination suspected
Bacterial Infection / Shell Erosion
Visible lesions on body, discolored patches, deteriorating shell, reduced activity
Maintain pristine water quality with frequent water changes; increase aeration; remove affected individuals to quarantine; avoid overstocking; ensure adequate biofilm and nutrition
Parasitic Flukes
Excessive grooming, lethargy, visible parasites on body, color loss
Perform large water changes; increase tank temperature slightly if tolerated; quarantine affected shrimp; avoid copper treatments; use salt baths only as last resort in separate container
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Quick Facts
- diet
- omnivore/detritivore - biofilm, algae wafers, blanched vegetables, commercial shrimp pellets
- lifespan
- 3-4 years
- max size
- 4 cm (1.5 in)
- tank size
- 10 gallons minimum
- temperament
- peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 4.5-5.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 2-4 dGH
- temperature
- 82–86°F (28–30°C)