Flowerhead Shrimp

Caridina logemanni

Also known as Caridina Harlequin Shrimp

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Decapoda›Atyidae

Flowerhead Shrimp are a striking Caridina variety featuring intricate white or cream-colored patterns resembling delicate flower heads across their dark bodies, making them highly prized by advanced aquarists. This selectively bred shrimp displays exceptional coloration intensity when maintained in pristine soft, acidic water conditions. Their ornate appearance and demanding care requirements make them a centerpiece species for dedicated shrimp enthusiasts.

Where it's from

Recorded as introduced in Norway

At a glance

Size: 1.25 in; 3 cm
Min tank: 10 gal; 38 L
Group: 10+
Temp: 72–75°F; 22–24°C
pH: 5.5-6.5
GH: 71–107 ppm; 4–6 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Bottom
Lifespan: 1-2 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

Diet

Flowerhead Shrimp are primarily detritivores that graze on biofilm and algae naturally present in established tanks. Supplement with high-quality shrimp-specific foods such as Shirakura or Mosura pellets 2-3 times weekly, and offer blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini occasionally. Avoid overfeeding, as uneaten food degrades water quality in small tanks.

Behavior

These shrimp are active grazers that spend most of their time foraging along substrate and plants, particularly during low-light hours. They exhibit typical Caridina molting behavior and require stable parameters to prevent molting complications. Colony dynamics are generally peaceful, though males may display minor competitive posturing during feeding.

Breeding

Flowerhead Shrimp require strict soft, acidic water (pH 5.5-6.5, GH 4-6) to successfully breed and maintain color intensity. Females produce small berries (15-25 shrimplets per cycle) that develop over 3-4 weeks; shrimplets are released as fully-formed miniatures. Breeding success is highly dependent on water stability and mineral supplementation with products like GH+.

Tank mates

See all 6

Otocinclus

Small, peaceful algae eater that shares similar water parameters and does not predate shrimp

excellent

Ember Tetra

Tiny, non-aggressive fish that thrive in soft acidic water; minimal shrimp predation risk

good

Chili Rasbora

Nano fish compatible with acidic soft water; peaceful and unlikely to harm adult shrimp

good

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp species that coexist peacefully; both require similar water conditions

good

Java Moss

Provides grazing surface, shelter, and biofilm production essential for shrimp nutrition

excellent

No state or federal restrictions on record.

Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.

The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Global Register of Invasive and Introduced Species (CC BY 4.0).