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Harlequin Shrimp (Sulawesi)
Caridina woltereckae
📍 Sulawesi, Indonesia
Caridina woltereckae, commonly known as Harlequin or Sulawesi Shrimp, are striking freshwater shrimp native to the unique waters of Sulawesi, Indonesia. These shrimp feature distinctive red and white banding patterns and require specific water parameters to thrive, making them a challenging but rewarding species for experienced aquarists. They are peaceful, active foragers that spend much of their time exploring the substrate and plants.
Care Guide
Diet
Harlequin Shrimp are detritivores that primarily feed on biofilm, algae, and decaying plant matter. Supplement with high-quality shrimp pellets, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), and algae wafers 2-3 times weekly. A mature, well-established tank with abundant biofilm is essential for their long-term health.
Behavior
These shrimp are active bottom-dwellers that spend most of their time foraging through substrate and plants for food. They are social and do best in small groups or colonies of 6+ individuals. Molting is frequent and normal; provide plenty of hiding places with plants and hardscape to allow safe molting.
Breeding
Breeding in freshwater is extremely difficult and rarely successful in home aquaria. Females produce eggs but larvae typically require brackish water conditions to develop properly. Most captive-bred specimens available in the hobby have been selectively bred, but reproduction remains challenging even for expert aquarists.
Tank Mates
Provides shelter and biofilm growth without being consumed
Dense moss creates ideal foraging habitat and biofilm production
Small, peaceful fish that won't predate on shrimp; requires same warm water
Peaceful algae eater that shares similar water requirements and won't harm shrimp
Small, non-aggressive fish compatible with warm water parameters
Can be territorial; only suitable in larger tanks with plenty of space
Common Diseases
Molting Complications
Shrimp stuck in molt, unable to shed exoskeleton completely, lethargy after molting
Ensure adequate calcium and minerals in water; provide iodine-rich foods; maintain stable water parameters; do not disturb molting shrimp
Copper Toxicity
Lethargy, loss of appetite, discoloration, sudden death
Use only copper-free medications and fertilizers; perform large water changes; avoid tap water high in copper; use RO water if necessary
Bacterial Infection
White spots or patches on body, cloudy appearance, lethargy
Maintain pristine water quality with frequent water changes; increase aeration; isolate affected individuals if possible; avoid antibiotics that harm biofilm
Parasitic Infection (Flukes)
Excessive scratching on substrate, rapid gill movement, loss of appetite
Perform salt baths (not recommended for Sulawesi shrimp due to sensitivity); increase water changes; maintain optimal water parameters; consider species-specific parasite treatments with caution
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore/detritivore - biofilm, algae wafers, blanched vegetables, specialized shrimp pellets
- lifespan
- 2-3 years
- max size
- 3.8 cm (1.5 in)
- tank size
- 10 gallons minimum
- temperament
- peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 7.8-8.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 8-15 dGH
- temperature
- 82–86°F (28–30°C)