Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp (Caridina dennerli)

Family: Atyidae

Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp — the white-socked jewel of Lake Matano. Reaches 2–2.5 cm; keep at a constant 26–29 °C, alkaline water.

Care parameters

Water temperature
26–29 °C
pH
7.5–8.5
GH hardness
6–12 dGH
Adult length
2–2.5 cm
Minimum tank
30 L
Water layer
Bottom — grazing rock and shell surfaces
Difficulty
Advanced
Temperament
Very peaceful
Origin
Lake Matano, Sulawesi, Indonesia — endemic

Species overview

Caridina dennerli is an Atyidae freshwater shrimp, the Sulawesi Cardinal with snow-white socks. In the aquarium it stays a very peaceful, brilliant red grazer. Plan on 2–2.5 cm of adult shrimp at a constant 26–29 °C in alkaline water — it tolerates no cool spells and rewards the specialist with easy breeding.

Native biotope

Habitat
Deep, hot, alkaline crater lake with rocky shores
Flow
Gentle current
Dissolved O₂
High oxygen

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Crushed coral or sandy rock to buffer alkalinity
Hardscape
Rocks and shell gravel with algae cover
Plants
Algae-covered rocks instead of demanding plants

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Groups of 10 or more
Diet
Algae and aufwuchs grazer; spirulina foods
Recommended tankmates
  • Other Sulawesi shrimp — Same hot alkaline niche
  • Sulawesi gobies and ricefish — Shares the niche in nature
Avoid keeping with
  • Cool-water community fish — Needs 26–29 °C, most fish do not
  • Copper-based medications — Lethal to all invertebrates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Females are larger with a deeper abdomen
Breeding method
Breeds in freshwater — one of the easier Sulawesi species

Frequently asked questions

Is Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp easy to keep?

Rated advanced — very peaceful. Demanding water conditions; best for experienced keepers.

What temperature and water chemistry does Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp need?

Set the heater to 26–29 °C and avoid swings. pH 7.5–8.5, GH 6–12 dGH suit it.

How big does Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 2–2.5 cm; it is bottom — grazing rock and shell surfaces. Plan for at least 30 litres.

What does Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp eat?

Algae and aufwuchs grazer; spirulina foods. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp live with other fish?

Very peaceful; groups of 10 or more. Good company: Other Sulawesi shrimp — Same hot alkaline niche, Sulawesi gobies and ricefish — Shares the niche in nature. Keep away from Cool-water community fish — Needs 26–29 °C, most fish do not, Copper-based medications — Lethal to all invertebrates.

Where does Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp come from?

Native to Lake Matano, Sulawesi, Indonesia — endemic, where it lives in deep, hot, alkaline crater lake with rocky shores. Gentle current; High oxygen.

How does Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp breed?

In the aquarium: breeds in freshwater — one of the easier Sulawesi species. Females are larger with a deeper abdomen.