Family: Atyidae
Wine Red Shrimp — the burgundy morph of the Caridina babaulti complex, hardy like a cherry but with caridina elegance. Reaches 2.5-3 cm, forgiving water at 20-26 °C (pH 6.5-7.8, moderate hardness), breeds freely in freshwater.
Wine Red Shrimp is the deep burgundy form sold in the hobby as Caridina cf. babaulti 'Wine Red' — part of the widespread babaulti species complex of South and Southeast Asia, small atyids famous for their hardiness and unusual color range. Unlike the cantonensis bee shrimp, wine reds tolerate — in fact prefer — moderately hard, neutral water around 20-26 °C and pH 6.5-7.8, which makes them a forgiving bridge between neocaridina ease and caridina looks. The color is the point: a rich, dark wine red that deepens with age, especially on females, over a body of 2.5-3 cm. In the aquarium they are peaceful, active grazers that clear algae from plants and decor without touching healthy leaves, and they mix safely with cherries since their water needs overlap — though different species keep the gene pools apart. Breeding is straightforward freshwater: the female carries 15-25 eggs, the young hatch as miniature adults, and a stable colony builds quickly. A dark wine school against bright green moss is one of the most elegant combinations in a planted tank.
Rated advanced — very peaceful. Demanding water conditions; best for experienced keepers.
Aim for 26–29 °C. Constant 26–29 °C — a heater with a guard is mandatory; 26–29 °C stable range.
Expect 2–2.5 cm as an adult, living bottom — grazing rock and shell surfaces. A 30 L tank or larger gives it room.
Algae and aufwuchs grazer; spirulina foods. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.
Very peaceful. Recommended tankmates: Neocaridina davidi morphs — Different species, overlapping chemistry — safe, no hybrid risk, Small peaceful community fish — Adults safe; moss for shrimplets, Otocinclus catfish — Gentle algae companion. Avoid Copper-based medications — Lethal to all invertebrates, Large predatory fish — Shrimp are prey, Very soft acidic setups — Not harmful, but unnecessary and stressful.
Native to Lake Matano, Sulawesi, Indonesia, where it lives in deep, hot, alkaline crater lake with rocky shores. Gentle current; High oxygen.
Breeds readily in freshwater. Females carry 15-25 eggs for about three weeks; hatchlings are miniature adults. Colonies multiply steadily in a stable, mature tank.. Females are larger and carry the deepest wine color; males slimmer and lighter red..