Cardinal Sulawesi Shrimp

About

The Cardinal Sulawesi Shrimp (Caridina dennerli) is one of the most visually arresting freshwater invertebrates you can keep, dressed in deep red with bright white spots scattered across the body. A pattern that explains the alternate name White Glove Shrimp. It originates from the ancient Malili lake system in Sulawesi, Indonesia, a chain of lakes so old and geologically isolated that they've produced an extraordinary range of endemic life found nowhere else on Earth. In the wild, these shrimp pick their way across rocky substrate in clear, warm, hard water. Conditions that have shaped very specific preferences you'll need to meet in the aquarium. Despite being listed as a beginner species, that label comes with an asterisk: they're forgiving of minor husbandry mistakes once established, but the initial setup requires some attention to get the water chemistry right for Sulawesi species. A species-only or Sulawesi-community tank tends to work best, since their tankmates in nature are other endemic Sulawesi animals rather than the typical community fish. Given stable conditions and appropriate companions, Cardinal Sulawesi Shrimp are active, personable little animals that spend their days grazing and exploring. Genuinely rewarding to watch up close.