Why are my Cardinal Shrimp hiding and not eating?

Hiding is usually a sign of stress. This can be caused by a colony size that is too small, water temperatures that are too low (they need 27-31°C), or incorrect water parameters. If the tank is too clean and lacks biofilm, they may also struggle to forage.

Do I absolutely need to use RO water for Sulawesi shrimp?

Yes, it is highly recommended. The water in Lake Matano has a very specific profile—high pH but low overall dissolved solids. It is incredibly difficult to achieve and maintain this balance using tap water, which often contains fluctuating levels of heavy metals and inappropriate minerals.

What is the best substrate for a Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp tank?

Inert substrates like standard aquarium sand are best. Many keepers also use a thin layer of crushed coral or aragonite to help buffer the pH naturally. Never use active aquasoils designed for planted tanks, as these are designed to lower the pH, which is fatal to Sulawesi shrimp.

How often should I feed my Cardinal Shrimp?

Very sparingly, perhaps 2-3 times a week with microscopic amounts of powdered food. In a properly matured tank with plenty of lava rock and light, the shrimp will sustain themselves primarily on the naturally growing biofilm and algae. Overfeeding is a common cause of tank crashes.

Can I keep them in a standard community fish tank?

No. The high temperature and unique pH/hardness requirements make them incompatible with most tropical fish. Furthermore, their small size makes them an expensive snack for almost any fish species.

FreshwaterTropicalAdvanced

Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp

Caridina dennerli

A stunning, brightly coloured dwarf shrimp endemic to the ancient lakes of Sulawesi, requiring highly specific water parameters to thrive.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 27 – 31 °C
pH range: 7.8 – 8.2
Hardness: 4 – 8 dGH
Adult size: 1.5 – 2.5 cm
minimum for stability: 40 litres+
Lifespan: 1 – 2 years
Diet: Omnivore/Detritivore
Water flow: Low to moderate
Preferred setup: Well-matured aquarium with inert sand or pH-buffering substrate, abundant porous rockwork (like lava rock) to foster biofilm, and stable heating.

About the Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp

The Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp (Caridina dennerli) is arguably one of the most striking freshwater invertebrates available in the hobby. Characterised by a deep crimson to dark purple-red body dotted with contrasting bright white or pale blue spots, it looks more like a marine species than a freshwater one. Endemic solely to Lake Matano in Indonesia, this species has captivated advanced aquarists since its formal description in 2009. Because of its demanding environmental needs, keeping them is considered a pinnacle achievement in the dwarf shrimp hobby.

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Is it right for your tank?

Check Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp comes from

Native range

Lake Matano, Sulawesi

Countries / regions

Indonesia

Habitat

Warm, ultra-oligotrophic (nutrient-poor) ancient lake margins, specifically rocky outcrops and boulders covered in algae.

Endemic exclusively to Lake Matano in the Malili lake system.

Similar species

Harlequin Sulawesi Shrimp
Caridina spongicola
White Orchid Sulawesi Shrimp
Caridina glaubrechti
Bloody Mary Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

View all compatibility

Rabbit Snail
Tylomelania spp.
Shares the exact same natural habitat in Sulawesi; completely peaceful and helps break down organic matter.
Great
Harlequin Sulawesi Shrimp
Caridina spongicola
Another peaceful Sulawesi endemic that thrives in identical, highly specific water parameters.
Great
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
While peaceful, Neocaridina breed much faster, can outcompete Cardinal Shrimp for food, and prefer cooler water.
Compatible with caution
Chili Rasbora
Boraras brigittae
Though tiny, any fish poses a threat to shrimplets, and their ideal water parameters (soft, acidic) are the complete opposite of Sulawesi requirements.
Not recommended
Betta Fish
Betta splendens
Will actively hunt and consume the shrimp; water parameters are also incompatible.
Not recommended

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