A stunning but highly sensitive dwarf shrimp native to the ancient Lake Matano in Sulawesi, Indonesia. Famous for its bright red coloration and contrasting white front appendages (often called 'white gloves'). They require extremely specific, pristine water conditions (high temperature, high pH, specific remineralizers) and are only recommended for advanced aquarists.
Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) At a Glance
Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) Tank Requirements
Will Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) Water Parameters
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Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) Temperament & Compatibility
Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard striking bright red or dark maroon form. Constantly picks at biofilm and micro-algae on hardscape. Must be kept in a dedicated species tank or with extremely peaceful, heat-tolerant snails.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: White Glove Shrimp, Sulawesi Cardinal
Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) Care Guide Summary
The Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi), scientifically known as Caridina dennerli, belongs to the Invertebrates family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 2 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a slow growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 40 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 26°C and 30°C, with a pH range of 7.5–8.5 and a general hardness of 4–8 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. The Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) is typically available in one standard form.
Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi), a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour, smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, and an established tank with natural algae growth, as they depend on it as a primary food source.
Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi).
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
Show 22 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi)
How big does Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) get?
Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) (Caridina dennerli) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 2 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a slow growth rate.
What tank size does Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 40 cm are recommended for Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) need?
Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 26–30°C, a pH between 7.5 and 8.5, and a general hardness of 4–8 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) peaceful or aggressive?
Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 0 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) should be kept together?
Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) benefits from established algae (otocinclus), smooth gravel (sensitive barbels), and sand (sifters) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi)
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Plants That Suit Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi)
These plants pair well with Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Banana Plant
Nymphoides aquatica
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Fish Similar to Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi)
Bee Shrimp
Caridina logemanni
A highly prized dwarf freshwater shrimp known for its striking opaque color bands. Native to streams in Southern China, they require specific parameters to thrive: cool, highly oxygenated, acidic, and very soft water. This is usually achieved using RO (Reverse Osmosis) water remineralized with specific shrimp salts and active buffering soil. They are highly sensitive to nitrogen spikes and copper, and are extremely vulnerable to fish predation.
Panther Crab
Parathelphusa pantherina
A striking, fully aquatic freshwater crab endemic to Lake Matano in Sulawesi, Indonesia. Recognizable by its pale yellow-orange body covered in dark panther-like spots. They are opportunistic scavengers and predators that will hunt snails, shrimp, and bottom-dwelling or sleeping fish. They are notorious escape artists and require a very tight-fitting lid. Unlike many crabs, they do not require a land area, though they need plenty of underwater rock caves.
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
Caridina cantonensis
A sensitive, highly prized dwarf shrimp species known for its vivid red/white or black/white banding. Unlike the hardy Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina), Bee Shrimp require cool, soft, acidic water and typically require active buffering soil to thrive. They are peaceful grazers perfect for specific biotope setups.
American Grass Shrimp
Palaemonetes kadiakensis
A completely freshwater shrimp native to North America. Often sold interchangeably with Ghost Shrimp (P. paludosus), the American Grass Shrimp is hardier, breeds more easily in entirely freshwater, and is an excellent, active scavenger for community tanks. They have a completely transparent body and prefer planted aquariums.
Japanese Ricefish (Medaka)
Oryzias latipes
A hardy, small, and colorful fish native to East Asia. Extremely popular in the outdoor pond hobby and nano aquariums. They are 'amphidromous' (tolerant of salinity changes) and can survive a wide range of temperatures, making them excellent tub/pond fish. They are surface dwellers that look best when viewed from above (top-down).
Brown Camo Shrimp
Caridina babaulti var. Brown
The Brown Camo Shrimp (Caridina babaulti) is a fascinating dwarf shrimp known for its ability to rapidly change color to match its surroundings, much like a chameleon. They are excellent scavengers and algae grazers. Unlike some highly sensitive Caridina species (like Crystal Reds), Babaulti are relatively hardy and can adapt to a wider range of water parameters, making them a great choice for planted nano tanks.