Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi)
Caridina dennerli
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.
Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) Water Parameters
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.
Who Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) Is Actually For
Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide a keeper who can commit to a proper group of at least 6. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially established algae.
The most common mistake is treating Cardinal Shrimp (Sulawesi) like any other community fish and skipping the soft sand it needs to forage safely. Another frequent problem is underestimating its social needs. A token pair or trio often behaves very differently from a real group.
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
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.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 3, 2026
- Last updated
- May 3, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
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.
Snowball Shrimp
Neocaridina cf. zhangjiajiensis var. white
Ideal Tank MatesRed Goldflake Shrimp
Caridina sp. Red Goldflake
Ideal Tank MatesOrange Delight Shrimp
Caridina loehae
Ideal Tank MatesFreshwater Harlequin Shrimp (Sulawesi)
Caridina cf. spongicola
Ideal Tank MatesThai Micro Crab
Limnopilos naiyanetri
Ideal Tank MatesPlants 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)
Red Goldflake Shrimp
Caridina sp. Red Goldflake
The Red Goldflake Shrimp is a stunning but delicate freshwater invertebrate native to the ancient lakes of Sulawesi, Indonesia. It features a dark maroon base color heavily speckled with brilliant golden flecks. As a Sulawesi species, it strictly requires highly stable, warm, alkaline water with specific mineral content to thrive. They feed continuously on biofilm and algae. Highly sensitive, they are recommended only for advanced shrimp keepers.
Orange Delight Shrimp
Caridina loehae
An advanced-level, delicate dwarf shrimp native to the ancient Malili lake system in Sulawesi, Indonesia. Scientifically described as Caridina loehae, they are characterized by their bright orange bodies and white dashes. They require highly stable, warm (26-29°C), and alkaline water mirroring their native ancient lakes. They are peaceful biofilm grazers that will not survive in standard freshwater conditions.
Freshwater Harlequin Shrimp (Sulawesi)
Caridina cf. spongicola
An expert-level, tiny freshwater shrimp endemic to Lake Towuti in Sulawesi. Known for its striking red and white bands and shy nature. In the wild, they live symbiotically with a specific freshwater sponge, though in aquariums they can be sustained on mature biofilm. They require extremely stable, warm, alkaline water parameters and should only be kept by advanced aquarists.
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.
Malaya Shrimp
Caridina sp. "Malaya"
A unique and highly variable dwarf shrimp native to Southeast Asia. Unlike most dwarf shrimp, Malaya Shrimp are a low-order species, meaning their eggs hatch into tiny larvae rather than fully-formed shrimplets. However, unlike Amano Shrimp, these larvae do not require saltwater or brackish conditions; they metamorphose completely in freshwater. They are peaceful, active scavengers and excellent algae eaters that come in a wide array of colors including red, blue, green, brown, and clear.
Snowball Shrimp
Neocaridina cf. zhangjiajiensis var. white
A strikingly bright white color morph of the Neocaridina dwarf shrimp. The name 'Snowball' comes from the pure white, snowball-like eggs the females carry. They are peaceful, highly prolific biofilm grazers that thrive in established aquariums. They are completely safe with nano fish, though baby shrimp may be predated upon by almost any fish.