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.
Red Goldflake Shrimp At a Glance
Red Goldflake Shrimp Tank Requirements
Will Red Goldflake Shrimp fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Red Goldflake Shrimp needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Red Goldflake Shrimp against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Red Goldflake Shrimp Water Parameters
Red Goldflake Shrimp Temperament & Compatibility
Red Goldflake Shrimp Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard morph of the Red Goldflake Shrimp. Both sexes exhibit the same vivid dark maroon and gold coloration. They should be kept in species-only setups or with extremely peaceful, heat-tolerant snails. Fish are generally not recommended due to the shrimp's high stress levels and predation risk.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Unsexed, Adult
Red Goldflake Shrimp Care Guide Summary
The Red Goldflake Shrimp, scientifically known as Caridina sp. Red Goldflake, belongs to the Invertebrates family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 2 cm and have a compressed 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 Red Goldflake Shrimp requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 26°C and 29°C, with a pH range of 7.5–8.5 and a general hardness of 4–10 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
The Red Goldflake Shrimp is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Red Goldflake Shrimp is typically available in one standard form.
Red Goldflake Shrimp Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Red Goldflake Shrimp, 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 and an established tank with natural algae growth, as they depend on it as a primary food source.
Red Goldflake Shrimp Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Red Goldflake Shrimp 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 Red Goldflake Shrimp Is Actually For
Red Goldflake Shrimp 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 sand.
The most common mistake is treating Red Goldflake Shrimp 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.
Red Goldflake Shrimp Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Red Goldflake Shrimp.
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 Red Goldflake Shrimp
How big does Red Goldflake Shrimp get?
Red Goldflake Shrimp (Caridina sp. Red Goldflake) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 2 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a slow growth rate.
What tank size does Red Goldflake Shrimp need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm are recommended for Red Goldflake Shrimp. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Red Goldflake Shrimp need?
Red Goldflake Shrimp thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 26–29°C, a pH between 7.5 and 8.5, and a general hardness of 4–10 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Red Goldflake Shrimp peaceful or aggressive?
Red Goldflake Shrimp is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 0 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Red Goldflake Shrimp should be kept together?
Red Goldflake Shrimp 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 Red Goldflake Shrimp have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Red Goldflake Shrimp benefits from sand (sifters) and established algae (otocinclus) 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 11, 2026
- Last updated
- May 11, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Red Goldflake Shrimp
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Red Goldflake Shrimp based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Zebra Apple Snail
Asolene spixi
Ideal Tank MatesTrapdoor Snail
Cipangopaludina chinensis
Ideal Tank MatesSnowball Shrimp
Neocaridina cf. zhangjiajiensis var. white
Ideal Tank MatesOrange Delight Shrimp
Caridina loehae
Ideal Tank MatesHorned Nerite Snail
Clithon corona
Ideal Tank MatesFreshwater Harlequin Shrimp (Sulawesi)
Caridina cf. spongicola
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Red Goldflake Shrimp
These plants pair well with Red Goldflake Shrimp 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 Red Goldflake Shrimp
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.
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.
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.
Red Tupfel Shrimp
Caridina serrata
The Red Tupfel Shrimp is a selectively bred color morph of the wild Tupfel (Spotted) Shrimp (Caridina serrata). They feature a translucent body with striking red spots. They are closely related to Tiger and Bee shrimp but are generally considered slightly more hardy and forgiving of water parameters. They thrive in established nano setups with plenty of biofilm to graze on.
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.
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.