Keeping and Breeding Sulawesi Shrimp
If you are a freshwater aquarium enthusiast in Bacolod City, you’ve likely marveled at the stunning colors of ornamental shrimp. While Cherry and Crystal Red shrimp are highly popular, there is a true crown jewel in the hobby: the Sulawesi Shrimp (specifically the Cardinal Shrimp, Caridina dennerli). Endemic to the ancient lakes of Sulawesi, Indonesia, these shrimp boast deep red bodies contrasted by striking white dots and white front appendages that look like they are constantly “dancing.”
Keeping them requires attention to detail, but the warm tropical climate of Bacolod actually works in your favor! Here is everything you need to know about the keeping, care, and breeding of Sulawesi shrimp, brought to you by PetCorp Bacolod.
1. Setting Up the Perfect Environment (Keeping)
Sulawesi shrimp come from very specific, pristine lake environments. To keep them successfully in Bacolod City, replicating their natural water parameters is non-negotiable.
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Water Parameters: They require a high pH (7.5 to 8.5) and warm water. The ideal temperature is between 27°C and 31°C (80°F – 87°F). Because Bacolod City is naturally warm, maintaining this temperature is usually easier than in colder climates, though you should still monitor your tank with a reliable thermometer to prevent overheating during peak summer months.
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The RO Water Rule: Never use straight tap water for Sulawesi shrimp. You must use Reverse Osmosis (RO) or distilled/ water remineralized with a specific Sulawesi mineral salt (like SaltyShrimp Sulawesi 8.5). This ensures the exact GH (General Hardness) and KH (Carbonate Hardness) they need to survive and molt properly.
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Hardscape & Substrate: Use inert substrates like crushed coral, aragonite sand, or neutral gravel. Do not use active buffering soils (like those used for bee shrimp) as they will lower the pH. Add plenty of porous lava rocks. Not only do they mimic the rocky bottoms of Lake Matano, but they also provide maximum surface area for biofilm and algae to grow—which is exactly what these shrimp love to eat.
2. Diet and Daily Care
Sulawesi shrimp are notoriously shy when first introduced to a tank. Proper care involves making them feel safe and keeping their bellies full.
Biofilm is King: These shrimp are continuous grazers. They spend their days picking at biofilm and soft green algae growing on rocks and glass. Ensure your tank is heavily matured (cycled for at least 6-8 weeks) before adding them.
Supplemental Feeding: Because their mouths are very small, powder-based shrimp foods are ideal. Spirulina powder, specialized shrimp king powders, and high-quality vegetable-based sinking pellets are great choices.
Tank Mates: Sulawesi shrimp are incredibly peaceful and easily intimidated. They should be kept in a species-only tank. The only acceptable tank mates are Sulawesi snails (like the Rabbit Snail), which share the exact same water requirements and won’t outcompete them for food.
3. Breeding Sulawesi Shrimp
Breeding Sulawesi shrimp is incredibly rewarding. Once they are happy and your water parameters are absolutely stable, they will breed readily in your home aquarium.
The Breeding Process: Unlike some shrimp that go through a larval stage in brackish water, Cardinal shrimp are high-order breeders. This means the females carry the eggs under their abdomens for about 20-25 days, and they hatch as miniature, fully-formed replicas of the adults.
Maximizing Survival: The baby shrimp (shrimplets) are microscopic and extremely sensitive to water changes. To ensure they survive, keep water changes small (no more than 10-15% weekly) and drip-acclimate the new water back in very slowly. Ensure there is abundant powdered food available in the water column so the babies don’t have to travel far to eat.
Get Started at PetCorp Bacolod!
Ready to bring the vibrant colors of the Sulawesi lakes into your living room? Setting up a specialized shrimp tank takes patience, but the visual reward is unmatched in the freshwater hobby.
For all your RO water remineralizers, inert substrates, lava rocks, and premium shrimp foods, visit PetCorp Bacolod today. Our team is ready to help local hobbyists build the perfect ecosystem for these rare and beautiful invertebrates!
Location: JR Torres Ave, Singcang-Airport, Bacolod City.
Hours: Opens 9am – 7pm. Mondays to Saturdays
