Blue Leg Poso Sulawesi Shrimp (Caridina caerulea)

The Blue Leg Poso Sulawesi Shrimp is a remarkable and captivating species of Shrimp that can be an excellent addition to a well-maintained aquarium. With proper care and attention, these Shrimp can thrive and breed in captivity, adding discreet colouration and diversity to any aquatic setup.

While not as colourful as some other Sulawesi shrimp, Blue Leg Poso Sulawesi Shrimp are still an absolute beauty. Its long blue rostrum, clear to blueish body, two blue spots on the tail, and bright orange antennae are distinctive features that make it easily recognizable. However, these shrimps require a distinct set of rare stable water parameters to maintain their thriving state, making them best suited for experienced aquarists.

Finding suitable fish that are compatible in size, do not threaten the Shrimp or shrimplets, and can thrive in the specialized conditions of the aquarium may prove challenging. A highly recommended tankmate option would be Rabbit Snails, an intriguing live-bearing species that share the same habitat in the ancient lakes.

To thrive, these shrimps require colonies of six or more individuals, preferably ten or more. These gregarious and non-aggressive shrimps are not shy and are often seen foraging on rocks and other bio-film covered surfaces, using their bright white chelipeds to pick at the surfaces. They are known to spend a significant amount of time in view.

To maintain optimal conditions, you should mix crushed coral and coral sand with the regular substrate in an aquarium housing the Sulawesi Red Line Shrimp to maintain a high pH. Alternatively, some aquarists prefer to keep a small bag of aragonite in the filtration system to achieve this. RO water and specialist freshwater minerals are highly recommended to achieve the desired water hardness.

It is essential to exercise caution during water changes, as these shrimps are highly sensitive to fluctuations in water chemistry. It is recommended to change only about 10% of the water regularly. Some aquarists prepare fresh water in a bucket containing aragonite, a heater, and gentle aeration before partial water changes.

Water temperature should be kept steady between 27-29 °C, and the aquarium must not drop below 27 °C, as these shrimps cannot thrive in lower temperatures. Aquascaping the tank with plenty of rocky structures and crevices is vital, as these shrimps prefer hard substrates. While aquatic plants may be added, overplanting should be avoided.

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Feeding

The Blue Leg Poso Sulawesi Shrimp is an omnivorous species that feeds on various food sources in its natural habitat. In the wild, they primarily feed on biofilm, algae, and other plant matter that grows on rocks, driftwood, and other hard surfaces. They are also known to scavenge on detritus and consume small invertebrates and crustaceans.

In captivity, a balanced diet can be provided by offering a variety of foods such as algae wafers, sinking pellets, and shrimp pellets. You can also add fresh vegetables such as spinach, kale, zucchini, and cucumber to their diet. In addition, supplementing their diet with calcium-rich foods like shrimp shells and cuttlebone can help promote healthy shell growth and moulting.

Overfeeding should be avoided, as it can cause excess waste, leading to poor water quality. Instead, providing small amounts of food several times a day is recommended, rather than one large feeding. These Shrimp are a social species, and they tend to feed communally, so providing enough food for the entire colony is essential for their health and well-being.

Sexual Dimorphism

Male and female Blue Leg Poso Sulawesi Shrimp can be distinguished by the size and shape of their uropods and the appendages on the underside of their tails. The uropods of males are elongated, pointed, and have a narrow base, whereas those of females are shorter, broader, and have a wider base. Moreover, the second and third segments of the males' antennae are longer and more slender when compared to those of the females.