Sulawesi Red Line Shrimp (Caridina striata)
The Sulawesi Red Line Shrimp is a striking and interesting shrimp species that can make a great addition to a well-maintained aquarium. With proper care and attention, these Shrimp can thrive and breed in captivity, adding colour and diversity to any aquatic setup.
The Sulawesi Red Line Shrimp boasts an attractive colour and pattern that can be surprising to many, given that it is a freshwater species. However, to maintain their thriving state, these shrimps necessitate a unique set of stable water parameters that are uncommon, and therefore, they are best suited for experienced aquarists.
Finding fish that are compatible in size and do not pose a threat to the Shrimp or shrimplets while also thriving in the specialised conditions of the aquarium may prove a challenge. 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 Shrimp require colonies of six or more individuals, ideally 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. They use their bright white chelipeds to pick at the surfaces and are known to spend a significant amount of time in view.
For optimal conditions, a combination of crushed coral and coral sand should be mixed 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. The use of RO water and specialist freshwater minerals is highly recommended to achieve the desired water hardness. Alternatively, some aquarists prefer to keep a small bag of aragonite in the filtration system to achieve this. The use of RO water and specialist freshwater minerals is highly recommended to achieve the desired water hardness.
Care must be taken during water changes, as these shrimps are highly sensitive to fluctuations in water chemistry. It is recommended to change only around 10 per cent 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 essential as these shrimps prefer hard substrates, and while you may add some aquatic plants, overplanting should be avoided.
Sulawesi Red Line Shrimp have a slender, elongated body shape and are characterised by their striking red body and white stripes, which run horizontally along the length of their body. The stripes are more prominent in young Shrimp and become less distinct as the shrimp age. In addition, these Shrimp also have a small number of white spots on their bodies. With the exception of their bright white chelipeds, the appendages of the Sulawesi Red Line Shrimp are transparent with a reddish hue. However, their colouration may fade when they are under stress.
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| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Caridina striata |
| Year Described | 2009 |
| Other Names | Matano Red Line Shrimp, Red Line Bee Shrimp, Red Line Shrimp, Red Stripe Shrimp |
| Classification | Malacostraca |
| Order | Decapoda |
| Family | Atyidae |
| Genus | Caridina |
| Origins | Indonesia |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | All Levels |
| Difficulty | Intermediate - Advanced |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | livebearer |
| Lifespan | 1 - 2 years |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 7.0 - 8.5 |
| GH | 4 - 8 |
| KH | 4 - 6 |
| TDS | 50 - 150 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 80 - 84℉ 27 - 29℃ | |
Feeding
Sulawesi Red Line Shrimp is an omnivorous species, meaning they will consume both plant and animal matter. In the wild, their diet mainly consists of biofilm, algae, and small aquatic invertebrates. In the aquarium, they can be fed various commercial foods such as shrimp pellets and algae wafers, as well as blanched vegetables such as zucchini or spinach, and live or frozen foods like brine shrimp or daphnia. It's essential to provide a balanced and varied diet to maintain their health and well-being.
Sexual Dimorphism
The primary difference between male and female Sulawesi Red Line Shrimp is the size and shape of the uropods, which are the appendages on the underside of the tail. In males, the uropods are elongated and pointed, with a narrow base, while the females have shorter and broader uropods with a wider base. In addition, the second and third segments of the male's antennae are also longer and more slender compared to the female's antennae.
Additionally, mature females may have a slightly rounder and more robust appearance due to the carrying of eggs; however, this is not always a reliable method of sexing, as male and female Shrimp can have similar body shapes.