Caridina dennerli - Cardinal Shrimp (CB)

The cardinal shrimp, scientifically known as Caridina dennerli, is without a doubt one of the most fascinating and beautiful dwarf shrimp in freshwater aquaristics. Featuring an intense dark red body adorned with fine white dots, alongside its characteristic light leg tips, it is a real eye-catcher. The animals offered here are robust German captive-bred specimens from our own breeding stock, already well acclimated to aquarium conditions.

Origin and habitat

Caridina dennerli originates from Lake Matano, an ancient prehistoric lake on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. There it prefers to inhabit hard-structured shore zones, living on rocks and within labyrinths of wood and stones. The waters of Sulawesi are characterized by very specific parameters: they are extremely low in bacteria, unusually warm, and feature a high pH value combined with a comparatively low hardness.

Appearance and size

The cardinal shrimp remains quite small with a maximum size of around two centimeters and reaches an age of approximately two years. Its most striking feature is its deep red to dark red body, which creates a perfect contrast to the bright white dots. Also particularly noticeable are the snow-white front legs, which are in constant motion while feeding and look like tiny waving flags.

Aquarium care

Successfully keeping Caridina dennerli requires a specially set up aquarium of at least 20 liters, although 30 liters or more is preferable. The water temperature should remain consistently between 27 and 30 °C. The ideal pH value lies in the alkaline range from 8.0 to 8.5, with a general hardness of 6 to 8 °dGH and a carbonate hardness of 4 to 6 °dKH. The tank should offer plenty of hiding places made of porous rock or slate. A gentle current is ideal, which is why operating a sponge filter via an air lifter is particularly recommended. This protects the small shrimp and ensures high water quality.

Tank mates

Due to its specific water parameter requirements and its rather reserved nature, keeping it in a species-only aquarium is strongly recommended. Socialization, if attempted at all, should only be done with other peaceful Sulawesi shrimp or suitable snail species from the same natural habitat. Fish should not be kept in the same tank, as this will make the shrimp very shy.

Feeding

In its natural habitat, the cardinal shrimp feeds mainly on biofilm and periphyton on rocks. In the aquarium, these creatures also tirelessly graze on microorganisms and algae coatings. In addition, fine powder food and special granular food for shrimp should be provided, which disperses well over decor items and is thus accessible to all animals.