Sulawesi White Orchid Shrimp

Common Name: White Orchid Sulawesi

Scientific Name: Caridina poso klotz

Genus: Caridina

Wild Origin: Sulawesi, Indonesia

Adult Size: 1 in

The White Orchid Sulawesi stands out as a distinct and rare Sulawesi variant. Its notable features include a translucent body, dark spots, and horizontal black barring. Originating from the Sulawesi lake system in Indonesia, this species thrives in remarkably unique water conditions, making it more challenging to keep in a home aquarium. Once thought to be extinct in the wild, this rare variety is now exclusively bred by experienced shrimp farmers and breeders, and its captive-raised status contributes to its higher market value.

Caridina poso klotz requires specific water parameters to do well, which make them more challenging to keep when compared to other dwarf shrimp species. All Sulawesi varieties thrive at a higher temperature of 78-85 °F and a pH of 7.8 - 8.2, preferring soft yet alkaline water similar to the lakes where they originate. Ensure the shrimp are kept in a low-flow, well-cycled tank with aged water.

Caridina poso klotz is a diligent scavenger, constantly eating detritus and decomposing plant material within the aquarium. Its primary diet consists of algae, biofilm, and decaying organic matter, which can be further supplemented with powdered shrimp food derived from plant sources. Incorporating hardscape in the aquarium provides an additional food source for shrimp, as the rock's rough texture promotes the growth of biofilm and algae.

Key Features & Important Notes

• Tank-raised specimen
• Bright, bold color and pattern
• Shrimp are excellent scavengers and will happily feed on biofilm, decaying plant matter, and algae
• To increase survival rates, please allow 2-3 business days after an order is placed to properly prepare live animal shipments 

Recommended Water Parameters:

• Temperature Range: 78 - 85°F
• pH: 7.8 - 8.2 
• TDS: 50-150
• GH: 6-9
• KH: 4-8

Recommended Tank Size:

• 5+ gallons

Diet:

• Algae, biofilm, diatoms, decaying plant matter, spirulina powder, bee pollen, plant-based shrimp pellets/wafers, blanched vegetables

Breeding:

The White Orchid Sulawesi no longer occurs naturally in the wild, so breeding lines are entirely captive-bred and maintained by skilled breeders.

Once optimal water conditions are established, breeding Sulawesi shrimp is relatively easy. Starting with larger groups of 10-20 adults offer the best chance of successful spawning. However, Caridina dennerli varieties lay fewer eggs than other dwarf shrimp species. Expect females to only lay about 15 eggs at a time. It takes roughly 20 days for the eggs to hatch and become free-swimming.

Check out our blog article to learn how to breed freshwater shrimp.