Sulawesi Yellow Cheek Shrimp
Common Name: Sulawesi Yellow Cheek Shrimp
Scientific Name: Caridina Spinata
Genus: Caridina
Wild Origin: Sulawesi, Indonesia
Adult Size: 1 in
The Yellow Cheek Sulawesi Shrimp is another rare variation of Sulawesi Shrimp endemic to Lake Towuti in Indonesia. This species of Sulawesi is maintained by skilled breeders, making this variety rare and highly coveted by shrimp hobbyists. The Yellow Cheek can be identified by a rich maroon body, accompanied by bright yellow spots.
Sulawesi varieties demand specific water parameters, which make them more challenging to keep when compared to other dwarf shrimp species. Because of this, Yellow Cheeks should only be kept by experienced aquarists. General guidelines include higher temperature ranges of 78-85 °F and a pH of 7.8 - 8.2. Ensure the shrimp are kept in a low-flow, well-cycled tank with soft water and plenty of algae to feed on.
All Sulawesi shrimp are scavengers and will continuously feed on detritus and decaying plant matter in the aquarium. They mainly feed on algae, biofilm, and decaying organics, and their diet can be supplemented with plant-based shrimp pellets/wafers. Adding hardscape to the aquarium encourages the growth of biofilm and algae due to the rock’s rough texture. This provides increased surface area and an extra food source for the shrimp to feed on.
Key Features & Important Notes
- Tank-raised specimen
- Bright, bold color
- 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 Yellow Cheek Sulawesi shrimp is very difficult to breed in captivity. Starting with larger groups of 15 or more adults will provide improved chances of spawning.
Check out our blog article to learn how to breed freshwater shrimp.