Caridina sp. Malawa Shrimp

Caridina sp. 'Malawa' is endemic to the ancient Lake Malili system of Sulawesi, Indonesia — one of the world's oldest and most biodiverse lake systems. This petite shrimp has a lightly pigmented, semi-translucent body with distinctive orange-tipped appendages. Like all Sulawesi shrimp, Malawa requires a unique set of water parameters: warm (26–30°C), alkaline (pH 7.5–8.5), and moderately hard — the complete opposite of Taiwan Bee requirements. They are best kept in a dedicated Sulawesi biotope with carefully prepared water, inert substrate, and no fish tankmates. A fascinating species for advanced hobbyists seeking something truly different.

Water: pH 7.5–8.5, TDS 200–300 ppm, temperature 26–30°C; alkaline, moderately hard Sulawesi-type water with dedicated mineral additive. Tank: 30–60 litres; Sulawesi biotope setup; smooth pebbles, no sharp hardscape; sponge filtration. Feeding: Biofilm, microalgae, fine-particle shrimp foods; avoid overfeeding. Breeding: Sensitive; requires perfectly stable Sulawesi parameters; small clutch size. Compatibility: Species-only or with other Sulawesi shrimp species at matching parameters.