Malili Shrimp

Caridina glaubrechti is a rare and delicate shrimp endemic to the Malili lake system of Sulawesi, displaying warm reddish-brown to orange-brown colouration with distinctive white spots and a unique body shape associated with this ancient lake group. As with all Malili lake endemics, it has evolved in exceptionally stable, warm, hard, and alkaline water conditions over millions of years.

Keeping Malili Shrimp successfully requires a dedicated Sulawesi biotope setup designed to replicate the specific water chemistry of its native habitat. The water must be warm, mineral-rich, alkaline, and hard — conditions that cannot be achieved with standard freshwater aquarium equipment alone. RO water with Sulawesi-specific mineral supplements is essential.

Caridina glaubrechti is exceptionally rare in the hobby and is a species of conservation concern. Captive breeding programs are important for the long-term availability of this extraordinary shrimp.

Water: 27–30°C, pH 7.5–8.5, GH 6–10, KH 4–8; RO water with Sulawesi mineral supplement only. Tank: minimum 30 L Sulawesi biotope setup; algae-covered smooth rocks; fine sand substrate. Feeding: natural biofilm and algae are the primary diet; supplement with spirulina powder sparingly. Breeding: difficult; very small clutches of large eggs; juveniles require pristine, stable conditions. Compatibility: Sulawesi biotope only; other Sulawesi shrimp compatible; no fish at all.