Sulawesi Cardinal Bee Shrimp

The Sulawesi Cardinal Bee Shrimp is a rare captive-bred variant combining the vivid cardinal-red body colouration associated with Caridina dennerli and related Sulawesi species with distinctive bee-like banding or patterning. The result is one of the most visually spectacular and unique freshwater shrimp available — a combination of the brilliant red and white of Sulawesi with the bold, graphic patterning of the bee shrimp group.

This shrimp requires the warm, hard, alkaline water conditions of Sulawesi biotope aquaria — opposite to the conditions needed for Caridina bee shrimp from East Asia. Maintaining the correct Sulawesi water chemistry with appropriate mineral supplementation of RO water is essential and non-negotiable.

Due to its extreme rarity and demanding care requirements, the Sulawesi Cardinal Bee Shrimp commands very high prices and is kept only by the most dedicated specialist invertebrate keepers.

Water: 27–30°C, pH 7.5–8.5, GH 6–10, KH 4–8; Sulawesi mineral-enriched RO water essential. Tank: minimum 30 L Sulawesi biotope; algae-covered smooth rocks; fine sand substrate; no copper. Feeding: biofilm and microalgae primary; spirulina powder and Sulawesi shrimp foods. Breeding: very difficult; small clutches; long larval development; stable pristine conditions required. Compatibility: Sulawesi biotope only; no fish; other compatible Sulawesi shrimp only.