Caridina spinata Sulawesi Harlequin Shrimp

Caridina spinata is one of the most visually ornate Sulawesi shrimp species, native to the ancient lakes of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Its dramatic cream-and-red spotted harlequin pattern — a mosaic of round red spots on a pale base — makes it one of the most striking freshwater shrimp available in the hobby. Unlike most Caridina which require soft, acidic water, C. spinata demands the opposite: warm (26–30°C), alkaline (pH 7.5–8.5), moderately hard water that replicates the unique geochemistry of Sulawesi's ancient lake systems. A dedicated Sulawesi biotope tank with specially prepared water, smooth hardscape, and gentle filtration is essential. Best kept in a species-only or mixed-Sulawesi species setup.