Need for feeding
In coarse soil, cleaning manipulations damage the bases of the stems and cause them to float to the surface of the water.
But the beauty of this shrimp is matched by its mystery. In nature, it lives in only one place on the planet, which makes it special and desirable for experienced aquarists. Keeping it is a challenge and an opportunity to touch something unique.
The Cardinal shrimp is a bright and unpretentious aquarium inhabitant, easily recognizable by its rich red body and white legs. It is small in size but attracts attention with its appearance and active behavior. This shrimp is perfect for both beginners and experienced aquarists — it is peaceful, lives in schools, gets along easily with other fish, and helps keep the aquarium clean by eating leftover food and algae. The main thing is to provide it with stable water and shelters so that it feels at home.
Habitat, biotope
The Cardinal shrimp (Caridina dennerli) is a species of freshwater decapod shrimp of the family Atyidae (Atyidae). The Cardinal is endemic to Lake Matano, located on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. Among aquarists, the species is also known as the Dennerli shrimp.
The Dennerley shrimp inhabits rocky shores with stony and sandy bottoms at depths of 1 to 10 m. The shrimp's diet consists mainly of algae and detritus. The cardinal prefers areas of the bottom with stagnant water or slow currents with places to hide.
Appearance, dimorphism
Cardinal shrimp differ from other species of caridina in their coloration. Dennerli's body is red or burgundy with small white spots scattered across it.
The shape of the spots ranges from round to oblong. There is a noticeable bluish border around the spots. The first pair of white legs stands out against the red background.
The average length of a Cardinal shrimp is 2-2.5 cm. It is impossible to distinguish females from males by size, color, or body shape. Females have a special reproductive organ — an egg saddle — but it is usually not visible to the naked eye.
Care. Aquarium and diet
The Cardinal shrimp requires water that is as similar as possible to the water in Lake Matano.
Preparing such water is a two-step process:
Dennerley shrimp are extremely demanding on water parameters and their consistency:
The aquarium should be equipped with a powerful aeration system and an ultraviolet sterilizer, a thermostat, and an airlift filter. 20% of the water should be changed weekly. The water added during the change should be osmotic and remineralized.
It is advisable to use coarse light sand and fine gravel as substrate.
Stones and driftwood of various sizes and shapes should be placed on the bottom.
Cardinal shrimp are indifferent to aquatic plants.
The main part of the Cardinals' diet is algae on rocks, driftwood, and other surfaces. Cardinal shrimp are constantly on the move, scraping and eating algae. In addition, Dennerley special shrimp feed, including spirulina, should be given regularly. Shrimp should be fed daily.
Reproduction and breeding
Cardinal shrimp do not require stimulation to reproduce. It is only necessary to maintain consistent water parameters. Gestation lasts 25-30 days. One female produces 10-15 eggs at a time.
The offspring hatch fully formed and similar to adult shrimp. Young individuals are completely independent and do not need to be fed separately with special food.
Subspecies and varieties
The Cardinal shrimp has no subspecies. Similar species of caridina live together or near Dennerley in the Malili lake system (Lake Matano is part of the Malili system).
Here are the names of some of them:
- Orange Charm,
- Mahalona,
- Malili Red Bee,
- Yellow-striped Red Bee,
- Little Blue Bee,
- Tiger from Tovuti,
- Black Tiger.
Compatibility and coexistence
Some arguments in favor of keeping Cardinal shrimp in a species aquarium:
- the water parameters required by Dennerley are not suitable for keeping many other species of shrimp and fish.
- cardinal shrimp can potentially interbreed with other species of caridina from the island of Sulawesi,
- even peaceful and small species of fish can destroy Dennerley shrimp and their offspring.
If you want or need to keep them together, the following candidates can be offered as neighbors to Cardinals:
It is strictly forbidden to add:
More care tips:
Advice for owners
When water evaporates from the aquarium, first add non-mineralized water to restore the previous volume. Only then should you replace it with mineralized water. Otherwise, you risk exceeding the required level of mineral salts in the aquarium. Salts do not evaporate, only water evaporates.- It is best not to leave newly hatched Cardinal shrimp in a mixed aquarium. If possible, they should be removed temporarily. Any fish will consider young shrimp to be food.
- Dennerley shrimp should never be overfed. If the food is not eaten within 2-3 hours, the remains must be removed. Once every 10 days, it is useful to not feed the Cardinals for 1-2 days. Overeating is just as harmful to them as water pollution.
- Avoid using fertilizers and any chemicals. The levels of phosphates, nitrates, and copper should be close to zero.
Video review of Cardinal Shrimp
The Cardinal Shrimp is a real gem for any aquarist who appreciates not only beauty but also interesting behavior. Its bright, contrasting color makes it a living decoration that can enliven any underwater landscape.
Keeping these shrimp is not that difficult if you create the right conditions for them. Clean water, stable parameters, and plenty of hiding places are the key to their successful breeding. They are not only pleasing to the eye, but also beneficial, keeping the aquarium clean.
If you are looking for a pet that will surprise and fascinate you, the Cardinal is an excellent choice. Watching their active but peaceful life is a real pleasure. This little shrimp in a red robe is sure to occupy a special place in your heart and aquarium.
