Sulawesi Harlequin Shrimp (Caridina woltereckae)

Meet the Sulawesi Harlequin Shrimp (Caridina woltereckae) — one of the most exotic and striking dwarf shrimp in the hobby. With bright red bodies, bold white patches and long antennae, they look like tiny painted jewels gliding across the aquarium. Originally from the ancient lakes of Sulawesi in Indonesia, they prefer warmer, mineral-rich water and reward patient keepers with stunning colour and elegant movement.

These shrimp are peaceful but more sensitive than Neocaridina or regular Caridina, making them ideal for shrimp enthusiasts who love a challenge and want something truly rare.

Tank Requirements

Tank Size: Minimum 20–30 L (bigger tanks help maintain stability)

Temperature: 26 – 30 °C (they naturally live in warm tropical lakes)

pH: 7.5 – 8.5 (alkaline water)

Water Hardness: GH 6 – 8, KH 3 – 5

TDS: 150 – 200

Filtration: Sponge filter or gentle flow, with a pre-filter guard for shrimplets

Substrate & Décor:
Use sand or substrate safe for hard, alkaline water. Lava rock, coral chips, crushed shells or limestone help maintain KH and pH. Add plenty of rock, caves and fine-leaf plants for grazing surfaces and hiding.

They do not like sudden water changes — stability is the key to Sulawesi success.

Diet

Sulawesi Harlequins are constant grazers and thrive on:

✅ Biofilm and algae
✅ High-quality shrimp foods made for Sulawesi species
✅ Occasionally blanched vegetables (spinach or zucchini)
✅ Mineral-rich foods to support moulting

Feed lightly — these shrimp pick at surfaces all day and prefer clean, stable water.

Social Behavior

They are calm, peaceful and best kept in a species-only tank.
Safe companions include:

✅ Sulawesi snails
✅ Other peaceful Sulawesi shrimp species
✅ No fish — even small ones can stress or eat them

These shrimp feel more confident in groups of 10 or more.

Breeding

Breeding Sulawesi shrimp requires stable, warm, alkaline water.
Females hold eggs for several weeks before shrimplets hatch fully formed.
Lots of biofilm, low nitrates and steady parameters help baby survival.

They are slower breeders than Neocaridina or traditional Caridina, but successful colonies are incredibly rewarding.

⭐ Fun Fact

Sulawesi Harlequin Shrimp come from ancient lakes formed millions of years ago — their bright colours and unique shape evolved in isolated ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth. Keeping them is like having living fossils from a prehistoric world right in your aquarium!

Reference: Bubbly Fish – creating underwater wonders.