Sulawesi Harlequin Shrimp

A small shrimp with a red and white pattern. In the wild, it is known for living on freshwater sponges.

Accepted species with a specialized natural sponge association. Captive-trade records require provenance and conservation review.

Females are usually slightly larger, with a fuller underside, particularly when carrying eggs. Males are slimmer, although the differences can be subtle.

Use a mature, heated aquarium of 30 litres or more, with rocks and hardscape that grow plenty of biofilm. These shrimp are sensitive to change, so add them only to an established tank with gentle but steady water movement.

Peaceful and often active in the open, spending most of the day grazing on rock and hardscape.

Maintain with conspecifics or peaceful shrimp-safe tankmates where ecological requirements overlap.

Not normally territorial.

Best in a species-only tank. Few fish or other shrimp are happy in this warm, alkaline water, and small fish may eat young shrimp.

Warm, alkaline, moderately hard water is essential, and it is very different from what bee and tiger shrimp need. Many keepers use remineralised RO water with a Sulawesi mineral salt. Published figures vary, so aim for stability within this range.

Specialized grazer that benefits from mature biofilm, algae-coated rockwork, and small amounts of appropriate prepared food. Avoid unstable or newly established aquariums.

Monitor body condition and avoid overfeeding or unstable organic waste accumulation.

Females carry a small number of eggs, and the young hatch as tiny shrimp with no larval stage in salt water. Breeding needs a stable, mature tank, and broods are small.