Sulawesi Yellow Nose Shrimp - Caridina Spinata : Complete Shrimp Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Sulawesi Yellow Nose Shrimp (Caridina Spinata) is a visually striking species that adds a touch of beauty to any aquarist's tank. These shrimp exhibit an eye-catching contrast of red and yellow colours that are sure to grab the attention of onlookers. To ensure the well-being of your Sulawesi Yellow Nose Shrimp, it is recommended to keep them in groups of at least ten individuals in a species-only tank. This setup will help reduce stress, as these shrimps can be quite shy. However, if you wish to keep them with other tankmates, make sure they are small and peaceful fish or other shrimp species with similar water requirements.
Creating an ideal aquarium setup for Sulawesi Yellow Nose Shrimp demands meticulous attention to their specific requirements. These shrimp thrive in well-established, mature aquariums with stable water parameters. A densely planted aquascape featuring a variety of live plants and mosses serves not only as a visual backdrop but also provides numerous hiding spots and grazing surfaces.
A soft, acidic substrate, such as inert sandy soil or specific shrimp substrates, is recommended to mimic their natural habitat and facilitate moulting. A low-flow filtration system and gentle water movement ensure water quality without causing undue stress to these delicate crustaceans. Maintaining stable water conditions, including temperature, pH, and hardness, within the parameters suitable for Caridina spinata is essential for their health and longevity. Providing a source of natural leaf litter, such as Indian almond leaves, further enhances their environment, as these shrimp often feed on microorganisms and detritus associated with decaying plant matter.
Sulawesi Yellow Nose Shrimp are predominantly deep red, with orange-yellow noses, tails, and legs, and their tentacles are pure white and longer than their entire body. They also display distinctive yellow stripes and small white spots on their bodies, making them a striking addition to aquariums.
Sulawesi Yellow Nose Shrimp Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Sulawesi Yellow Nose Shrimp can be quite challenging as both sexes exhibit similar physical characteristics. While females lack the prominent enlarged abdomen typically observed in other Dwarf Shrimp, it becomes more noticeable when the female is carrying eggs. Meanwhile, males tend to be marginally smaller than their female counterparts.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Caridina Spinata |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1937 |
| Other Names | Yellow Nose Shrimp, Red Goldflake Shrimp, Yellow Cheek Shrimp |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Malacostraca |
| Order | Decapoda |
| Family | Atyidae |
| Genus | Caridina |
| Origins | Indonesia |
| Max Size | 3 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | All Levels |
| Difficulty | Intermediate - Advanced |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 8+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Ovoviviparous |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 2 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 7.5 - 8.5 |
| GH | 6-8 |
| KH | 4 - 5 |
| TDS | 75 - 150 |
| ℉ | 78 - 88 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 25 - 31 |
Natural Habitat
Sulawesi Yellow Nose Shrimp are native to the unique and stunning Lake Towuti in Sulawesi, Indonesia. In their natural habitat, these shrimp prefer rocky environments and can often be seen perched on large trunks or pieces of wood. However, unlike other freshwater shrimps, they are not commonly found in dense vegetation, making them a fascinating species to observe in the wild and in the aquarium.
Breeding
Breeding Sulawesi Yellow Nose Shrimp can be challenging and better suited for experienced aquarists. To ensure successful breeding, it is essential to have a well-established aquarium with a suitable water current and an air-driven filter. To begin the breeding process, having at least ten individuals is recommended to ensure a mix of males and females.
Female Yellow Nose Shrimp carry 20 to 30 eggs between their swimmerets, which will hatch into miniature versions of the adult shrimp in around 20 to 28 days. Unlike other shrimps, there is no larval stage for the Yellow Nose Shrimp, and females will carry their eggs until they hatch into shrimplets.
The young shrimps will display the same colouration as the adults and have a fast growth rate. Therefore, providing them with the same diet as their parents to ensure their healthy development is crucial.
Diet & Feeding
Sulawesi Yellow Nose Shrimps are discerning omnivores, predominantly consuming biofilm and algae. Therefore, maintaining a well-balanced diet is imperative for those who keep them in sizeable clusters. Boiled vegetables and high-grade dried foods make excellent supplementary options. Feeding your Sulawesi Shrimp once daily and providing them with an adequate amount they can consume within 2 to 3 hours is highly recommended. Any excess food left behind can potentially impact the water quality of your aquarium. In addition, it is worth noting that overfeeding your shrimp can lead to fatal consequences.
Other Caridina
10 More Caridina Profiles
View All