Red line shrimp (Sulawesi) (Caridina glaubrechti) care guide

Group

Shrimp

Other names

Red line Sulawesi shrimp, Sulawesi red line shrimp, Caridina sp. 'Red Line'

Family

Atyidae

Origin

Endemic to the western part of Lake Towuti, Sulawesi, Indonesia

Water

freshwater

Temperature

27–30°C

pH

7.5–8.5

Hardness

4–8 dGH, 1–4 dKH

Care level

expert

Temperament

peaceful

Care

Caridina glaubrechti is one of the Sulawesi shrimp, a group found only in the ancient lakes of Sulawesi in Indonesia. It is known only from the western part of Lake Towuti, where it lives in shallow water on rocks and other hard surfaces alongside several other Caridina species. It is a small dwarf shrimp, marked with fine red lines on a pale body. The species was named in 2009 after the German zoologist Matthias Glaubrecht. Names: trade names for Sulawesi shrimp are muddled, and 'red line' is also used for Caridina striata, so check the scientific name and photos when buying or selling. Conservation: the IUCN lists it as Critically Endangered, threatened by introduced predators, pollution and hydroelectric dams. Buy captive-bred stock where you can, and never release it. Set-up and water: Our sources have little on this species; the figures are general guidance, not from a source. Sulawesi shrimp are usually kept warm (about 27–30 °C) in soft but alkaline water (pH 7.5–8.5), often made from remineralised RO water, in a mature, stable tank with lots of rock and biofilm. Keep a group in a dedicated tank with a sponge filter and change water in small, careful amounts; they are less forgiving than cherry or bee shrimp. Behaviour: peaceful and best seen grazing in groups on rocks. They do little algae control. Copper: copper-based medicines and some plant fertilisers are toxic to shrimp, snails and most other invertebrates. Never dose them in a tank holding this animal, and read the label of any treatment, fertiliser or algae remover before use. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caridinaglaubrechti). Checked October 2026.

Diet

A grazer of biofilm and algae on rocks. In aquariums keepers feed a mature tank's biofilm plus small amounts of fine shrimp foods, powdered biofilm foods and blanched vegetables. Feed sparingly and remove leftovers.

Breeding

Like most Sulawesi Caridina it is thought to develop directly, with eggs hatching into tiny shrimp in fresh water, but breeding reports are scarce. Stable water and a mature tank are the key.

Compatibility and tank mates

Best kept alone or with other Sulawesi shrimp and Sulawesi snails (Tylomelania) that share the same warm, alkaline water. Fish will eat the young and stress the adults.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.