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Harlequin Shrimp | Caridina sp. "Harlequin"

 

Photo courtesy of gabeszone

 

Information by wood:

The Harlequin Shrimp is from Sulawesi, Indonesia and has very unique coloration and markingsy. It is the smallest of all of the recently discovered Sulawesi Shrimp. The Harlequin Shrimp is also extremely shy.

As with all Sulawesi Shrimp it is highly recommended that you keep the Harlequin Shrimp in a temperature of at least 78F. It is also recommended that you keep this species in a tank with hard water and a ph of no less than 7.0. I am currently keeping the Harlequin Shrimp in a tank with ADA Amazonia at 84F and ph of 7.0. Some have stated that the low ph of 7.0 due to the ADA Amazonia is not good for this species. Right now I disagree. All of the Sulawesi Shrimp that I currently house are doing very well in this setup, but I will keep everyone posted.

Do not be surprised at the small size of this shrimp. It is very small. About the size of a Red Cherry Shrimp juvenile. The Harlequin Shrimp can also be very shy and hide in the plants or moss a lot. I have noticed though that as this species becomes more accustomed and comfortable in its aquarium it will appear a lot more often. I have been keeping this species for over 2 weeks now and have definitely seen the Harlequin Shrimp a lot more since it was first introduced.

I feed the Sulawesi Shrimp, including the Harlequin Shrimp, the same as I feed all of the other shrimp I keep. The occasional algae water and other invert food. It seems to prefer to eat at night as it mostly hangs out on the plants or substrate during the day. It prefers to be in the shade under cover of plants.

Sexing of the Harlequin Shrimp is unknown. I do not know how you can tell the difference between the males and females. I have tried to read online about how to sex any of the Sulawesi Shrimp and apparently it is not yet known. Perhaps as more time progresses it will be easier to sex these shrimp but right now it seems that all males and females have the exact same coloration. My guess is that the females may be a bit bigger than the males. If size is the only indicator than it may be difficult to sex them anyhow.

Breeding is done in completely freshwater, not salt or brackish water is required whatsoever. There is also no larval stage. The adult females carry the eggs until they hatch, producing miniature shrimp. Some breeders in Germany have had success breeding the Sulawesi Shrimp and it is apparently not as difficult as some may think.

I will post more information as time progresses and I observe more of this awesome species.

 

Photo courtesy of gabeszone

 

Photo courtesy of henry

 

Photo courtesy of gabeszone