Cardinal Sulawesi Shrimp

Caridina dennerli

Synonyms Cardinal shrimp

Cardinal Sulawesi Shrimp (Caridina dennerli) is a peaceful freshwater shrimp that reaches about 2.5 cm (1 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 78–88°F (25.5–31°C) and pH 7.8–8.2, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 40 L (11 gal).

At a glance

Type	Shrimp
Adult size	2.5 cm (1 in)
Minimum tank	40 L (11 gal)
Group size	Can be kept singly
Temperature	78–88°F (25.5–31°C)
pH	7.8–8.2
Temperament	Peaceful
Lifespan	1–2 years
Eats shrimp	No

Before it goes in

Cardinal Sulawesi Shrimp needs at least 40 L (11 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 15 Gallon.
It leaves shrimp and small fish alone.
It is the wrong size to share a tank with Betta, Goldfish and Angelfish: it ends up as food.
It holds at 78–88°F (25.5–31°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Goldfish and Crystal Red Shrimp.
Sources say not to put it in a newly set-up tank — give the tank a few months first.

What tank size does it need?

At least 40 L (11 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 15 Gallon.

Will it eat shrimp?

No — adult shrimp and their young are both safe with it.

What water does it want?

78–88°F (25.5–31°C), pH 7.8–8.2.

How long does it live?

1–2 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.

Can it go in a new tank?

No. Sources say not to add it to a newly set-up tank — it wants a tank that has been running for months.

Good tank mates

Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Otocinclus and Ramshorn Snail.
Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.

Often compared with

	Cardinal Sulawesi Shrimp	Tiger Shrimp	Crystal Red Shrimp
Adult size	2.5 cm	2.5 cm	3 cm
Min tank	40 L	30 L	20 L
Group	1+	1+	10+
Temperature	78–88°F (25.5–31°C)	68–75°F (20–24°C)	68–75°F (20–24°C)
Eats shrimp	No	No	No

More livestock

Plan a tank with Cardinal Sulawesi Shrimp →

Sources (7) · checked Sep 2026