Matano Blue Dot Shrimp - Caridina dennerli

Matano Blue Dot Shrimp (Caridina dennerli)

The Matano Blue Dot Shrimp is a beautiful and highly specialised freshwater shrimp from Lake Matano, Sulawesi. Closely related in care to Cardinal Shrimp, this form is admired for its dark body colouration, bright spotted markings and delicate grazing behaviour. It requires warm, alkaline, very stable water conditions and is best suited to experienced shrimp keepers with mature Sulawesi-style aquariums.

Common Name:
Matano Blue Dot Shrimp, Blue Dot Sulawesi Shrimp, Cardinal Shrimp, White Sock Shrimp, Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp

Scientific Name (Latin):
Caridina dennerli

Maximum Size:
Approximately 2–2.5 cm

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Matano Blue Dot Shrimp originates from Lake Matano in Sulawesi, Indonesia, part of the ancient Malili lake system.

In its natural habitat, Caridina dennerli is associated with warm, clear, mineral-rich freshwater and hard rocky surfaces where it grazes on natural biofilm, microorganisms and fine organic material.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 27–30°C
pH Range: 7.8–8.5
Hardness: Moderate to hard, mineral-rich water preferred
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Kept very low and stable
Copper: Must be avoided

Temperament:
Peaceful

Matano Blue Dot Shrimp are completely peaceful and are best kept with other small, non-predatory inhabitants that tolerate similar warm, alkaline water conditions.

They are particularly well suited to dedicated Sulawesi shrimp aquariums or carefully planned specialist invertebrate setups.

Diet:
Omnivore / Biofilm Grazer

The Matano Blue Dot Shrimp naturally feeds on biofilm, microorganisms, soft algae and fine organic particles from rocks and other hard surfaces.

Supplement natural grazing with high-quality shrimp foods, algae-based foods, mineral foods, biofilm powders and finely powdered specialist shrimp foods where appropriate.

Feed sparingly, as excess food can quickly reduce water quality, especially in warm Sulawesi aquariums.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 30 litres

Stable water chemistry and aquarium maturity are more important than tank volume alone.

A dedicated aquarium with mature rock surfaces, gentle filtration, stable mineral content and natural biofilm is strongly recommended.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Matano Blue Dot Shrimp spends much of its time grazing across rocks, substrate, glass and established aquarium surfaces.

It is generally calm and may remain close to sheltered areas until fully settled.

A mature group can become more visible and active once comfortable with the aquarium conditions, especially in a quiet shrimp-only setup.

Community Suitability:
Community Invertebrate

The Matano Blue Dot Shrimp is best maintained in a dedicated Sulawesi shrimp aquarium or with carefully selected peaceful species that require similar water chemistry.

Avoid larger fish, predatory species and active tankmates that may disturb, stress or consume the shrimp. If breeding is desired, a shrimp-only aquarium is strongly recommended.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
This is a specialist freshwater shrimp that requires consistently warm, alkaline and mineral-rich water.

Sudden changes in temperature, pH, hardness, TDS or mineral content should be avoided. A mature aquarium with established biofilm is strongly recommended before introducing the shrimp. Rocks and other hard surfaces provide valuable grazing areas and help recreate the natural Lake Matano-style habitat preferred by this species.

Copper-based medications must never be used, as copper can be highly toxic to freshwater shrimp. Careful drip acclimation is essential, and changes in water chemistry should always be made gradually. Stable mineral content is particularly important for successful moulting, shell development and long-term survival. Because this species is more sensitive than common Neocaridina shrimp, it is best suited to aquarists with previous experience maintaining specialist freshwater invertebrates.

Suitable for:
Experienced

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on season, supplier and captive-bred line availability.

All images are a visual representation of the invert you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.