Towuti Beauty Shrimp - Caridina woltereckae

Towuti Beauty Shrimp (Caridina woltereckae)

The Towuti Beauty Shrimp is a striking and highly specialised freshwater shrimp admired for its deep red to burgundy colouration, contrasting pale markings and elegant body shape. Native to the ancient lakes of Sulawesi, this species requires very stable, warm and alkaline water conditions and is best suited to experienced shrimp keepers. In a mature aquarium with suitable mineral content, biofilm and gentle tankmates, it can become an exceptional display species.

Common Name:
Towuti Beauty Shrimp, Sulawesi Beauty Shrimp, Sulawesi Harlequin Shrimp, Harlequin Shrimp

Scientific Name (Latin):
Caridina woltereckae

Maximum Size:
Approximately 2.5–3 cm

Water Type:
Freshwater

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

In the wild, it is associated with warm, clear, alkaline and mineral-rich freshwater environments where it grazes across rocks and other hard surfaces covered with natural biofilm and microscopic food.

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

Towuti Beauty Shrimp are completely peaceful and are best kept with other small, non-predatory inhabitants that tolerate similar warm, alkaline conditions.

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

Diet:
Omnivore / Biofilm Grazer

The Towuti Beauty Shrimp naturally feeds on biofilm, microorganisms, soft algae and fine organic material growing across hard surfaces.

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

Feed sparingly, as excess food can quickly reduce water quality.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 30 litres

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

A dedicated aquarium with plenty of mature rock surfaces, gentle filtration and natural biofilm is strongly recommended.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Towuti Beauty Shrimp spends much of its time grazing across rocks, substrate and other 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 aquarium.

Community Suitability:
Specialist Community Invertebrate

The Towuti Beauty 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 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 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 type of 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 be made gradually.

Stable mineral content is particularly important for successful moulting and shell development.

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 and supplier.

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.