invertebrate · Atyidae
Malawa shrimp
Caridina pareparensis
Wild range: Sulawesi, Indonesia (Asia)
At a glance: Malawa shrimp care
Compiled reference information. Review the care notes and original sources below.
What temperature is listed for Malawa shrimp?
The compiled profile lists 16.0–30.0 °C for Malawa shrimp (Caridina pareparensis). Check the original sources below for context and differing recommendations.
What tank size is listed for Malawa shrimp?
The profile lists a minimum tank volume of 2.6 US gallons (10.0 liters). Volume alone does not establish suitability; consider dimensions, group size and other inhabitants alongside the full care notes.
What pH is listed for Malawa shrimp?
The compiled profile lists a pH of 6.0–8.5. Review the cited care sources alongside the other water parameters in this profile.
Natural habitat
Malawa Shrimp are found in the flowing rivers and mountain streams of Sulawesi, thriving in varying water conditions due to their robust adaptability. They are often located in habitats that experience fluctuations in water parameters, emphasizing their resilience compared to more delicate species native to the area's deep lakes.
Where they are found
A Sulawesi (Indonesia) freshwater shrimp found in rivers and streams. The trade "Malawa shrimp" is often assigned to Caridina parvidentata Roux, 1904, formerly C. pareparensis parvidentata and raised to species by Cai & Ng (2009); its type locality is the Malawa spring. The catalogue keeps C. pareparensis De Man, 1892 as the primary name.
Aquarium care
For aquarium care, maintain stable water parameters with a temperature range of 16-30°C, a pH of 6.5-8.5, and a GH between 3 and 30. Ensure there’s a gentle flow and provide hiding places to make them feel secure.
Feeding
These shrimp excel at algae and biofilm grazing. It is advisable to supplement their diet with high-quality shrimp pellets and blanched vegetables. Overfeeding can result in water quality issues, so food should be administered judiciously.
Compatibility
Sulawesi Algae Shrimp are compatible with small, peaceful fish and other invertebrates. They should not be kept with larger, aggressive species that may prey on them, especially their young.
Breeding
Breeds readily in fresh water with no larval stage. Females carry eggs for roughly 3–6 weeks and release about 20–40 fully formed young, often every few weeks. The young need no special food, so colonies grow quickly.
Sources
Compiled from multiple independent care sheets — not copied from a single site.