Skip to product information
1 of 1

Sulawesi White Orchid| Extremely Rare

Sulawesi White Orchid| Extremely Rare

Regular price $59.95 AUD
Regular price $9.95 AUD Sale price $59.95 AUD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Low stock

Quantity

The Sulawesi White Orchid Shrimp is a rare and highly sought-after ornamental freshwater shrimp admired for its elegant white body, delicate appearance, and graceful movements. Native to the ancient lakes of Sulawesi, Indonesia, this stunning species is a prized addition for experienced shrimp keepers looking to create an authentic Sulawesi biotope or showcase a unique freshwater shrimp.

Unlike the commonly kept Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp, Sulawesi White Orchid Shrimp require warmer, more alkaline water conditions that closely mimic their natural habitat. When provided with stable water parameters, these fascinating shrimp display active grazing behavior and become a beautiful highlight in any specialty aquarium.

Key Features

  • Rare and highly desirable Sulawesi shrimp
  • Elegant white to translucent body with delicate markings
  • Peaceful and reef-like grazing behavior
  • Ideal for species-only or Sulawesi shrimp aquariums
  • Excellent biofilm and algae grazer
  • Best suited for experienced shrimp keepers

Care Requirements

Common Name: Sulawesi White Orchid Shrimp
Scientific Name: Caridina sp. (Sulawesi)
Origin: Sulawesi, Indonesia
Adult Size: 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 inches)
Temperament: Peaceful
Difficulty Level: Advanced

Water Parameters

  • pH: 7.8–8.5
  • Temperature: 27–30°C (81–86°F)
  • GH: 6–8 dGH
  • KH: 4–6 dKH
  • TDS: 180–250 ppm
  • Tank Size: 20L (5 gallons) minimum

These shrimp are sensitive to sudden changes in water chemistry. A mature, fully cycled aquarium with stable parameters is essential for long-term success.

Aquarium Setup

Sulawesi White Orchid Shrimp thrive in aquariums that provide:

  • Mature, well-established tank with abundant biofilm
  • Rocky aquascapes with plenty of grazing surfaces
  • Sponge filter or shrimp-safe filtration
  • Gentle water movement and high oxygen levels
  • Stable warm temperatures
  • Minimal fluctuations in water chemistry

Live plants can be used, but many traditional aquarium plants struggle in the higher temperatures preferred by Sulawesi shrimp.

Diet & Feeding

Sulawesi White Orchid Shrimp feed primarily on biofilm and algae but should also receive supplemental foods such as:

  • Premium shrimp pellets
  • Biofilm-enhancing foods
  • Algae wafers
  • Blanched spinach or zucchini
  • Mineral-rich shrimp foods
  • Occasional protein-based foods in small amounts

Avoid overfeeding, as excellent water quality is critical for this species.

Can Sulawesi White Orchid Shrimp Live with Fish?

These shrimp are best kept in a species-only aquarium or with other peaceful Sulawesi shrimp.

If housed with fish, choose only very peaceful species that tolerate the same warm, alkaline water conditions. Most community fish will either prey on the shrimp or require different water parameters.

For the highest survival and breeding success, a dedicated Sulawesi shrimp aquarium is strongly recommended.

Compatible Tank Mates

Suitable companions include:

  • Other Sulawesi shrimp species
  • Sulawesi Rabbit Snails (Tylomelania spp.)
  • Nerite Snails

Tank Mates to Avoid

Avoid keeping Sulawesi White Orchid Shrimp with:

  • Neocaridina shrimp
  • Most Caridina shrimp
  • Bettas
  • Gouramis
  • Tetras
  • Loaches
  • Cichlids
  • Any fish large enough to eat shrimp

These species typically require different water conditions or may prey on shrimp.

Breeding

Under ideal conditions, Sulawesi White Orchid Shrimp can breed successfully in freshwater. Females carry relatively few but larger eggs, which hatch directly into miniature shrimp without a larval stage.

Consistent water quality, appropriate minerals, and a mature aquarium are essential for successful breeding.

Why Choose Our Sulawesi White Orchid Shrimp?

Unlike many imported Sulawesi shrimp, our Sulawesi White Orchid Shrimp are locally bred in Sydney, Australia. They have been selectively raised and acclimated over multiple generations in Sydney tap water, making them significantly more adaptable than newly imported shrimp.

Our colony has been successfully maintained under water parameters similar to those used for Neocaridina (Cherry Shrimp), meaning they are generally more forgiving and easier to keep than wild-caught or recently imported Sulawesi shrimp. This increases the likelihood of long-term success for both beginner and experienced shrimp keepers.

View full details

More Information

How to Take Care The Shrimps

Taking care of Freshwater aquarium Shrimps (Neocaridina and Caridina) involves providing them with a suitable environment and proper attention to their specific needs. Here are some essential care guidelines:

1. Tank Setup:

  • Shrimp are relatively small and can be kept in tanks as small as 5 gallons (19 liters), but a larger tank allows for more stable water conditions.
  • Provide hiding spots with plants, driftwood, and rocks. Live plants like Java Moss and Java Fern are ideal as they serve as both hiding places and a food source.

2. Water Parameters:

For Neocaridinar (Cherry Shrimps)

  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-28°C)
  • pH: 6.5-7.5
  • GH (General Hardness): 6-10
  • KH (Carbonate Hardness): 3-10

For Caridina (Taiwan bee, Crystal Shrimps)

  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
  • pH: 6.0-6.5
  • GH (General Hardness): 3-5
  • KH (Carbonate Hardness): 0-10

3. Filtration:

  • Use a sponge filter such as Qanvee filter or a gentle flow filter to avoid strong currents that can stress shrimp.

4. Feeding:

  • Shrimp are omnivores and feed on algae, biofilm, and commercial shrimp pellets.
  • Supplement their diet with blanched vegetables like Mulberry leaves, spinach or zucchini.
  • Offer a varied diet to ensure proper nutrition.

5. Water Changes:

  • Perform regular water changes (10-20% weekly) to maintain water quality.
  • Use dechlorinated water at the same temperature and parameters as the tank.

6. Molting:

  • Provide a calcium source, such as our shrimp mineral products or crushed coral, cuttlebone, to support molting.

7. Tank Mates:

  • Shrimp are generally peaceful but can be preyed upon by larger fish.
  • Suitable tank mates include small, non-aggressive fish like guppies or endlers.
  • Avoid aggressive or predatory species.

8. Breeding:

  • Shrimp breed readily in captivity.
  • Provide moss or other dense plant growth for shrimp to hide their eggs.
  • Maintain stable water conditions to encourage breeding.

9. Health and Observation:

  • Regularly observe your Shrimp for signs of stress, illness, or abnormal behavior.
  • Quarantine new arrivals to prevent introducing diseases.

10. Patience:

  • Shrimp keeping can be rewarding but requires patience. Allow your aquarium to mature and stabilize before adding shrimp.

By following these care guidelines, you can create a thriving environment for your Shrimp and enjoy their vibrant colors and fascinating behavior in your aquarium.

How to Acclimate New Shrimps & Fish

Acclimating new aquarium shrimp/fish is crucial to ensure a smooth transition and minimize stress. Follow these steps for proper acclimation:

Materials Needed:

  • A container or bucket.
  • An airline tube or a slow-drip system (optional).
  • A net.

Procedure:

  1. Turn Off Lights: Dim the aquarium lights or turn them off completely to reduce stress on the shrimp/fish.
  2. Float the Bag: Place the sealed bag containing the shrimp on the surface of the aquarium water. This allows the water inside the bag to gradually adjust to the tank temperature.
  3. Drip Acclimation (Optional): If you have an airline tube or a slow-drip system, set it up to provide a gentle flow of water from the tank into the bag. This method is slower but provides a more gradual transition. Adjust the flow rate to about 2-4 drops per second.
  4. Monitor Temperature: Ensure the water temperature inside the bag matches the tank temperature after about 15-20 minutes. This step is essential to prevent temperature shock.
  5. Open Bag and Add Tank Water: Carefully open the bag without allowing shrimp to escape. Using a net or your hand, gently transfer the shrimp into a clean container or bucket. Be cautious not to introduce water from the bag into the container.
  6. Gradual Water Exchange: Over the course of about 30 minutes to an hour, gradually add small amounts of aquarium water to the container with the shrimp/fish. This helps the shrimp adjust to the tank's water parameters.
  7. Net Transfer: After acclimation, use a net to transfer the shrimp from the container into the main aquarium. Avoid adding any water from the acclimation container into the tank.
  8. Dispose of Bag Water: Safely dispose of the water from the bag. Do not release it into your aquarium, as it may contain contaminants or pathogens.
  9. Observe and Monitor: Keep an eye on the newly introduced shrimp/fish for the next few hours to ensure they adapt well to their new environment. Monitor their behavior and look for any signs of stress or illness.

Proper acclimation helps reduce the risk of shock and ensures a smoother transition for your new aquarium creatures. It's an essential step in ensuring their health and well-being in your tank.

Shipping & DOA Policy

  • Concerned about purchasing livestock online? Rest assured, we ship shrimps and other livestock to every corner of NSW, VIC, QLD, and SA weekly, ensuring their safe and healthy arrival. Our Dead on Arrival (DOA) policy is applied to all orders, guaranteeing your peace of mind.
  • Shrimps are carefully packed in a styrofoam box and shipped every Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday early morning to avoid weekend delays. Delivery times generally range from 1 to 3 business days depending on your location.
  • To initiate DOA claims, we kindly ask buyers to contact our dedicated support team either via email at aushrimphome@gmail.com or directly through our website's chat feature. In order to expedite a swift resolution, which may involve resending a new package, issuing a refund, or providing credit for a future order, we kindly request that buyers submit a clear photo of the deceased shrimp(s) inside the unopened bag within a maximum of 1 HOUR from the moment of Australia Post delivery. Your timely communication is pivotal in enabling us to promptly address any concerns and uphold our unwavering commitment to ensuring your satisfaction.

Important Notes Before Buying

  • Please note that our ornamental shrimps are small, with a maximum size of around 2cm. When purchasing, you'll typically receive juveniles or sub-adults measuring approximately 0.8-1.5cm, which may display less vibrant coloration than adults. However, rest assured that they originate from the same colony and offer excellent value for your investment.
  • To ensure the well-being of your shrimp/fish upon arrival, please follow the tracking number and acclimate them by slowly adding tank water to their bag/container for about one hour. This gradual transition helps them adapt to new water parameters and temperatures.
  • The images featured on our website showcase the exceptional individuals and actual shrimps/fish thriving at our facility. However, please keep in mind that as living organisms, we cannot guarantee that the shrimp/fish you purchase will be identical in color and size. Keep in mind that shipping stress may temporarily affect the shrimp's coloration, especially neocaridina species, which can become pale and translucent. However, their colors will return to their vibrant state within a few days under suitable water conditions.
  • Our pricing is based on current stock levels and market rates in Australia. We regularly adjust our prices to provide our customers with the most competitive rates available.
  • If you encounter any issues with the color or quality of the shrimp/fish, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are committed to assisting and resolving any concerns. Thank you for your trust and support!