Sponge shrimp
Caridina spongicola
InvertebrateFreshwater
Caridina spongicola is a freshwater shrimp endemic to the lakes of Sulawesi. It lives symbiotically with freshwater sponges, hiding in their cavities. It grows to about 1-2 cm and has a translucent coloration with red or brown spots. It is a delicate species requiring very clean and stable water. In aquariums, it is challenging to keep but fascinating to observe.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24–28 |
| pH | 6–7 |
| GH | 3–6 |
| KH | 1–3 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 10 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 0.2 |
Care
Difficulty5/5
Dietomnivore
Min. tank20 L
Min. group5
Adult size2 cm
Lifespan1.5 ans
Temperamentpeaceful
Care notes
Very stable water: temperature 24-28°C, pH 6.0-7.0, GH 3-6, KH 1-3. Nitrates <10 ppm, phosphates <0.2 ppm. Requires presence of freshwater sponges (Spongilla) or substitutes. Diet: micro-organisms, fine shrimp food. Very sensitive to changes.