About Celebes Beauty Shrimp
Celebes Beauty shrimp take their name from 'Celebes' - the old colonial name for the island of Sulawesi. This name connects them directly to their homeland and the unique ancient lake ecosystems where all Sulawesi shrimp evolved. While 'Sulawesi' has replaced 'Celebes' as the island's official name, the Celebes Beauty carries this historical reference in its common name. These attractive shrimp display a pleasing combination of colors that can vary between individuals and lineages. Unlike species with one defining color feature (Cardinals' red-and-white, Yellow Nose's rostrum), Celebes Beauties are appreciated for their overall pleasant appearance. They may show combinations of cream, tan, reddish, or subtle pattern elements depending on their specific origin within the Sulawesi lake system. Care requirements follow standard Sulawesi protocols: high pH, warm temperatures, inert substrates, and mature tanks with abundant biofilm. They're considered typical difficulty within the Sulawesi group - challenging for general shrimp keeping but not as extreme as Harlequins or Red Lines. For keepers building diverse Sulawesi communities, Celebes Beauties add variety without requiring different parameters from other Sulawesi species.
Quick Facts
Water Parameters for Celebes Beauty Shrimp
Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for the health and coloration of Celebes Beauty Shrimp. Sulawesi shrimp have unique requirements with higher pH and temperature needs compared to other dwarf shrimp.
| Parameter | Range | Optimal |
|---|---|---|
| TDS | 70-160 ppm | 90-140 ppm |
| GH | 4-8 dGH | 5-7 dGH |
| KH | 2-6 dKH | 3-5 dKH |
| pH | 7.5-8.5 | 7.8-8.2 |
| Temperature | 79-86°F (26-30°C) | 81-84°F |
Tank Setup for Celebes Beauty Shrimp
- Use inert substrates - NO active buffering substrates
- Abundant rock surfaces for biofilm development
- Strong lighting encourages aufwuchs growth
- Moderate flow replicates lake conditions
- Tank maturation of 3-6 months before adding shrimp
Care Tips for Celebes Beauty Shrimp
- Standard Sulawesi parameters: HIGH pH (7.8-8.2), HIGH temperature (81-84F)
- 'Celebes' is the old name for Sulawesi - same island, same requirements
- RO water remineralized with Sulawesi-specific minerals required
- DO NOT use active substrates
- Typical Sulawesi difficulty level
- Mature tank with abundant biofilm essential
- Slow acclimation (4+ hours drip) required
Feeding Celebes Beauty Shrimp
- Biofilm is primary food source
- Grazes on aufwuchs covering surfaces
- Supplement sparingly with quality shrimp foods
- Strong lighting promotes biofilm growth
- Avoid overfeeding to maintain water quality
Breeding Celebes Beauty Shrimp
- Typical Sulawesi breeding difficulty
- Clutch sizes of 8-22 eggs
- Mature biofilm essential for shrimplet survival
- Stable, mature tanks encourage breeding
- Colony growth is slow but achievable
Celebes Beauty Shrimp Grading System
Celebes Beauty Shrimp are commonly graded based on color intensity, coverage, and pattern quality. Higher grades typically command higher prices and are the result of selective breeding.
Standard Celebes Beauty
Good coloration and pattern typical of the variety.
Characteristics
- Attractive coloration
- Pattern present
- Typical appearance
- Good health
High Grade Celebes Beauty
Strong color saturation with well-defined patterns.
Characteristics
- Strong colors
- Good pattern
- Nice appearance
- Quality specimens
Premium Celebes Beauty
Maximum color expression with excellent pattern. Show-quality specimens.
Characteristics
- Maximum color
- Excellent pattern
- Show quality
- Premium specimens
Grades listed from lowest to highest quality
Common Problems with Celebes Beauty Shrimp
- Deaths from incorrect parameters
- Insufficient biofilm in immature tanks
- Confusion about naming (Celebes = Sulawesi)
- Parameter instability causing stress
- Rushed acclimation leading to shock
Troubleshooting Celebes Beauty Shrimp
Sulawesi shrimp are very sensitive and require pristine, stable conditions. Here are common problems to watch for:
Failed Molt: Shrimp Stuck in Shell
Understanding failed molts where shrimp cannot escape their old exoskeleton. Learn why it happens, why affected shrimp cannot be saved, and how to prevent future molt failures.
Why Are My Shrimp Dying?
Comprehensive triage guide for unexplained shrimp deaths. Learn to identify the cause and take immediate action to save your remaining colony.
White Ring of Death in Shrimp
Understanding the dreaded white ring or white line that appears around a shrimp's body, signaling a fatal molting problem that cannot be reversed once visible.
Baby Shrimp (Shrimplets) Dying
Why newborn shrimp disappear or die when adult shrimp seem healthy. Covers filter intake, predation, starvation, and sensitivity issues specific to shrimplets.
Bacterial Infection in Shrimp
Identifying and treating bacterial infections in aquarium shrimp. Learn to recognize symptoms and understand why prevention through water quality is more effective than treatment.
Planaria in Shrimp Tank
Identifying and eliminating planaria flatworms that prey on shrimp, especially shrimplets. Learn safe treatment methods that won't harm your colony.
Celebes Beauty Shrimp FAQ
'Celebes' is the old colonial name for the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia. The name persists in some species common names even though the island is now officially called Sulawesi. Celebes Beauty shrimp are Sulawesi shrimp - same island, same care requirements.
Celebes Beauties display variable coloration that can include cream, tan, reddish tones, and subtle patterns. Unlike species with one defining color (like Cardinal's red-and-white), their appeal is in their overall attractive appearance which varies between individuals.
They're advanced-level shrimp requiring full Sulawesi setups: high pH (7.8-8.2), warm temperatures (81-84F), mature tanks with abundant biofilm. They're typical difficulty within the Sulawesi group - demanding but not as extreme as Harlequins.
Yes, they share the same Sulawesi parameter requirements and can coexist in multi-species tanks. Mixing different Sulawesi species adds variety without requiring different water conditions.
Standard Sulawesi parameters: pH 7.8-8.2 (HIGH), temperature 81-84F (HIGH), GH 5-7, KH 3-5. Use RO water with Sulawesi-specific minerals. NO active substrates. These are OPPOSITE of typical Caridina parameters.
Minimum 3-6 months to develop abundant biofilm. Sulawesi shrimp depend on biofilm as their primary food source - immature tanks lack sufficient biofilm and will result in starvation and death.
Yes, they can breed in optimal conditions at typical Sulawesi difficulty. Clutch sizes are 8-22 eggs. Mature tanks with abundant biofilm are essential for shrimplet survival. Colony growth is slow but achievable.
Track Your Celebes Beauty Shrimp Parameters
Stop guessing. Start tracking. ShrimpKeeper gives you species-specific parameter ranges, instant diagnostics, and historical graphs for your Celebes Beauty Shrimp colony.