About Six Banded Shrimp
Six Banded shrimp, also known as Matano Tiger, bring the beloved tiger stripe pattern into the world of Sulawesi shrimp. Endemic to Lake Matano, Indonesia, these shrimp display six distinctive dark bands across their body - a pattern reminiscent of the popular Caridina Tiger shrimp but requiring the specialized Sulawesi care approach: high pH, warm temperatures, and abundant biofilm. For hobbyists who love tiger-striped shrimp but want to explore Sulawesi keeping, the Six Banded offers an appealing bridge. They share the striking banded appearance that makes Tiger shrimp popular, but they've evolved in the alkaline, warm waters of Lake Matano alongside species like Cardinals. This means keepers cannot simply apply Tiger shrimp care - Six Banded require full Sulawesi parameters to thrive. The 'Matano Tiger' nickname reflects both their origin and their pattern, though they're not closely related to true Caridina Tiger shrimp. Their banding is typically dark brown to black on a lighter tan or cream background, with the best specimens showing excellent contrast and clean band edges. Like other Sulawesi species, they're small biofilm grazers that do best in mature, stable aquariums dedicated to their specific requirements.
Quick Facts
Water Parameters for Six Banded Shrimp
Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for the health and coloration of Six Banded Shrimp. Sulawesi shrimp have unique requirements with higher pH and temperature needs compared to other dwarf shrimp.
| Parameter | Range | Optimal |
|---|---|---|
| TDS | 60-130 ppm | 80-110 ppm |
| GH | 4-7 dGH | 5-6 dGH |
| KH | 2-5 dKH | 3-4 dKH |
| pH | 7.8-8.5 | 8-8.3 |
| Temperature | 81-86°F (27-30°C) | 82-84°F |
Tank Setup for Six Banded Shrimp
- Use inert substrates - NO active buffering substrates
- Light substrates can enhance band visibility
- Abundant rock surfaces for biofilm grazing
- Strong lighting promotes aufwuchs growth
- Mature tank (6+ months) recommended
- From Lake Matano - more sensitive than Lake Poso species
Care Tips for Six Banded Shrimp
- From Lake MATANO - requires even stricter parameters than some Sulawesi
- HIGH pH essential (8.0-8.3) - among the highest for Sulawesi species
- HIGH temperature required (82-84F/28-29C)
- RO water remineralized with Sulawesi-specific minerals
- NO active substrates - use inert options (lava rock, crushed coral)
- Mature tank with abundant biofilm is essential
- Slow acclimation (4+ hours) critical
Feeding Six Banded Shrimp
- Biofilm is primary food source
- Grazes constantly on aufwuchs-covered surfaces
- Supplement sparingly with quality shrimp foods
- Strong lighting encourages biofilm development
- Avoid overfeeding - maintain water quality
Breeding Six Banded Shrimp
- Typical Sulawesi breeding difficulty
- Band pattern generally breeds true
- Clutch sizes of 8-20 eggs
- Mature biofilm essential for shrimplet survival
- Stable parameters encourage breeding activity
Six Banded Shrimp Grading System
Six Banded 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 Six Banded
Six bands visible with decent contrast between bands and base color.
Characteristics
- Six bands present
- Decent contrast
- Visible pattern
- Good health
High Grade Six Banded
Well-defined bands with strong contrast. Clean pattern definition.
Characteristics
- Well-defined bands
- Strong contrast
- Clean pattern
- Excellent appearance
Premium Six Banded
Maximum band definition with perfect contrast. Show-quality specimens.
Characteristics
- Maximum definition
- Perfect contrast
- Show quality
- Premium specimens
Grades listed from lowest to highest quality
Common Problems with Six Banded Shrimp
- Deaths from parameters too low (pH must be 8.0+)
- Insufficient biofilm in immature tanks
- Confusion with regular Tiger shrimp (require OPPOSITE parameters)
- Band pattern may fade under stress
- Parameter instability causing mortality
Troubleshooting Six Banded 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.
Six Banded Shrimp FAQ
No! Despite the similar tiger stripe pattern and 'Matano Tiger' nickname, Six Banded are Sulawesi shrimp requiring HIGH pH (8.0+) and warm temperatures (82-84F). Regular Tiger shrimp (Caridina cantonensis) need OPPOSITE parameters - soft, acidic water. They cannot be kept in the same conditions.
Lake Matano is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in the world with unique water chemistry: very high pH (8.0+), warm temperatures, and specific mineral content. Species from Matano (like Six Banded, Cardinals, Harlequins) often have stricter requirements than Lake Poso species.
Yes, they're advanced-level shrimp even among Sulawesi. Being from Lake Matano, they need particularly high pH (8.0-8.3) and strict parameter stability. Recommended for keepers who have already succeeded with other Sulawesi species.
Generally yes, the six-banded pattern is stable. However, band intensity and contrast may vary between offspring. Selecting the best-patterned individuals for breeding helps maintain colony quality.
Yes, both are Lake Matano species with similar requirements. They can coexist in multi-species Sulawesi tanks. Ensure the tank is mature and large enough with abundant biofilm for both species.
Band fading usually indicates stress from incorrect parameters (check pH is 8.0+), poor water quality, or inadequate nutrition. Ensure stable Matano-type conditions and abundant biofilm. Pattern should return once conditions stabilize.
Blue Leg Poso (Lake Poso) are considered easier Sulawesi while Six Banded (Lake Matano) are more demanding. Matano species generally need higher pH and stricter stability. Blue Leg Poso are recommended before attempting Six Banded.
Track Your Six Banded Shrimp Parameters
Stop guessing. Start tracking. ShrimpKeeper gives you species-specific parameter ranges, instant diagnostics, and historical graphs for your Six Banded Shrimp colony.