Identity and origin
- Origin
- Outlet bay of Lake Towuti, Sulawesi, Indonesia
- Identity
- Lake Towuti endemic; distinct from C. woltereckae
Usually a shorter rostrum and smaller body than C. woltereckae. The 2009 revision separates the sponge associate from the longer-rostrum rock dweller; colour alone is insufficient.
Habitat and care
Associated with freshwater sponges in the outlet area. Habitat and identity reference
Specialist research profile. Match the documented microhabitat; reliable species-specific captive requirements have not been established by the sources used here. Lake depth, sponge association or shell use is ecological evidence, not a proven aquarium recipe.
Explore the habitat
Associated with freshwater sponges in the outlet area.
Illustrative habitat reconstructionPlan before choosing
- Habitat
- Ancient lakes
- Size and measurement
- A source-checked adult total length has not yet been added to this profile. Confirm it before choosing aquarium dimensions.
- Planning context
- A Lake Towuti sponge-associated species. Do not substitute a similarly patterned C. woltereckae image or assume that its habitat association is reproduced by a decorative aquarium sponge.
von Rintelen & Cai (2009) · Malili revision
Source check: . Independent husbandry review pending.
Before choosing this species
Care-planning notes. Confirm exact requirements for the species and source population.
- Confirm the adult size and social behaviour of the exact species before planning its aquarium.
- Establish biological filtration and stable water conditions before introducing animals.
- Ask for locality, captive history and the actual animal’s feeding record; a catalogue image cannot provide these.
Varieties and trade names
Sponge Harlequin
Descriptive nameHarlequin is shared with C. woltereckae; use the scientific name and documented habitat. Source
Evidence record
Conservation record: Critically Endangered (CR); assessment year 2018. Conservation source record. This retained reference is an index or secondary record; the direct assessment and date require verification. Check for a newer assessment before making conservation or sourcing decisions.
Identity and locality source check: . Editorial source check; independent taxonomic review pending. Research profile; availability is not open.
Catalogue inclusion confirms a research record, not current stock, legal export, or destination-country import permission.
- von Rintelen & Cai (2009), pp. 404–414.
- von Rintelen, K. & Cai, Y. (2009). Systematic revision of Caridina from the ancient lakes of Sulawesi. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 57(2): 343–452.
- Klotz, W., von Rintelen, T., Wowor, D., Lukhaup, C. & von Rintelen, K. (2021). Lake Poso’s shrimp fauna revisited. ZooKeys 1009: 81–122.
- Sun, J. (2025). Sulawesi shrimp hobby in China. Sulawesi Keepers. First-hand aquarium names and breeding observations, not a taxonomic revision.
- Rejlková, M. & Sun, J. (2025). Crossbreeding Sulawesi shrimps. Sulawesi Keepers. Keeper-reported crosses; not controlled genetic verification.
