The Indonesian city Sorowako sits on the ancient lakefront of Lake Matano, home to a peculiar and critically endangered shrimp known as the Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp (Caridina dennerli). This colourful crustacean found itself a popular target for both the aquarium trade and invasive predatory species. 

The Flower Horn Cichlid (Ikan Lohan) is one of several invasive species that are found in abundance in the lake, creating problems for endemic species through predation, competition and the introduction of diseases. Diky Dwiyanto and his team at the Zoological Community of Celebes are determined to address. 

Together with MBZ Fund, they took matters into their own hands, removing around 50 kg of Flower Horn Cichlids from the lake and setting up education programs and spear fishing competitions to target the population without risking bycatch. 

With additional plans for safe breeding areas and population monitoring, the research team are positive that through collaboration between conservationists and the local community the Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp can bounce back from the brink filling Lake Matano with its vibrant colours once more.