First report on deep-water

Caridina H. Milne-Edwards, 1837 has a high species diversity in the ancient lakes system in Sulawesi. To date, all Caridina species inhabited Lake Poso and Malili Lake System (N=15) have been documented from a relatively shallow water habitat. Here, we report for the first time Caridina spp. collected from deeper parts of Lake Poso using a new collection method. Fifteen specimens were collected from Peura and Meko Villages, using traditional bamboo traps. The specimens were morphologically identified and sequenced for molecular analysis. Based on morphology, the juveniles were identified as C. caerulea and the adults as C. longidigita. Both species were collected from 74 and 60 m depths, respectively. The results were further confirmed by genetic similarity using BLASTN, with >99 % percent identity for both species. This study provides the first record of Caridina spp. inhabiting deeper zones in the ancient lake of Sulawesi and provides initial signs of species behavior and adaptation in the ancient lake system.