Blue Bolt Caridina: A Jewel of the Shrimp World

The Blue Bolt Caridina is one of the most stunning and sought-after freshwater shrimp varieties in the hobby. A selectively bred Taiwan Bee shrimp, the Blue Bolt is admired for its striking blue coloration that can range from a soft pastel sky-blue to an intense, deep turquoise. Their unique look and rarity make them a favorite among dedicated shrimp keepers and aquascaping enthusiasts.

Appearance
Blue Bolt Caridina display an eye-catching gradient of blue across their bodies. Some individuals have lighter blue toward the head and deeper coloration near the tail, while others develop full-bodied, solid blue hues. Higher-grade Blue Bolts are prized for their intense, even coverage and vibrant glow. Against lush green plants or dark substrates, they stand out like living jewels.

Care Requirements
As with other Taiwan Bee shrimp, Blue Bolts are more sensitive than hardy Neocaridina shrimp. They thrive only in stable, pristine conditions with soft, slightly acidic water.

* Tank Size: 10 gallons or larger for stable water conditions.
* Water Parameters: pH 5.5–6.5, GH 4–6, KH 0–1.
* Temperature: 68–74°F is ideal.
* Filtration: Gentle sponge filtration is best, providing clean water and biofilm without creating strong currents.
* Substrate: Active buffering substrates help maintain proper soft and acidic water parameters.

Diet
Blue Bolt Caridina are omnivores and spend much of their time grazing on biofilm and algae. To maintain vibrant coloration and good health, their diet should be supplemented with:

* Shrimp-specific granules and micro pellets
* Blanched vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or kale
* Occasional protein-rich foods such as shrimp wafers or frozen daphnia

Tankmates
Due to their delicate nature, Blue Bolts are best kept in species-only aquariums or with other Taiwan Bee shrimp varieties. Avoid aggressive or predatory fish, as well as Neocaridina shrimp, since interbreeding would dilute their unique traits. Peaceful snails such as Nerites or Malaysian Trumpet Snails make good companions.

Breeding
Breeding Blue Bolt Caridina can be challenging but very rewarding. Females carry eggs for about 4 weeks before releasing fully formed shrimplets. Maintaining stable, soft water conditions and offering plenty of hiding spots with moss and plants improves survival rates. Offspring may display varying shades of blue, with selective breeding needed to produce higher-grade, deeply colored shrimp.

Why Keep Blue Bolt Caridina?
Blue Bolt Caridina are one of the most breathtaking shrimp available, turning any aquarium into a living work of art. While they demand more care and precise water parameters than hardier species, the reward of keeping these shimmering blue shrimp is well worth the effort.

For aquarists dedicated to keeping rare and high-grade shrimp, the Blue Bolt Caridina is a prized choice that brings elegance, vibrancy, and beauty to any shrimp collection.