Blue Bolt Shrimp

Caridina cantonensis var. 'Blue Bolt'

Animalia›Arthropoda›Malacostraca›Atyidae

Variety of Crystal Red Shrimp · blue bolt

📍 Taiwan (captive developed)

Blue bolt shrimp are a selectively bred Caridina variety featuring a striking white body with vivid blue patches. They require the same pristine, soft, acidic water as other Taiwan bee shrimp. Their dramatic colouration makes them highly sought after by advanced hobbyists.

Size1.2"

Min Tank5g

School6+

peaceful

Zoneall

Care Guide

Diet

Blue Bolt shrimp are primarily detritivores and algae grazers, feeding on biofilm, algae, and decaying leaf litter in the substrate. Supplement with high-quality shrimp-specific pellets (sinking), blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini, and occasional protein sources such as dried spirulina or fish food. Feed small amounts 2-3 times weekly, removing uneaten food within 24 hours to maintain water quality.

Behavior

Blue Bolt shrimp are peaceful, sedentary creatures that spend most of their time foraging on the substrate and plants. They are primarily nocturnal and may hide during the day, becoming more active in dimly lit tanks. These shrimp are sensitive to disturbance and sudden changes, requiring stable conditions and plenty of hiding spots to feel secure.

Breeding

Breeding Blue Bolt shrimp in captivity is extremely difficult and rarely successful outside of specialized breeding programs. Females require pristine water conditions (0 ppm ammonia/nitrite, <5 ppm nitrate) and stable parameters to produce viable eggs; even then, survival rates are very low. Most hobbyists keep them for their striking appearance rather than breeding purposes.

Tank Mates

Amano Shrimp

Similar water requirements and peaceful nature; may compete for biofilm but generally compatible

good

Red Cherry Shrimp

Different water parameters (Red Cherry prefer slightly harder water); separate tanks recommended

caution

Nerite Snail

Peaceful algae grazers with similar care needs; help maintain tank cleanliness

excellent

Ramshorn Snail

Gentle detritivores that complement shrimp biofilm grazing without competition

excellent

Java Moss

Provides essential hiding spots, grazing surfaces, and biofilm production for shrimp

excellent

Common Diseases

Bacterial Infection (Septicemia)

Symptoms

Discoloration, lethargy, white spots or patches on body, loss of appetite, molting difficulties

Treatment

Perform 25-30% water changes daily, maintain pristine water parameters (0 ammonia/nitrite), increase aeration, and remove affected individuals to a quarantine tank if possible

Fungal Infection

Symptoms

White or gray fuzzy growth on body or appendages, particularly after molting, reduced activity

Treatment

Improve water quality immediately, increase water changes, ensure adequate water flow, and remove decaying plant matter; antifungal treatments are rarely needed if parameters are corrected

Molting Problems (Incomplete Molt)

Symptoms

Shrimp stuck in old exoskeleton, inability to move freely, death if not resolved

Treatment

Ensure adequate calcium and minerals in water (use specialized shrimp mineral supplements), maintain stable pH (5.8-6.5), and provide gentle water flow to assist molting process

Parasitic Infection (Vorticella)

Symptoms

White cloudy coating on body, lethargy, difficulty feeding, rapid gill movement

Treatment

Perform large water changes (50%), improve water quality and oxygenation, maintain optimal temperature (20-24°C), and consider salt baths (1-2 teaspoons per gallon) for severe cases