Blue Bolt Shrimp

About the Blue Bolt Shrimp

The Blue Bolt Shrimp is one of the most spectacular and highly sought-after freshwater shrimp in the aquarium hobby. A premium Caridina variety originating from Taiwan Bee shrimp genetics, the Blue Bolt is admired for its icy white body that gradually blends into brilliant sky blue, powder blue, or deep electric blue. Every shrimp displays a unique pattern, making each individual a stunning addition to a planted aquarium.

Highly prized by aquascapers and shrimp enthusiasts, Blue Bolt Shrimp spend their day grazing on biofilm, algae, and microorganisms found on mosses, driftwood, rocks, botanicals, and aquarium surfaces. Their peaceful nature and striking colouration make them the centrepiece of any dedicated shrimp aquarium.

Blue Bolt Shrimp thrive in mature planted aquariums with abundant mosses, driftwood, botanicals, and soft, slightly acidic water. Because they are a Caridina variety, they require more stable water conditions than Neocaridina shrimp and are best suited to experienced shrimp keepers. They are ideal in shrimp-only aquariums or alongside very peaceful nano species such as Otocinclus, Pygmy Corydoras, and Blue-eye Rainbowfish.

A varied diet of premium Caridina shrimp foods, algae wafers, spirulina, mulberry leaves, Indian Almond Leaves, blanched vegetables, and occasional protein-rich foods will promote healthy moulting, vibrant colouration, and successful breeding.

Elegant, rare, and incredibly rewarding to keep, the Blue Bolt Shrimp is one of the finest freshwater shrimp available for premium aquascapes and advanced shrimp collections.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Caridina cantonensis

Common Name

Blue Bolt Shrimp

Origin

Captive-bred ornamental variety

Adult Size

2.5–3 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore

Minimum Tank Size

20 Litres

Temperature

20–24°C

pH

5.8–6.8

Water Hardness

GH 4–6 | KH 0–1

Difficulty

Intermediate to Advanced

Lifespan

1.5–2 Years

Suitable For

Dedicated shrimp aquariums, planted aquascapes, and advanced Caridina colonies

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Blue Bolt Shrimp suitable for beginners?

Blue Bolt Shrimp are best suited to aquarists with some shrimp-keeping experience. They require soft, acidic water and stable water parameters to thrive.

What do Blue Bolt Shrimp eat?

They feed on biofilm, premium Caridina shrimp foods, algae, spirulina, Indian Almond Leaves, mulberry leaves, blanched vegetables, and occasional protein-rich foods.

Can Blue Bolt Shrimp live with fish?

Yes, but only with very peaceful nano species such as Otocinclus, Pygmy Corydoras, and Blue-eye Rainbowfish. A dedicated shrimp aquarium provides the highest survival rates for shrimplets.

Do Blue Bolt Shrimp breed in freshwater?

Yes. Blue Bolt Shrimp complete their entire life cycle in freshwater. Females carry eggs beneath their abdomen for approximately 3–4 weeks before miniature shrimp hatch.

Can Blue Bolt Shrimp be kept with Neocaridina shrimp?

Although they generally won't hybridise with Neocaridina davidi, Blue Bolt Shrimp require much softer and more acidic water. For the best health and breeding success, they should be maintained in a dedicated Caridina aquarium.

Common Mistakes

Keeping them in hard or alkaline water

Blue Bolt Shrimp require soft, slightly acidic water. Hard water often causes moulting problems, poor breeding success, and shortened lifespans.

Adding them to immature aquariums

A mature aquarium with abundant natural biofilm is essential before introducing Blue Bolt Shrimp.

Sudden water parameter changes

Rapid changes in pH, GH, KH, temperature, or TDS can stress shrimp and cause moulting failures. Always acclimate slowly.

Keeping them with predatory fish

Even small community fish may prey on shrimplets. Dedicated shrimp aquariums offer the best survival rates.

Overfeeding

Feed sparingly to maintain pristine water quality. Healthy aquariums should provide plenty of natural grazing opportunities between feedings.