Blue Bolt (Caridina cf. cantonesis)

The Blue Bolt Shrimp is a stunning and highly sought-after freshwater shrimp, prized for its vibrant blue and white coloration. It is a selectively bred variety of the Taiwan Bee Shrimp, which itself is a variant of the Caridina cantonensis species . Due to their specific care needs, they are best suited for aquarists with some experience .

Here are the key details you need to know about keeping Blue Bolt Shrimp.

 Appearance and Variants

Blue Bolt Shrimp are known for their striking gradient pattern, where a deep blue body color shows through a white covering, creating a beautiful ombre effect . The intensity and pattern of the blue coloration can vary significantly. This has led to different grades, with higher-grade specimens like Extreme Blue Bolts displaying a more solid, vibrant blue color over most of their body . Their coloration can also be influenced by their environment, genetics, and diet .

 Ideal Water Parameters

This is the most critical aspect of Blue Bolt care. They require soft, slightly acidic, and extremely stable water conditions. They are sensitive to fluctuations and poor water quality, so regular testing is a must .

Here is a summary of the ideal water parameters, compiled from several expert sources:

 Tank Setup and Equipment

Creating the right environment is key to their health and breeding success.

• Tank Size: A minimum of 5-10 gallons is recommended. A larger tank provides more stability in water parameters, which is vital for this sensitive species .

• Substrate: An active aquarium soil (like ADA Amazonia) is essential. It helps buffer the water to the correct acidic pH and provides a surface for beneficial biofilm to grow .

• Filtration: A gentle sponge filter is the best choice. It provides biological filtration without creating strong currents that could stress the shrimp, and it is safe for tiny baby shrimp (shrimplets) .

• Water: You will almost certainly need to use reverse osmosis (RO) or deionized (DI) water that is then remineralized with a specific GH+ supplement designed for Caridina shrimp .

• Décor: Provide plenty of hiding places. Live plants like Java moss, driftwood, and Indian Almond Leaves are excellent. They provide shelter and, most importantly, surfaces for biofilm to grow, which is a primary food source .

 Diet and Feeding

Blue Bolt Shrimp are omnivores and natural scavengers. Their diet should be varied:

• Staples: Offer high-quality shrimp-specific foods like algae wafers and shrimp pellets .

• Supplements: Supplement with blanched vegetables (such as spinach or zucchini) and natural botanicals like the Indian Almond Leaves mentioned earlier .

• Biofilm: A mature tank with a healthy growth of biofilm is crucial for their continuous grazing and for the survival of newly hatched shrimplets .

 Breeding

Breeding Blue Bolt Shrimp is achievable if their water parameters are perfectly stable. Females will carry 20-40 eggs under their abdomen for about 3-4 weeks before releasing tiny, fully-formed versions of the adults . It's important to note that they can interbreed with other Taiwan Bee shrimp varieties, so if you want to preserve a pure Blue Bolt line, they should be kept in a species-only tank .

 Behavior and Tank Mates

These are completely peaceful and social animals that do best in colonies .

• Good Tank Mates: They are best kept with other peaceful invertebrates like small snails or in a shrimp-only setup .

• Tank Mates to Avoid: Avoid keeping them with any fish, as most will prey on baby shrimp. Larger, aggressive shrimp, crabs, or crayfish should also be avoided .