Blue Bolt Shrimp
Caridina cantonensis
Also known as Blue Bolt Taiwan Bee, Blue Bolt Bee shrimp
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 64–75°F (18–24°C)
- pH
- 5.2–6.2
- Adult size
- 1.2 in (3 cm)
- Minimum tank
- 5 gal (20 L)
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social behavior
- Social
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Difficult
- Breeding
- Medium
- Rarity
- Rare
- Origin
- A captive bred Taiwan Bee line of Caridina cantonensis, line bred from bee shrimp whose wild form lives in soft, acidic streams in southern China.
- Family
- Atyidae
Overview
Keep blue bolts in a mature 20 L or larger tank with RO water remineralized for Caridina, a pH of 5.2 to 6.2, TDS near 100 to 130, and 18 to 24 C. Stable water on active shrimp soil is essential, since they react badly to swings in pH or TDS. Keep them in a dedicated shrimp tank or with other Taiwan Bees. Feed biofilm, botanicals and prepared shrimp foods.
In the wild
The blue bolt is a Taiwan Bee line of Caridina cantonensis with a clear white head that fades into a deep blue tail. The blue comes from the same Taiwan Bee genetics as the king kong and panda. Like all Taiwan Bees it needs soft, acidic water with low TDS and very stable parameters. It is kept on active buffering soil with remineralized RO water.
Good to know
Blue bolts are a Taiwan Bee form of Caridina cantonensis, and their blue is a structural color that varies in depth between individuals. They are line bred from bee shrimp and want lower pH and TDS than crystal shrimp. Blue bolt, king kong and panda are all outcomes of the same genetic line.
Did you know
The depth of blue in a blue bolt can shift with diet and water, so breeders select carefully to hold the strongest, most even color.
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
- Aquatic Arts Freshwater fish, shrimp and snails with an arrive-alive guarantee
- Flip Aquatics Quarantined shrimp, snails and nano fish
- Aqua Huna Freshwater fish, shrimp and plants with a three day live arrival guarantee
…or ask your local fish store.
Appears in
Keeping Blue Bolt Shrimp?
Track water tests, reminders and stocking fit.
Related species
Bee Shrimp
Caridina cantonensis1.2 in (3 cm)5 gal (20 L)66–79°F (19–26°C)Crystal Black Shrimp
Caridina cantonensis1.2 in (3 cm)5 gal (20 L)64–75°F (18–24°C)King Kong Shrimp
Caridina cantonensis1.2 in (3 cm)5 gal (20 L)64–75°F (18–24°C)Panda Shrimp
Caridina cantonensis1.2 in (3 cm)5 gal (20 L)64–75°F (18–24°C)
Crystal Red Shrimp
Caridina cantonensis1.6 in (4 cm)8 gal (30 L)66–79°F (19–26°C)
Tiger Shrimp
Caridina mariae1.6 in (4 cm)7 gal (25 L)64–73°F (18–23°C)
