Easy
Carbon Rili Shrimp (Neocaridina denticulata)
18–28°C · pH 6.5–8 · 20L
£10.99
Striking Blue Bolt Shrimp (Taiwan Bee Caridina cantonensis) with icy blue-white colouration, ideal for mature soft-water planted tanks. Order online with live arrival guarantee and fast UK delivery.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Caridina sp. bee blue bolt Taiwan
Blue Bolt Shrimp are a shoaling species — they need 6+ to feel safe and show their full colour. Larger shoals stay calmer, eat better, and look stunning.
Striking Blue Bolt Shrimp (Taiwan Bee Caridina cantonensis) with icy blue-white colouration, ideal for mature soft-water planted tanks. Order online with live arrival guarantee and fast UK delivery.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Add the hobby's best algae-eating shrimp to your aquarium with Amano Shrimp. Peaceful, hardy, and larger than cherries — ideal for planted community tanks. Order now for UK delivery.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
The Blue Bolt is one of the most striking soft-water shrimp in the hobby: a glowing, icy blue Taiwan Bee with a creamy white head pattern and a calm, grazing nature that suits carefully planned shrimp tanks. Known scientifically as Caridina cantonensis, Blue Bolt Shrimp stay small at around 2.5cm, live for roughly 18-24 months, and are best described as a moderate-care dwarf shrimp for aquarists who can provide stable, soft, acidic water. If you have been searching for a practical blue bolt shrimp care guide, this page covers the essentials, from blue bolt shrimp water parameters and blue bolt shrimp temperature to feeding, breeding, and suitable tank mates. Their popularity comes from a rare combination of beauty and challenge: they are not the easiest aquarium shrimp UK keepers can buy, but in the right setup they reward you with elegant colour, active foraging, and the chance to build a thriving blue bolt shrimp colony. For shrimp keepers wanting a standout centrepiece for a specialist Caridina setup, Blue Bolt Shrimp offer exceptional visual impact in a compact, peaceful invertebrate.
Blue Bolt Shrimp are a selectively bred Taiwan Bee form of Caridina cantonensis, a dwarf freshwater shrimp species long established in the aquarium hobby. They sit within the same broader ornamental shrimp group as Crystal Shrimp, Pinto Shrimp, and other advanced soft-water Caridina lines. In the hobby, Blue Bolts are valued for their unusual pastel blue colour and are often chosen by keepers ready to move beyond basic Neocaridina care into more precise bee shrimp keeping. For wider husbandry background, see our shrimp keeping care guide.
Although Blue Bolt Shrimp themselves are a captive-bred Taiwan Bee line, their species roots trace back to streams in Taiwan, where Caridina cantonensis evolved in soft, clean, mineral-light freshwater. In nature, these shrimp are found among leaf litter, stones, submerged roots, and biofilm-rich surfaces where they spend most of the day grazing. That natural origin matters: Blue Bolts are specialist indoor aquarium shrimp, not hardy outdoor pond stock, and they should not be treated like rugged temperate species.
Wild-type relatives inhabit shaded stream systems with stable temperatures, low dissolved waste, and naturally acidic conditions. This is why many keepers struggle when they try to keep Taiwan Bees in neutral or hard tap water. Blue Bolts are an ornamental dwarf shrimp bred for the aquarium, and they thrive only when their stream-like origins are respected rather than ignored.
In the aquarium, the goal is to recreate a stream-like microhabitat: cool-to-mild temperatures, low hardness, lots of grazing surfaces, and excellent biological maturity. Fine-leaved mosses, botanicals, and active substrate all help mimic the natural environment that supports long-term health. That matters more than decoration alone. A tank can look beautiful but still fail if the chemistry is wrong.
Blue Bolts are also a poor choice for outdoor tubs or mixed temperate systems. They need consistency, not seasonal swings. When you are researching general freshwater shrimp UK requirements, this species sits firmly in the "specialist indoor aquarium" category rather than general-purpose shrimp keeping.
Mimicking the species' natural habitat improves survival and colour. In practice, that means soft water, active buffering substrate, leaf litter, mature biofilm, and a calm tank that is not overstocked with fish.
A successful blue bolt shrimp aquarium setup starts with stability. These shrimp are far less forgiving than common Neocaridina, so your blue bolt shrimp tank setup should be mature before any livestock is added. For most keepers, the best route is a dedicated Caridina aquarium using remineralised RO water, an active shrimp substrate, and a gentle sponge-driven filter. That approach gives you the best chance of matching proper blue bolt water parameters and maintaining them over time.
The blue bolt shrimp minimum tank size is 20 litres, but a 30-45 litre aquarium is usually easier to manage. Larger water volume means slower parameter swings, more grazing area, and better colony growth. If you are wondering about blue bolt shrimp tank requirements, think beyond floor space: mature surfaces, stable chemistry, and low stress matter more than raw volume alone. A small nano tank can work, but only if it is fully cycled and closely monitored.
As a rough guide for how many blue bolt shrimp per tank, start with 6-10 shrimp in a mature 20-30 litre setup, then allow the colony to expand naturally. Overcrowding too early can lead to food competition and unstable water quality.
Correct blue bolt shrimp water parameters are the foundation of good health. Aim for a blue bolt shrimp water temperature of 20-25°C, with many experienced keepers preferring 21-23°C for long-term stability and breeding. The ideal pH range is 5.5-6.8, though many colonies do best around 5.8-6.4. Blue bolt shrimp water hardness should remain low, and the usual blue bolt shrimp GH KH requirements are GH 4-6 and KH 0-1. This is why active substrate is so important: it helps buffer the water into the acidic range.
If you are researching blue bolt shrimp ideal conditions, the key points are simple: soft water, low KH, low nitrate, and no sudden changes. A common question is whether Taiwan Bees can live in untreated tap water. In most cases, Blue Bolts do not thrive in standard hard tap water. RO water remineralised specifically for Caridina is safer and more predictable.
Use gentle, shrimp-safe filtration. A double sponge filter is ideal for breeding tanks because it offers biofilm growth, low intake risk for shrimplets, and stable biological filtration. In display aquariums, a small external or hang-on filter can work if the intake is covered with a fine pre-filter sponge. Strong current is unnecessary; Blue Bolts prefer calm flow with good oxygenation.
Choose an active shrimp substrate designed for Caridina. This helps maintain low pH and supports the soft-water environment these shrimp need. Dark substrate also improves contrast, making the pale blue body stand out in photos and in person. Avoid inert gravel if your source water is already hard, because it will not help you reach the correct chemistry.
Blue bolt shrimp with plants is one of the best combinations in shrimp keeping. A heavily structured layout gives grazing area, cover for moulting, and shelter for shrimplets. Blue bolt shrimp in planted aquarium setups do especially well with mosses, Subwassertang, Bucephalandra, Anubias nana petite, and floating plants that soften the light. To build a varied Caridina scape, many keepers also combine Blue Bolts with other specialist shrimp such as Black Crystal Shrimp, King Kong Shrimp, or pattern-focused lines like Red Pinto Shrimp in separate tanks.
Leaf litter such as Indian almond leaves provides grazing surfaces and microfauna support. Small cholla wood pieces and lava rock also increase the area available for biofilm.
Moderate lighting is enough. Around 6-8 hours daily suits most shrimp tanks, especially if you want controlled algae and healthy moss growth. Very intense lighting without plant mass can trigger nuisance algae and unstable nutrient swings.
Always cycle the tank for 4-6 weeks before adding Blue Bolts. A mature aquarium with visible biofilm and stable nitrate is far safer than a spotless new setup that looks ready but is biologically immature.
A proper blue bolt shrimp feeding guide starts with one important point: these shrimp are constant grazers, not big-meal eaters. In a mature tank they spend most of the day picking at biofilm, algae film, decomposing plant matter, and microorganisms. That natural grazing should remain the base of the diet, while prepared foods are used to supplement rather than replace it. If you are learning how to care for blue bolt shrimp, feeding lightly is one of the biggest success factors.
The ideal blue bolt shrimp diet includes high-quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers in tiny portions, powdered shrimplet foods, blanched spinach or courgette, and occasional protein-rich foods for breeding females. Blue Bolts are ornamental dwarf shrimp kept for display and breeding, so feeding is about supporting steady grazing rather than heavy meals.
Use a specialist shrimp food 3-4 times per week in very small amounts. One tiny pellet or a small pinch of granules is enough for a small colony. In a mature planted aquarium, they will often need less than beginners expect.
Supplement with blanched vegetables once or twice weekly and leaf litter that stays in the tank for continual grazing. Powder foods are useful for shrimplets because they spread through the aquarium and coat surfaces.
Occasional protein treats can support moulting and blue bolt shrimp breeding, but too much protein can foul the water. Breeding colonies often benefit from varied foods rather than larger amounts. Many experienced keepers keep a simple written feeding routine so portions stay consistent week to week.
How often should you feed Blue Bolts? In most tanks, 4-5 light feedings per week is enough if the aquarium is mature. The right frequency depends on colony size, biofilm availability, and filtration. A new setup with little natural grazing may need more support, while a mature planted tank may need less. Good blue bolt shrimp care means removing uneaten food after 2-3 hours.
| Time | Food | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Biofilm grazing / powdered shrimp food | Very light dusting |
| Evening | Shrimp pellet or blanched veg | 1 small portion, removed if uneaten |
Look for complete shrimp diets, leaf litter, and powdered shrimplet foods that support biofilm feeding without polluting soft-water tanks.
Overfeeding causes ammonia spikes, bacterial blooms, and failed moults. Blue Bolts do better with frequent tiny portions than large daily meals. If food is still visible after a few hours, you are feeding too much.
What is a Blue Bolt in aquarium terms? It is a Taiwan Bee shrimp line known for a pale to intense blue body, usually with a creamy white or very light front section and deeper blue shading toward the rear half. When people ask what are blue bolts or what colour is a blue bolt shrimp, the answer is not one flat shade. Good specimens can range from icy powder blue to richer steel-blue tones, often with a milky, frosted look that makes them stand out against dark substrate.
Adults reach about 2-2.5cm and have the typical compact bee shrimp shape: a curved back, short rostrum, delicate walking legs, and constantly moving feeding appendages. Females are usually larger, deeper-bodied, and more rounded underneath, especially when carrying eggs. Males tend to be slimmer and slightly smaller.
In the hobby, "Blue Bolt" simply describes this sought-after blue colour morph of Taiwan Bee Caridina. It is unrelated to similarly named everyday products, and it is also distinct from Neocaridina blue morphs, even though shoppers often compare all colourful shrimp when choosing a display tank.
Colour quality depends on genetics, water quality, low stress, and contrast. Dark substrate, tannin-rich botanicals, and stable soft water often help the blue appear cleaner and more saturated. Our product photos show the cool pastel body tone and the soft gradient that makes this shrimp so distinctive in a planted shrimp aquarium.
Blue Bolts are peaceful, non-aggressive dwarf shrimp, but they are also vulnerable. That means blue bolt shrimp tank mates must be chosen with care. If you are asking whether blue bolt shrimp are safe with fish, the honest answer is: only with very limited, very low-risk species, and even then shrimplets may still be eaten. For many keepers, the best answer to what can live with freshwater shrimp is "other shrimp, snails, and perhaps a few tiny specialist fish in a mature tank."
Because of their sensitivity, Blue Bolts are not automatically the best shrimp for a community tank. They can work in a carefully planned nano community, but a species-only or shrimp-focused aquarium is safer. If you want reliable breeding and colony growth, choose blue bolt shrimp safe tank mates that do not harass moulting adults or hunt shrimplets.
Good options include small snails such as nerites and ramshorns, and in some cases Otocinclus in larger, mature aquariums. Among shrimp, other Caridina with similar water needs can work, though you should think about line purity before mixing. Hobbyists who enjoy Taiwan Bee projects often keep separate tanks for Red Wine Shrimp, King Kong Shrimp, Panda Hinomaru Taiwan Bee Shrimp, and Red Bolt Taiwan Bee Shrimp so they can manage genetics more carefully.
Some keepers also compare Blue Bolts with Amano shrimp when planning a clean-up crew. Amanos are excellent algae eaters, but they grow larger, are more boisterous at feeding time, and prefer different long-term goals than a pure Taiwan Bee breeding tank. So while Amanos are useful in many aquariums, they are not always the best companion in a specialist Blue Bolt colony.
Avoid most community fish, especially tetras, rasboras, gouramis, cichlids, barbs, loaches, and all predatory species. Even fish marketed as nano-safe will often eat baby shrimp. Also avoid crayfish and large fan shrimp. Do not mix with Neocaridina if your goal is a stable, optimised Caridina setup, because the water requirements differ significantly.
In a 30-litre shrimp tank, a strong starting plan is 8-12 Blue Bolts with snails only. In a 45-litre mature planted aquarium, you might keep a colony with a small group of Otocinclus once the tank is well established. If your priority is breeding, skip fish entirely.
| Species | Compatible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Black Crystal Shrimp | ⚠️ Caution | Similar water needs, but keep separate if you want to preserve lines. |
| Red Wine Shrimp | ⚠️ Caution | Works in Caridina systems, but mixed breeding projects need planning. |
| Most small fish | ❌ Avoid | Adults may survive, but shrimplets are usually prey. |
For keepers exploring related shrimp, visually striking alternatives include Black Pinto Shrimp, Red Pinto Shrimp, and Racoon Tiger Shrimp. These all appeal to aquarists who enjoy advanced shrimp projects, but each should be matched to the right water chemistry and breeding goals.
Always quarantine new arrivals for 2-4 weeks before adding them to a shrimp colony. Even "safe" tank mates can introduce pathogens, parasites, or bacterial issues that are much harder to solve in a sensitive Caridina setup.
Blue bolt shrimp breeding is achievable in home aquariums, but it is best described as moderate rather than easy. Healthy adults, stable soft water, and a mature tank are all essential. If you are planning a dedicated blue bolt shrimp colony, start with a group of at least 6-10 shrimp so you have a realistic mix of sexes. In most colonies the male is slimmer and smaller, while females are broader and more curved underneath.
A separate breeding tank of 20-30 litres works well. Keep temperature around 21-23°C, pH in the low sixes, GH 4-6, and KH near zero. Mosses, leaf litter, sponge filtration, and powdered foods for shrimplets all help. Blue Bolts breed most reliably when the environment is stable rather than pushed with heat or heavy feeding.
After moulting, a receptive female releases pheromones and males become noticeably more active, swimming around the tank in search of her. Once fertilised, the female carries eggs under the abdomen. In good conditions, egg carrying lasts about 3-4 weeks, with development speed influenced by temperature.
Unlike species with larval stages, Blue Bolt shrimplets hatch as miniature versions of the adults. That makes them much easier than marine shrimp, but they are still sensitive to poor water quality. Avoid sudden water changes, strong filter intakes, and aggressive tank mates.
Feed tiny amounts of powdered shrimp food, preserve biofilm, and resist the urge to over-clean the tank. A lightly "messy" shrimp aquarium with mature surfaces is often better than a sterile one. This is why many serious Blue Bolt breeders eventually move to species-only tanks: the survival rate of shrimplets is much higher.
Failed moults, low hatch rates, and shrimplet losses are usually linked to unstable minerals, excess waste, or warm temperatures. Blue Bolts will breed readily in captivity, but only when their environment is truly suitable. Strong colony growth is a sign that your husbandry is correct.
Keep breeder tanks slightly cooler rather than warmer. Many hobbyists find that 21-23°C gives better adult longevity, steadier egg development, and stronger shrimplet survival than pushing the tank to the upper end of the temperature range.
Comparison matters because Blue Bolts are often bought by keepers choosing between Taiwan Bees, Crystal Shrimp, and colourful Neocaridina. If your main goal is unusual colour and you can provide soft acidic water, Blue Bolts are a fantastic choice. If you want a tougher beginner shrimp for mixed tap-water setups, another species may be easier.
| Feature | Blue Bolt Shrimp | Black Crystal Shrimp |
|---|---|---|
| Max Size | 2.5cm | 2.5-3cm |
| Care Level | Moderate | Moderate |
| Temperature | 20-25°C | 20-25°C |
| Best For | Keepers wanting pastel blue Taiwan Bees | Keepers wanting classic bee shrimp contrast |
| Feature | Blue Bolt Shrimp | King Kong Shrimp |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Style | Soft blue and white | Deep black, bold and dramatic |
| Tank Focus | Light, icy colour contrast | Dark, high-contrast display |
| Water Needs | Soft, acidic | Soft, acidic |
| Breeding Appeal | Popular in Taiwan Bee colonies | Popular in selective Caridina projects |
| Best For | Showpiece pastel shrimp tanks | Darker themed shrimp aquascapes |
Choose Blue Bolts if you want a refined, cool-toned shrimp that stands out in moss-heavy aquascapes. Choose Black Crystal Shrimp if you prefer classic bee shrimp patterning, or King Kong Shrimp if you want a darker, more dramatic Taiwan Bee look. If you are browsing broader aquarium shrimp for sale UK listings, remember that Blue Dream shrimp are Neocaridina and usually suit different water chemistry than Blue Bolts.
The best sign of a healthy Blue Bolt is steady grazing, regular moulting, clear body colour, and calm behaviour. Healthy shrimp move around the tank, pick at surfaces constantly, and do not lie on their side or remain motionless for long periods. In a stable setup, losses should be rare after the initial acclimation period.
The most common issues are failed moults, bacterial stress, unexplained deaths after water changes, and shrimplet losses. These problems are usually linked to unstable minerals, excess organics, or unsuitable pH and hardness rather than a single obvious disease. Because Blue Bolts are sensitive, small mistakes matter.
First correct water quality. Test GH, KH, pH, TDS, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Perform small, matched-parameter water changes rather than large ones. Remove uneaten food and check for decaying plant matter. In many cases, better husbandry solves the issue faster than medication.
Avoid sudden swings, overfeeding, and contaminated equipment. Never use sprays, aerosols, or metal-based products near the tank. Be especially careful with plant fertilisers and medications. Because Blue Bolts are so sensitive, accurate, species-specific advice matters far more than generic shrimp tips.
Copper is highly dangerous to shrimp and other invertebrates. If treatment is needed, move fish to a separate tank where appropriate, and never dose a Blue Bolt aquarium with copper-based medication.
Blue Bolts are peaceful, social grazers that spend most of the day moving from surface to surface in search of food. They are most confident in groups, which is why a starting colony of six or more is recommended. A lone shrimp will often appear shy, while a group behaves more naturally and is visible more often.
Much of their behaviour revolves around grazing, moulting, and subtle social interaction. After a water change or a female moult, males may become noticeably more active and swim through the tank searching for her. At other times, they are calm and methodical. In planted aquariums they often climb moss, wood, and sponge filters, making them enjoyable to watch even in small nanos.
If you want to see the best behaviour, give them cover, stable water, and a mature tank rich in biofilm. Sparse, bright, over-clean tanks make them more cautious. In contrast, a settled shrimp aquarium with mosses and leaf litter encourages constant foraging and more confident movement.
Blue Bolt Shrimp are only worth buying when they have been kept correctly before dispatch. This species reacts badly to rough handling, unstable minerals, and immature holding systems, so quality matters. Our Blue Bolts are selected for clear Taiwan Bee type, attractive blue coverage, and active behaviour before sale. That is especially important for customers comparing blue bolt shrimp for sale UK options and trying to judge real value rather than just headline price.
Each batch is observed before shipping, and shrimp are not rushed out straight after arrival. We use insulated packaging, weather-aware packing methods, and heat packs in winter when required. For customers searching blue bolt shrimp online UK, looking to order blue bolt shrimp UK, or comparing blue bolt shrimp delivery UK options, safe transit is just as important as the shrimp themselves. Good packing reduces temperature shock and stress during transport.
We also know that buyers comparing blue bolt shrimp price UK, looking for where to buy blue bolt shrimp UK, browsing a trusted blue bolt shrimp shop UK, or running general buy shrimp UK searches want practical support after purchase. That is why care guidance matters. Blue Bolts are not impulse livestock. They need proper acclimation, soft water, and a mature setup. If you are browsing live aquarium shrimp for sale UK or freshwater aquarium shrimp UK listings, choose a source that clearly explains the species' needs rather than treating all shrimp as interchangeable.
More buyers now care about responsible sourcing, careful handling, and long-term welfare, and that is a good thing. Blue Bolts reward careful keepers, and they should be sold with accurate, species-specific advice rather than generic livestock copy.
Build a more complete Caridina collection with related shrimp and specialist companions. For classic bee shrimp contrast, consider Black Crystal Shrimp. For a darker Taiwan Bee display, try King Kong Shrimp. If you like patterned shrimp, explore Black Pinto Shrimp or Red Pinto Shrimp. For rich red tones in a soft-water shrimp setup, Red Wine Shrimp are another excellent option. And if you want a different Taiwan Bee look with a warmer palette, take a look at Red Bolt Taiwan Bee Shrimp.
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