About Blue Leg Poso Shrimp
Blue Leg Poso shrimp are widely regarded as the best 'gateway' species into Sulawesi shrimp keeping. Their distinctive blue legs against tan or reddish-brown bodies create a unique appearance, while their relative hardiness and better breeding success make them more forgiving than other Sulawesi species. For hobbyists wanting to experience the exotic world of Sulawesi shrimp, Blue Leg Poso is the recommended starting point. Endemic to Lake Poso in Sulawesi, Indonesia, these shrimp share the general Sulawesi requirements: high pH, warm temperatures, and abundant biofilm. However, they're notably more adaptable within those parameters than sensitive species like Cardinals or Harlequins. Experienced Sulawesi keepers often describe them as 'the Neocaridina of the Sulawesi world' - still requiring specialized care but the most forgiving option available. The blue leg coloration that gives this species its name is their most distinctive feature. While the body displays earthy tones of tan, brown, or reddish-brown, the legs show striking blue coloration ranging from subtle to vibrant depending on the individual and conditions. Combined with their relative ease of keeping (for Sulawesi), this unique appearance makes them popular among serious shrimp hobbyists ready to venture beyond typical Caridina and Neocaridina species.
Quick Facts
Water Parameters for Blue Leg Poso Shrimp
Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for the health and coloration of Blue Leg Poso Shrimp. Sulawesi shrimp have unique requirements with higher pH and temperature needs compared to other dwarf shrimp.
| Parameter | Range | Optimal |
|---|---|---|
| TDS | 80-180 ppm | 100-150 ppm |
| GH | 4-8 dGH | 5-7 dGH |
| KH | 3-7 dKH | 4-6 dKH |
| pH | 7.5-8.5 | 7.8-8.2 |
| Temperature | 79-86°F (26-30°C) | 81-84°F |
Tank Setup for Blue Leg Poso Shrimp
- Use inert substrates (lava rock, crushed coral, limestone)
- Include plenty of rock surfaces for biofilm development
- Strong lighting promotes aufwuchs growth
- Moderate water flow replicates lake conditions
- Mature tank (3+ months) recommended before adding shrimp
Care Tips for Blue Leg Poso Shrimp
- RECOMMENDED first Sulawesi species - easiest of the group
- Still requires Sulawesi parameters: HIGH pH (7.8-8.2), HIGH temperature (81-84F)
- More forgiving within Sulawesi range than Cardinals or other sensitive species
- RO water remineralized with Sulawesi minerals is required
- DO NOT use active substrates - use inert options
- Tank should be mature with abundant biofilm
- Acclimation still needs to be slow (3-4 hours minimum)
Feeding Blue Leg Poso Shrimp
- Biofilm is the primary food source
- Graze on aufwuchs covering rock surfaces
- Supplement sparingly with quality shrimp foods
- Strong lighting encourages biofilm growth
- Don't overfeed - biofilm should be dietary foundation
Breeding Blue Leg Poso Shrimp
- Easiest Sulawesi species to breed in captivity
- Larger clutches than Cardinals (12-28 eggs)
- Better shrimplet survival rates than most Sulawesi
- Good species for learning Sulawesi breeding techniques
- Colony growth still slower than Neocaridina but faster than other Sulawesi
Blue Leg Poso Shrimp Grading System
Blue Leg Poso Shrimp are commonly graded based on color intensity, coverage, and pattern quality. Higher grades typically command higher prices and are the result of selective breeding.
Standard Blue Leg Poso
Visible blue coloring on legs. Blue intensity may be subtle.
Characteristics
- Blue legs visible
- Decent body coloration
- May have subtle blue
- Good health indicators
High Grade Blue Leg
Strong blue coloration on legs with good body color contrast.
Characteristics
- Strong blue legs
- Good body contrast
- Clear blue coloring
- Attractive appearance
Premium Blue Leg
Maximum blue intensity on legs with excellent overall appearance.
Characteristics
- Maximum blue saturation
- Excellent contrast
- Show quality
- Premium specimens
Grades listed from lowest to highest quality
Common Problems with Blue Leg Poso Shrimp
- Still fails if kept in typical Caridina parameters (low pH, cool temps)
- Insufficient biofilm in new tanks
- Parameter instability causing stress
- Rushed acclimation from shipping
- Blue leg color may fade under stress - recovers with good conditions
Troubleshooting Blue Leg Poso Shrimp
Sulawesi shrimp are very sensitive and require pristine, stable conditions. Here are common problems to watch for:
Failed Molt: Shrimp Stuck in Shell
Understanding failed molts where shrimp cannot escape their old exoskeleton. Learn why it happens, why affected shrimp cannot be saved, and how to prevent future molt failures.
Why Are My Shrimp Dying?
Comprehensive triage guide for unexplained shrimp deaths. Learn to identify the cause and take immediate action to save your remaining colony.
White Ring of Death in Shrimp
Understanding the dreaded white ring or white line that appears around a shrimp's body, signaling a fatal molting problem that cannot be reversed once visible.
Baby Shrimp (Shrimplets) Dying
Why newborn shrimp disappear or die when adult shrimp seem healthy. Covers filter intake, predation, starvation, and sensitivity issues specific to shrimplets.
Bacterial Infection in Shrimp
Identifying and treating bacterial infections in aquarium shrimp. Learn to recognize symptoms and understand why prevention through water quality is more effective than treatment.
Planaria in Shrimp Tank
Identifying and eliminating planaria flatworms that prey on shrimp, especially shrimplets. Learn safe treatment methods that won't harm your colony.
Blue Leg Poso Shrimp FAQ
Yes, Blue Leg Poso are widely considered the easiest Sulawesi species for beginners to the group. They're more forgiving within Sulawesi parameters, breed more readily, and have better shrimplet survival than other Sulawesi species. They're the recommended starting point for Sulawesi keeping.
NO - they still require Sulawesi parameters (high pH 7.8+, high temperature 81-84F). 'Easiest Sulawesi' still means advanced-level shrimp care. They cannot survive in typical Caridina Bee setups with low pH and cooler temperatures.
Blue Leg Poso are more adaptable within the Sulawesi parameter range, breed more readily with larger clutches, and have better shrimplet survival. They're from Lake Poso rather than Lake Matano and seem more resilient to minor parameter variations.
Blue leg intensity can fade temporarily due to stress, shipping, or poor conditions. Once acclimated to stable, optimal conditions with good diet (primarily biofilm), the blue coloration should return and potentially intensify.
Yes, they can coexist as both require similar Sulawesi parameters. Many keepers maintain multi-species Sulawesi tanks. Ensure the tank is large and mature enough for multiple species.
Use inert substrates (lava rock, crushed coral), strong lighting for biofilm growth, moderate flow, and mature the tank for 3+ months. Use RO water remineralized with Sulawesi-specific minerals to achieve pH 7.8-8.2 and maintain temperature at 81-84F.
Yes, they're the most prolific Sulawesi breeders. They produce larger clutches (12-28 eggs) than Cardinals and have better shrimplet survival. Colony growth is slower than Neocaridina but faster than other Sulawesi species.
Track Your Blue Leg Poso Shrimp Parameters
Stop guessing. Start tracking. ShrimpKeeper gives you species-specific parameter ranges, instant diagnostics, and historical graphs for your Blue Leg Poso Shrimp colony.