About Blue Bolt Taiwan Bee
Blue Bolt Taiwan Bee shrimp are arguably the most popular variety of Taiwan Bee shrimp, prized for their stunning blue coloration that ranges from delicate powder blue to intense steel blue. They emerged from Taiwan Bee breeding programs in the late 2000s and quickly became favorites among shrimp enthusiasts worldwide. What makes Blue Bolts particularly appealing is their relative accessibility compared to other Taiwan Bee varieties. While they still require the soft, acidic water conditions mandatory for all Caridina cantonensis, Blue Bolts are generally considered more forgiving than varieties like Shadow Pandas or extreme-colored Taiwan Bees. This makes them an excellent gateway species for keepers looking to transition from Crystal shrimp to Taiwan Bee varieties. Blue Bolt coloration varies significantly, which has led to an informal grading system based on color intensity. Light Blue Bolts show a subtle powder blue, while Deep or Extreme Blue Bolts display intense steel blue coloring that appears almost metallic under proper lighting. The genetics behind blue coloration can be complex, with offspring showing varying degrees of intensity even from high-grade parents.
Quick Facts
Water Parameters for Blue Bolt Taiwan Bee
Maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for the health and coloration of Blue Bolt Taiwan Bee. As a Caridina species, they require more specific water conditions and are less tolerant of parameter swings.
| Parameter | Range | Optimal |
|---|---|---|
| TDS | 100-150 ppm | 120-150 ppm |
| GH | 4-6 dGH | 4-5 dGH |
| KH | 0-2 dKH | 0-1 dKH |
| pH | 5.8-6.8 | 6-6.4 |
| Temperature | 68-75°F (20-24°C) | 70-73°F |
Tank Setup for Blue Bolt Taiwan Bee
- Active buffering substrate is mandatory for pH stability
- Plant heavily with mosses and Bucephalandra
- Sponge or matten filters protect shrimplets
- Blue Bolts show beautifully against dark substrates
- Include botanicals like Indian Almond Leaves for biofilm and tannins
Care Tips for Blue Bolt Taiwan Bee
- RO water remineralized with Caridina GH+ is required - the same as all Taiwan Bee varieties
- Active buffering substrate maintains necessary acidic conditions
- Keep TDS between 100-150 ppm with stable parameters
- Blue Bolts are considered slightly hardier than some Taiwan Bee varieties
- Small weekly water changes (10%) with properly matched water
- Avoid copper and other contaminants - use only shrimp-safe products
- A well-established tank with mature biofilm is important for success
Feeding Blue Bolt Taiwan Bee
- Feed quality Caridina-specific foods for optimal color and health
- Some keepers believe certain foods enhance blue coloration
- Biofilm is essential - ensure tank is mature before adding shrimp
- Feed sparingly to maintain water quality - 2-3 times weekly
- Provide mineral supplements and calcium for healthy molting
Breeding Blue Bolt Taiwan Bee
- Blue Bolts breed more readily than some other Taiwan Bee varieties
- Select the deepest blue parents to improve offspring color intensity
- Color intensity varies in offspring - culling maintains colony quality
- Can cross with other Taiwan Bees; red crosses may produce various colors
- Gestation is 28-35 days with clutches of 12-22 shrimplets
Blue Bolt Taiwan Bee Grading System
Blue Bolt Taiwan Bee are commonly graded based on color intensity, coverage, and pattern quality. Higher grades typically command higher prices and are the result of selective breeding.
Light Blue Bolt
Entry-level Blue Bolts with lighter powder blue coloration. Blue may be concentrated on the head with lighter body.
Characteristics
- Powder blue coloring
- Blue concentrated on head
- Body may be lighter
- White markings possible
Standard Blue Bolt
Good blue coloration throughout the body with consistent coverage. The most common grade available.
Characteristics
- Consistent blue coverage
- Good color saturation
- Even coloring head to tail
- Clean appearance
Deep Blue Bolt
Intense, saturated blue coloring throughout. Premium specimens with exceptional depth of color.
Characteristics
- Deep blue saturation
- Intense coloring throughout
- Steel blue tones
- Excellent opacity
Extreme Blue Bolt
The highest grade with extraordinary blue intensity. Collector-quality specimens.
Characteristics
- Maximum blue intensity
- Perfect color coverage
- Show-quality appearance
- Breeding potential premium
Grades listed from lowest to highest quality
Common Problems with Blue Bolt Taiwan Bee
- Color intensity varies between individuals even from the same parents
- Offspring may be lighter than parents - selective breeding helps
- Deaths often result from parameter swings or contamination
- Failed molts indicate mineral imbalance
- Some Blue Bolts fade after shipping - color usually returns with good care
Troubleshooting Blue Bolt Taiwan Bee
Caridina are particularly sensitive to water quality issues and parameter swings. 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 Bolt Taiwan Bee FAQ
Blue Bolts require the same soft, acidic water as all Taiwan Bee varieties (TDS 100-150, pH 5.8-6.8), but they're considered one of the easier Taiwan Bees. They're not beginner-friendly but are good for keepers who have experience with Crystal shrimp.
Blue intensity depends on genetics, diet, water quality, and stress levels. Select deep blue parents for breeding, feed quality foods, maintain stable parameters, and minimize stress. Some Blue Bolts are genetically lighter and won't become deep blue regardless of care.
Yes, Blue Bolts can breed with any Caridina cantonensis including CRS. Offspring may be various colors depending on genetics. Most keepers maintain separate tanks to preserve color lines, though some intentionally cross them for new varieties.
The blue coloration comes from selective breeding of Taiwan Bee shrimp. The genetics are complex, which is why offspring show varying blue intensity. Some theories suggest the blue results from how their shells refract light rather than actual blue pigment.
Prices vary by grade: Light Blue Bolts ($10-20), Standard ($15-30), Deep Blue ($25-50), and Extreme Blue ($40-100+). Prices depend on color intensity, pattern, and source. Established local breeders often offer better prices than imported specimens.
Blue Bolts are Taiwan Bee Caridina requiring soft, acidic water (TDS 100-150, pH 5.8-6.8) and RO water. Blue Dreams are Neocaridina that tolerate tap water and higher TDS. They're different species with very different care requirements - don't confuse them!
Select the deepest blue parents you can find, maintain optimal stable conditions, and cull lighter offspring. Blue intensity takes generations to improve. Purchasing high-grade breeding stock from reputable breeders gives you a head start.
Track Your Blue Bolt Taiwan Bee Parameters
Stop guessing. Start tracking. ShrimpKeeper gives you species-specific parameter ranges, instant diagnostics, and historical graphs for your Blue Bolt Taiwan Bee colony.