Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Are Blue Shrimp?
- Popular Varieties of Blue Shrimp
- Where to Buy Blue Shrimp in the UK
- Aquarium Setup for Blue Shrimp
- Feeding and Diet Tips
- Breeding Blue Shrimp at Home
- Health and Maintenance
- Final Thoughts
- Introduction
Blue shrimp are a stunning addition to any freshwater aquarium. If you’re in the UK and looking for blue shrimp for sale, this guide has you covered. From sourcing healthy specimens to setting up a suitable habitat, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about these dazzling invertebrates.
- What Are Blue Shrimp?
Blue shrimp are selectively bred color morphs of Neocaridina or Caridina species, loved for their striking shades of blue. Common types include Blue Dream, Blue Velvet, and Blue Jelly shrimp. Their unique coloration makes them a favourite for aquascaping and nano tanks.
- Popular Varieties of Blue Shrimp
- Blue Dream Shrimp – Deep, vibrant blue; one of the most sought-after types
- Blue Velvet Shrimp – Lighter, more translucent blue
- Blue Jelly Shrimp – Very light, almost icy-blue
- Blue Bolt Shrimp – Caridina species, with a gradient of white and electric blue
Each type has slightly different care requirements, especially when it comes to water parameters.
- Where to Buy Blue Shrimp in the UK
There are several reliable places to find blue shrimp for sale:
- Specialist online retailers like cuaquatics.co.uk
- Local fish stores with good shrimp care practices
- Aquarium expos and hobby groups
Pro Tip: Look for sellers who quarantine shrimp and provide DOA (dead-on-arrival) guarantees.
- Aquarium Setup for Blue Shrimp
- Tank size: 20L or more for stability
- Substrate: Shrimp soil or fine sand
- Plants: Java moss, Subwassertang, and Anubias for grazing and shelter
- Filter: Sponge filters are best for baby-safe, low-flow filtration
Water Parameters (Neocaridina):
- pH: 6.8–7.5
- Temp: 20–24°C
- GH: 6–8
- KH: 2–4
- Feeding and Diet Tips
Blue shrimp are omnivores and need a varied diet:
- Shrimp-specific pellets
- Blanched vegetables like spinach and zucchini
- Biofilm and algae in the tank
- Occasional protein treats like bloodworms or daphnia
Feed sparingly and remove any leftovers to keep water clean.
- Breeding Blue Shrimp at Home
Most blue Neocaridina shrimp breed easily in stable conditions:
- Maintain consistent temperature and clean water
- Females will carry eggs for 2–3 weeks
- Provide hiding spots for baby shrimp (shrimplets)
Avoid mixing different Neocaridina colors to maintain the purity of the blue line.
- Health and Maintenance
Common issues include:
- Failed molts due to unstable parameters
- Hydra or planaria infestations from overfeeding
- Copper poisoning from unsafe medications
Regular water testing and partial water changes (10–20% weekly) help maintain health.
- Final Thoughts
Adding blue shrimp to your UK aquarium not only enhances its beauty but also supports a low-maintenance ecosystem. With their peaceful nature and eye-catching color, they’re a favorite for shrimp-keepers at all levels.
When searching for blue shrimp for sale UK, always prioritize quality, healthy stock from reputable sources like cuaquatics.co.uk.