Velvet Blue Shrimp | Adult-Single

Velvet Blue Shrimp (Caridina cf. cantonensis), also known as Blue Velvet Shrimp, are a striking freshwater shrimp species with vibrant blue coloration. They are a popular choice among aquarists due to their beautiful appearance and relatively easy care requirements. Like other freshwater shrimp, Velvet Blue Shrimp help maintain the aquarium by consuming algae, organic debris, and leftover food.
Key Characteristics of Velvet Blue Shrimp:
Size: Adult Velvet Blue Shrimp typically grow to around 2.5–3 cm (1–1.2 inches) in length.
Color: They are known for their bright, velvety blue coloration, which can vary in intensity depending on environmental conditions, diet, and genetics.
Lifespan: Velvet Blue Shrimp generally live for about 1-2 years if kept in ideal conditions.
Temperament: These shrimp are peaceful and non-aggressive, making them ideal for community tanks with other small and non-aggressive species.
Behavior: Active and social, Velvet Blue Shrimp spend most of their time scavenging for food on surfaces, substrate, and plants.
Water Parameters for Velvet Blue Shrimp:
Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F). They thrive in warmer water, so maintaining a stable temperature is crucial for their well-being.
pH: 6.5–7.5. Velvet Blue Shrimp prefer slightly acidic to neutral water, though they are relatively adaptable.
Hardness: 4–8 dGH (degrees of general hardness). They can tolerate a range of water hardness, but slightly softer water is preferred, especially for breeding.
Ammonia & Nitrite Levels: Must always be 0 ppm. These shrimp are sensitive to water quality, so it’s important to maintain pristine water conditions with no ammonia or nitrite.
Nitrate Levels: Keep nitrates below 20 ppm for optimal health.
Aquarium Setup:
Tank Size: A minimum of 10–20 gallons is recommended, though they can thrive in smaller tanks if the water parameters are properly maintained.
Substrate: Use fine gravel, sand, or a nutrient-rich substrate. Avoid sharp-edged substrates that may harm the shrimp.
Filtration: A sponge filter or gentle power filter is ideal for maintaining clean water with minimal water movement, as strong currents can stress Velvet Blue Shrimp.
Plants & Decor: Velvet Blue Shrimp benefit from a well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding spots. Live plants like java moss, anubias, and crypts offer shelter and grazing opportunities. Driftwood, rocks, and other decorations also provide hiding places.
Lighting: Moderate lighting works best. Too much light can encourage excessive algae growth, which may disrupt the shrimp’s natural grazing behavior.
Diet:
Algae: Velvet Blue Shrimp are excellent algae eaters and will graze on algae growing on rocks, plants, and tank surfaces.
Shrimp Pellets: Provide high-quality shrimp pellets or granules, which are specifically designed to meet their nutritional needs.
Vegetables: Blanched vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and cucumber can be given as occasional treats.
Biofilm: Velvet Blue Shrimp feed on biofilm (a thin layer of organic material) that forms on surfaces in the tank.
Supplementary Foods: Spirulina-based flakes or other high-quality shrimp foods can be provided to ensure they receive a balanced diet.
Breeding Velvet Blue Shrimp:
Breeding Behavior: Velvet Blue Shrimp breed easily in a stable tank environment. Female shrimp carry eggs under their tail (berried) and will hatch into tiny shrimp after about 2-3 weeks.
Water Conditions for Breeding: To encourage breeding, keep the water parameters stable and slightly on the softer side. A pH range of 6.5–7.0 and a temperature of 22–26°C (72–79°F) will help encourage breeding.
Fry Care: Baby shrimp, or fry, are born fully formed and will immediately begin foraging for algae and biofilm. Providing a planted tank with plenty of hiding spots is important to help protect the fry from being eaten by larger fish or other shrimp.
Molting: Velvet Blue Shrimp, like other shrimp species, will molt regularly as they grow. It's important to have enough calcium and minerals in the water to support healthy molting.
Tankmates for Velvet Blue Shrimp:
Suitable Tankmates:
Small, peaceful fish such as neon tetras, rasboras, guppies, or other non-aggressive fish.
Other shrimp species such as Crystal Red Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, or other Caridina species.
Small snails, like Nerite or Mystery snails, that will not harm the shrimp.
Avoid Tankmates:
Large or predatory fish, such as cichlids or carnivorous species, that could pose a threat to the shrimp.
Aggressive or fast-moving fish that may outcompete the shrimp for food or harm them.
Benefits of Velvet Blue Shrimp in the Aquarium:
Algae Control: Velvet Blue Shrimp help control algae growth by grazing on the surfaces of plants, rocks, and the substrate.
Aesthetic Appeal: The rich blue coloration of these shrimp adds a beautiful contrast to aquascapes, especially when combined with plants and other colorful tank mates.
Water Quality: By consuming leftover food and organic matter, Velvet Blue Shrimp help maintain the tank’s water quality.
Natural Behavior: Observing the shrimp’s active scavenging behavior and interactions with their environment adds a dynamic aspect to your tank.
Conclusion:
Velvet Blue Shrimp are an excellent addition to freshwater aquariums, especially for those looking to add vibrant color and improve tank cleanliness. These shrimp are easy to care for, peaceful, and highly efficient in algae control. With stable water conditions, proper diet, and suitable tankmates, Velvet Blue Shrimp will thrive in your aquarium, adding both beauty and functionality.