Blue Sapphire Shrimp

Appearance:

• Size: Adult Blue Sapphire Shrimp grow to about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm).
• Coloration: Their defining feature is their rich sapphire blue color, which can vary in intensity from shrimp to shrimp. Higher-grade Blue Sapphire Shrimp will have a more solid and vivid blue, with fewer transparent or pale spots.
• Variation: Some Blue Sapphires may display lighter or darker blue shades depending on genetics, diet, and water quality.

Natural Habitat:

• Origin: Blue Sapphire Shrimp are a selectively bred variant of the Neocaridina davidi species, originally from freshwater rivers and streams in Taiwan. This particular color morph was developed through careful breeding in captivity.
• Environment: In the wild, they thrive in slow-moving waters with plenty of vegetation, rocks, and detritus where they can forage for food.

Water Conditions:

• Temperature: Blue Sapphire Shrimp prefer water temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C), with an ideal range of 72-78°F (22-26°C).
• pH: They do best in slightly alkaline to neutral water, with a pH range of 6.5-8.0.
• Water Hardness: These shrimp prefer moderate to hard water with a general hardness (GH) of 6-8 and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 3-6.
• Water Quality: Clean water is essential for their health. Regular water changes and a well-cycled tank with stable parameters are crucial. Ammonia and nitrites should be at 0 ppm, and nitrates should be kept under 20 ppm.

Tank Setup:

• Tank Size: A minimum of 5 gallons is recommended for a small group of Blue Sapphire Shrimp, though larger tanks (10 gallons or more) are better for maintaining stable water conditions and allowing the colony to grow.
• Substrate: Any inert substrate like sand or fine gravel works well for Blue Sapphires. Darker substrates tend to enhance their blue color, making them stand out more in the tank.
• Plants & Decorations: Heavily planted tanks are ideal for these shrimp, as they provide both shelter and surfaces for biofilm to grow. Plants like Java Moss, Anubias, and Java Fern are great choices. Driftwood and rocks also help to create hiding spots and surfaces for algae and biofilm.
• Filtration: Use a gentle sponge filter or a filter with an intake guard to prevent the shrimp from being sucked into the filter. Sponge filters also provide surfaces for biofilm, which shrimp love to graze on.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient, especially if live plants are included. Blue Sapphire Shrimp are not particularly sensitive to lighting.

Behavior:

• Peaceful: Blue Sapphire Shrimp are very peaceful and non-aggressive. They will not bother other tank mates and are content to spend their days grazing on biofilm, algae, and detritus.
• Active Grazers: They are highly active throughout the day, foraging for food on plants, substrate, and decorations.
• Social: Blue Sapphire Shrimp thrive in groups and should be kept in colonies of at least 10 individuals. Larger groups promote natural behaviors and a more active tank environment.

Tank Mates:

• Compatible Tank Mates: Blue Sapphire Shrimp can be housed with other peaceful shrimp species, like Red Cherry Shrimp or Amano Shrimp, as well as small, non-aggressive fish such as rasboras, small tetras, or Otocinclus. Snails, like Nerite snails, are also great companions.
• Avoid Predators: Avoid housing them with larger or aggressive fish, such as cichlids, as they may see the shrimp as food.
• Shrimp-Only Tanks: For the best breeding success and to reduce the risk of predation, many hobbyists prefer to keep Blue Sapphire Shrimp in species-only tanks.

Feeding:

• Omnivores: Blue Sapphire Shrimp are omnivores and primarily feed on algae, biofilm, and decaying plant matter.
• Diet: Supplement their natural grazing with high-quality shrimp pellets, algae wafers, blanched vegetables (such as spinach, zucchini, or kale), and occasional protein-rich foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp. Be careful not to overfeed, as leftover food can degrade water quality.
• Algae Control: While they will graze on algae, they are not as efficient as species like Amano Shrimp for controlling algae growth. Their primary role in the tank is more focused on scavenging.

Breeding:

• Ease of Breeding: Blue Sapphire Shrimp breed easily in well-maintained tanks with stable water conditions. Females carry eggs under their abdomen for about 3-4 weeks, after which fully formed baby shrimp (no larval stage) are born.
• Breeding Conditions: No special setup is needed for breeding, but a stable environment with consistent water parameters will encourage reproduction. Breeding success improves with a well-established colony and minimal stress.
• Selective Breeding: If you're interested in enhancing the blue coloration in future generations, selective breeding can help achieve a more intense and uniform blue color.

Lifespan:

• Lifespan: Blue Sapphire Shrimp typically live for 1-2 years, though with excellent care, they may live slightly longer.

Special Considerations:

• Copper Sensitivity: Like all shrimp, Blue Sapphire Shrimp are extremely sensitive to copper, which can be found in some medications and fertilizers. Even small amounts of copper can be lethal, so avoid any products that contain it.
• Acclimation: When introducing them to a new tank, use a slow drip acclimation process to minimize shock from changes in water parameters.
• Water Changes: Regular water changes of 10-20% weekly are recommended. Make sure to use dechlorinated water with similar parameters to the tank to avoid stressing the shrimp.