The Blue Calceo shrimp, also known as the Blue Dragonblood or Blue Dragon shrimp, is a rare and striking hybrid Caridina species known for its clear or golden body with distinctive blue coloration and stripes. They are an uncommon addition to the aquarium hobby and are more sensitive to water parameters than the common, beginner-friendly Neocaridina shrimp varieties.
Characteristics
- Appearance: They feature a clear or golden body with a blue pattern on their upper body that can resemble a zebra pattern or the scales of a dragon. The exact shade of blue can vary.
- Origin: Originally developed by breeders in Germany, the specific breeding methods used to create this hybrid remain a closely guarded secret.
- Size: Adults typically reach a size of 0.5 to 0.75 inches (1.25 to 2 cm).
- Temperament: They are peaceful omnivores, actively grazing on algae and biofilm in the aquarium.
Care Requirements
Blue Calceo shrimp are considered an intermediate-level shrimp for aquarists due to their sensitivity to environmental changes. They require specific, stable water parameters to thrive:
- Water Type: They prefer remineralized reverse osmosis (RO) water.
- Temperature: The ideal temperature range is between 20–24°C (68–75°F).
- pH: They thrive in slightly acidic water, with a recommended pH of 6.0-6.8.
- GH (General Hardness): The ideal range is 4-6.
- KH (Carbonate Hardness): They require very soft water, with a KH of 0-1.
- TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): The recommended range is 120-180 ppm.
- Acclimation: Slow and careful acclimation to a new tank environment is crucial to their survival.
Aquarium Compatibility
It is recommended to keep Blue Calceo shrimp in a species-only tank or with other non-aggressive, small invertebrates. Any fish large enough to eat a dwarf shrimp should be avoided. As with all dwarf shrimp, copper is toxic to them, so any medications or fertilizers used must be copper-free.
Check Water Parameters
