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Blue Bolt Shrimp vs. Blue Steel Shrimp : What's The Difference?

by Emily Dourm February 02, 2024 2 min read

Shrimp

Towards the end of 2023, a team of us at Flip began learning the process of grading shrimp, a practice involving the assessment of shrimp quality, colors, and patterns, ultimately categorizing them into high-grade or regular-grade tanks. During this process, an unexpected discovery unfolded: a group of stunning blue shrimp seemingly appeared in a tank not designated for Blue Bolts. This piqued our curiosity, leading us to question how these remarkable shrimp found their way into this particular tank. We of course called Rob over, who clarified that they were, in fact, Blue Steels. For those new to the hobby, the natural question arises: what sets Blue Steels apart from Blue Bolts, given their apparent similarities?

Blue Steel Shrimp

Well, I have the answer! It’s all about genetics - Blue Steels are hybrids that closely resemble Blue Bolts but exhibit distinct physical features setting them apart. Notably, they boast a slightly darker blue hue and an ideal Blue Steel showcases a deep blue head with white speckles transitioning to a white body to the end of their tail and typically resulting from a cross between a Tangerine Tiger and a Blue Bolt. A key feature of the Blue Steels is they tend to maintain their color more effectively than Blue Bolts do.

Blue Bolt Shrimp

Blue Bolt Shrimp

Blue Bolts, however, are genetically Taiwan bees. A regular-grade blue bolt generally entails that the head of the shrimp will be mostly blue, with the remainder of the body and tail being mostly white with some light blue coloration. Our high-grade blue bolts, which we call “Deep Blue”are a deep blue color with minimal white coloration. It is great to be aware of the fact that all Taiwan Bee shrimp can be kept in the same tank without the risk of hybridizing. All Taiwan Bee shrimp share similar genetic lines so they will produce shrimp that look similar to their parents. Red King Kongs, Red Pandas, Black King King Kongs, Black Pandas, and Blue Bolts can all be kept in the same aquarium.

In conclusion, both blue shrimp stand out as captivating additions to aquariums, boasting stunning blue hues that provide a vibrant and eye-catching contrast. Their unique coloring adds aesthetic appeal to any aquatic environment, making them an attractive choice for hobbyists and aquarists seeking a visually striking and engaging species.

Emily Dourm

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