Metallic Blue BOA Shrimp

Metallic Blue BOA Shrimp is a premium Caridina shrimp best suited to mature, stable shrimp systems, collectors, and selective breeding projects.

The Metallic Blue Boa Shrimp is a breathtaking freshwater shrimp, admired for its striking metallic blue coloration and unique pattern that resembles the exotic beauty of a boa. This ornamental shrimp variety is believed to be a selectively bred form, combining the hardiness of its ancestors with unparalleled visual appeal. Perfect for nano tanks and planted aquariums, it adds a vibrant splash of color and engages in beneficial cleaning behaviors, making it a dual-purpose addition to any aquatic setup.

Why this livestock stands out

• Vivid metallic blue coloration, enhanced by unique, boa-like patterns
• Small and manageable size, ideal for a variety of aquarium setups
• Peaceful and non-aggressive, coexisting well with similarly sized tank mates
• Efficient algae grazer, contributing to the cleanliness and balance of the aquarium environment
• Premium Caridina line suited to mature, stable shrimp systems

Buying Guide

Recommended group option
Where available, the group option is usually the better starting point than a single specimen.

Single shrimp work for adding to an established colony, while group purchases are usually better for colony building, selective projects, and long-term stability.

Current Stock Note

Our current Caridina stock is maintained in remineralized RO water around TDS 100. If a juvenile option is offered, juveniles are supplied unsexed with a natural mix of male and female.

Basic Care Guide

Caridina respond best to stability, mature biofilm, and clean, consistent maintenance. These are not ideal 'set-and-forget' shrimp for new tanks. Match them to an established system and keep swings in TDS, temperature, and maintenance routine to a minimum.

Water Parameters

• Scientific Name: Caridina cf. cantonensis
• Current Water: Remineralized RO water, around TDS 100
• Recommended Temperature: 20-24°C
• Recommended pH: 5.8-6.8
• Recommended TDS: 90-130 ppm
• Breeding Level: Intermediate to Advanced
• Care Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Frequently Asked Questions

Which option should I choose?
If you are setting up a new Caridina tank, a group usually gives you a stronger start than buying a single shrimp. Juvenile options, when offered, are unsexed.

Is this suitable for beginners?
Not usually. Caridina are best kept in mature, stable systems by hobbyists who already understand dedicated shrimp parameters.

What water is it currently kept in?
This line is currently kept in remineralized RO water around TDS 100.

Can I add this to a new tank?
We strongly recommend a mature, stable setup rather than a newly started aquarium.

Helpful Resources

New to shrimp keeping?
Beginner Shrimp Keeping in Canada: 10 Things You Need to Know

Learn why system stability matters more than chasing numbers:
Do You Really Need Water Testing? Why “Perfect Water Parameters” Still Lead to Dead Fish

Learn more about our livestock standards and shipping:
Topick's Gold-Standard Quarantine and Inspection for Livestocks
Live Fish and Shrimp Shipping in Canada