Orange Eye Blue Steel Shrimp

Description

Orange Eye Blue Steel Shrimp

Orange Eye Blue Steel shrimp are a premium variety of Caridina cantonensis, typically growing to 2-3 cm in length. Their most striking features are their intense metallic blue body coloration combined with distinctive bright orange eyes, creating one of the most dramatic and sought-after appearances in the hobby. This variety represents one of the highest achievements in selective breeding of blue shrimp.

The body coloration is an intense, metallic blue that can range from a deep cobalt to a brilliant electric blue, with the best specimens showing an almost metallic sheen that appears to glow under aquarium lighting. The blue coloration is solid and uniform throughout the body, creating a dramatic contrast with their signature orange eyes. The intensity and uniformity of the blue coloration is a key factor in determining the quality of specimens.

The orange eyes are perhaps their most distinctive feature, appearing as bright, almost luminous orange dots against the blue body. High-grade specimens display eyes with intense, uniform orange coloration without any fading or variation. The contrast between the orange eyes and blue body creates a particularly striking appearance that makes these shrimp immediately recognizable.

Like other Caridina species, they possess a slightly curved rostrum and long, sensitive antennae. Their walking legs (pereopods) and swimming legs (pleopods) maintain the same intense blue coloration as their body, contributing to their uniform appearance. The overall effect is that of a jewel-like shrimp with glowing orange eyes.

Sexual dimorphism is present, with males typically being smaller and sometimes showing less intense coloration compared to females. Mature females develop a more rounded abdomen for carrying eggs, which are visible through their exoskeleton. The contrast between the orange eyes and blue body is often more pronounced in females.

As a premium variety, Orange Eye Blue Devils require precise water parameters and careful maintenance. They thrive in very soft, acidic water (pH 5.8-6.4, GH 4-5, KH 0-1), temperatures between 20-24°C (68-75°F), and TDS between 80-120ppm. They need a specialized diet including high-quality shrimp foods, blanched vegetables, and biofilm, with particular attention paid to foods that help maintain their intense coloration and eye color.

Taxonomy:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Decapoda
Family: Atyidae
Genus: Caridina
Species: C. cantonensis

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