Unraveling the Unsual: A Dive into the Blue World of Amano Shrimps
Did you know that the typical gray-colored Amano shrimp can temporarily turn blue? A rare phenomenon indeed! This blog post delves into various intriguing instances of this occurrence, the possible causes, and potential health implications these exceptional crustaceans might face.
Witnessing the Enigma at a Local Fish Store (LFS)
The vibrant world of aqua creatures never ceases to fascinate. I was recently at a local fish store where I observed some blue-tinted Amano shrimps. An unusual sight as these shrimps typically carry a gray tone with black markings. Intrigued, I asked if any of the buyers or sellers had heard of such a color variant. The seller informed me that the shrimps had been in the tank for three weeks and exhibited normal behavior except for the unusual coloration.
Understanding the Mystery
The temporary blue coloration in Amano shrimp has often been associated with dietary changes, primarily colored fish food or consumption of specific algae types. The diet of these shrimps in the community tank became a subject of scrutiny when the sudden color change took place.
A Dive into the Blue Hues: Possible Causes
Preliminary observations suggested that the color change might have been caused by the sinking wafers with Spirulina and Astaxanthin they consumed. These wafers, primarily meant for the fish, are loaded with color enhancing ingredients. Some shrimps also turned blue after feeding on Spirulina flakes or being exposed to certain types of algae, like the green hair or Cladophora algae. However, it is important to note that unlike the blue dream neocaradina shrimp, the blue coloration in Amano shrimp is temporary and will fade over time.
Stressed Out Shrimp? Possible Impact of Stress on Shrimp Coloration
Apart from dietary factors, stress could be another significant factor compelling a color change in these shrimps. Stress, often caused by poor water conditions or a diet lacking nutrition, commonly prompts aqua animals to appear pale or lose their color. It is essential to take diligent care of such sensitive creatures as any harsh changes in their environment could prove lethal.
Artificial Influence on Shrimp Color
In the aquatic pet market, colored shrimp have a higher aesthetic appeal. Unfortunately, this has led to the trend of artificially coloring shrimp to enhance their visual appeal. Although some non-toxic dyes are available, coloring or dyeing shrimp is not generally recommended as it can result in immediate death or fast shedding of color.
Caring for the Caridina Multidentata
The mysterious Amano shrimp, also known as Caridina multidentata, hail originally from Japan and Taiwan. Introduced to the aquarium hobby world by the popular Japanese aquarist Takashi Amano, they are cherished for their algae-eating capabilities. Optimal care of these lively crustaceans requires appropriate tank conditions and a balanced diet, which includes a steady source of algae and natural biofilm, along with shrimp-specific pellet food or bottom feeder wafers.
The Blue Velvet Shrimp: Another Blue Variant
If you're captivated by the blue variants in the shrimp world, you might want to consider the Blue Velvet Shrimp. Bred from the Red Cherry Shrimp, their color varies from dark to light blue. While these aquatic pets make an exceptional clean-up crew for your tanks, bear in mind that stress from shipping might make them lose their color temporarily. Additionally, counting these little creatures may seem daunting, so placing them in a small container can make the task easier.
The unusual blue crustaceans, both natural and triggered, in the aqua world certainly add more charm and mystery to aquatic hobbies. Conducting more research, providing appropriate care, and making informed choices are the key to ensuring the well-being of these exciting pets.
