Can Blue Bolt Shrimp live with Pinto Shrimp?
Caution — with care
Why
- Blue Bolt Shrimp and Pinto Shrimp are the same species — they interbreed and their offspring revert to muddy wild-type colour.
- Only a narrow water hardness overlap — keep both around 3–5 dGH.
Sweet spot: both do well at 68–74°F and pH 5.8–6.6 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Blue Bolt Shrimp | Pinto Shrimp | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 68–74°F | 68–74°F |
| pH | 5.8–6.6 | 5.8–6.8 |
| Hardness (GH) | 2–5 dGH | 3–6 dGH |
| Adult size | 1" | 1" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 5 gal | 5 gal |
Together, plan on at least 5 gallons.
How to make it work
- Keep a large, established shrimp colony in a heavily planted tank with moss and cover so enough survive to breed.
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
Sort it with: GH remineraliser → Aquarium Co-Op
Where to buy
- Blue Bolt Shrimp: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Pinto Shrimp: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Live-animal shipping: add a heat pack below 50°F, expect weather holds above 90°F, and schedule delivery for a moderate week when someone can receive it promptly.
Build a full tank around this stocking →Everything compatible with Blue Bolt Shrimp · …with Pinto Shrimp