Lysmata wurdemanni (Peppermint Shrimp)
This shrimp is unique in my encyclopedia in that they are not considered ornamental shrimp, like all the others that are listed. Instead, they are highly valued for their quick work of the dreaded Aiptasia. This belief in that they eat Aiptasia can be misleading though as it really comes down to the individual. Some reports claim that only 25% of individuals will eat Aiptasia, while others claim approx. 75% will eat Aiptasia. It has been my experience that the 75% is a much more accurate statistic and support that one’s findings, however others can relate more to the 25% statistic. There has been no real scientific test on it, so these unofficial statistics are the best we have to work with and opinions will continue. In the end though, I would say when dealing with Aiptasia, you should put at least four to five shrimp as this ensures that at least one individual will eat Aiptasia. Also in my experience, peppermint shrimp tend to eat Aiptasia no larger than .75 inches. Supplemental feeding is not necessary as these shrimp will scavenge for uneaten food, however you can feed them pellets and meaty foods if you wish to spot feed them. These animals are nocturnal, they prefer groups and will usually all live under the same cave together. While they are part of theLysmata genus, I find that this species will rarely, if ever clean your fish.
Like all shrimp, peppermint shrimp larvae are quite difficult to take care of. Peppermint shrimp are protandric simultaneous hermaphrodites, like all shrimp of the Lysmata genus. This means that the peppermint shrimp will start off as male, and after molting several times (four times if you must know) will then become hermaphroditic. Peppermint shrimp are constantly searching for receptive females. If you care about peppermint shrimp courtship, then here it goes- males use what are known as olfactory organs on their antenna to detect a female’s sex pheromones in the water. These pheromones are released 2-8 hours prior to female molting. As the male is guided by these chemical signals, they will make their way to the female and mate with her (assuming the male believes that the female is a suitable mate.) This always occurs after molting as the female’s exoskeleton is still soft.
Confusion: The Real Reason People think Peppermint Shrimp are “bad”
This is a common story; aquarist buys peppermint shrimp, peppermint shrimp added to tank, peppermint shrimp eats coral or dies within a few weeks. Common story, right? This is due to miscommunication of the common name. While MANY species look similar to peppermints, they are NOT peppermints. The most common imposters are the camel shrimp (Rhynchocinetes durbanensis & Rhynchocinetes uritai,) and the Catalina peppermint shrimp (Lysmata californica.) While camel shrimp will take care of your Aiptasia problem, they will also eat corals and are consequently not reef safe. Like the Catalina goby, the Catalina peppermint shrimp is a temperate species. They are unable to survive in warm temperatures for long periods of time and quickly die as a result. Therefore, please make sure that the species is Lysmata wurdemanni, and not the other three.
This genus offers some of the most popular shrimp in the hobby, including the beautiful fire shrimp, and the famous scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp. Lysmata are all hermaphroditic and are all considered cleaner shrimp; however some will clean more than others. The members of this genus provide an invaluable service in a coral reef ecosystem as they will rid fish of parasites. This genus belongs to the family Hippolytidae, which consists of 36 genera, including Lysmata, Thor, and Lebbeus . Hippolytidaeincludes cleaner shrimp and anemone shrimp.
Lysmata amboinensis (Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp)
The Lysmata Genus
My all-time favorite shrimp! This species is probably the most popular shrimp in the hobby. The scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp will often become the star of the tank as they have a lot of personality. These shrimp are generally not afraid of humans, unlike many shrimp species. Scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp are also rarely solitary and are quite active during the day. Often times, when they see their owner, they will quickly come out from where they were in anticipation of food. This species is widespread throughout the Indo-Pacific, and especially the Red Sea. In the wild the scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp will set up cleaning stations with others of their own species. Passing fish will stop by to get cleaned as the shrimp scrutinizes the fish for parasites and decaying organic matter. This symbiosis can easily be replicated in the aquarium. In fact, often times the scarlet skunk cleaner will come to your hand to clean it, which is pretty amazing. These shrimp will prefer to be in groups as it will help simulate a more natural behavior of these shrimp, however living in groups is not required.
Scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp are generally reef safe. They have been known to eat a polyp, however this is not too common. This species however will steal food from other organisms, especially corals. When feeding your coral, it is best to keep the cleaner shrimp away. You can usually do this by distracting them by putting your hand in the tank (their natural instinct kicks in and will clean your hand) or you can spot feed them while you are feeding your coral. Both methods work, however, I find the “hand method” works best. Also, these shrimp will scavenge for food, but you should also feed them pellets and meaty foods. My cleaners have learned to come to the top of the tank when I give my fish flake foods.
As these shrimp are hermaphrodites, getting them to breed is easy, however raising the larvae is quite challenging and success is quite rare. They will lay up to 500 eggs in one spawning and will appear on the female’s pleopods and are greenish in color. The eggs tend to swell and lighten in color before hatching and the larvae tend to hatch and dispersed at around dusk. Larval development will generally take approximately six months where they will then molt every three to eight weeks. These shrimp are protandric, or they start out as a male, but after a few molts will become a hermaphrodite.
As a side note, for those of you attempting a biotope… While Lysmata amboinensis lives throughout the Indo-Pacific, it has a similar cousin in the Caribbean! The species is Lysmata grabhami. The only difference is that they have different patterns on their telson and uropod. L. amboinensis has four dots on their uropods and a horizontal red stripe through their telson. L. grabhami has two lateral curves on their uropods and one lateral stripe through their telson. L. grabhami requires the same care as L. amboinensis.
Other Common Names: Indo-Pacific White-Banded Cleaner Shrimp, Cleaner Shrimp
Care Level: Easy
Aggressiveness: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 75-82° F, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Maximum Size: 3”
Compatibility to other species: Do not house with fish that will hunt shrimp, such as groupers, anglers or lion fish.
Origin: Throughout the Indo-Pacific
Potential Lifespan: 3+ years
Family: Hippolytidae
One of the most beautiful shrimp you can find in the hobby, the fire shrimp is a bright red color, with white legs and white dots. In fact, depending on which region of the Indo-Pacific where the shrimp came from, they may have the white dots just on their carapace, or covering their entire body, (which is a divergent group found in Ari Atoll, this species is L. splendida.)
The fire shrimp is much more reclusive than the scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp. They prefer to hide in caves and will only come out at night. They will however come out when you are feeding the tank, but then will usually return to their cave. Just like the scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp, this species will also set up cleaning stations. However it has been my experience that these shrimp are much less likely to clean your fish during the day, but rather at night. These shrimp are mostly scavengers, eating any food that gets by the fish. You can also feed this shrimp pellets and meaty foods. Breeding is not difficult, but again, larval survival is extremely low and is almost never accomplished. Fire shrimp are hermaphrodites.
Other Common Names: Blood Red Fire Shrimp
Care Level: Easy
Aggressiveness: Usually peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 75-82° F, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Maximum Size: 3”
Compatibility to other species: Do not house with fish that will hunt shrimp, such as groupers, anglers or lion fish. Also, this species is known for being aggressive toward their own kind, so it is recommended to have only one, or a pair, in a small set up.
Origin: Indonesia and Sri Lanka
Potential Lifespan: 3+ years
Family: Hippolytidae
What makes these shrimp two different species is that L. amboinensis has four dots on their uropods and a horizontal red stripe through their telson. L. grabhami has two lateral curves on their uropods and one lateral stripe through their telson.
Lysmata debelius (Fire Shrimp)
Other Common Names:
Care Level: Easy
Aggressiveness: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 75-82° F, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Maximum Size: 2”
Compatibility to other species: Do not house with fish that will hunt shrimp, such as groupers, anglers or lion fish.
Origin: Caribbean
Potential Lifespan: 2+ years
Family: Hippolytidae
While similar in appearance, L. californica is much more orange in color and lacks the same stripes as L. wurdemanni. L. californica require cooler waters as they are a temperate species.
The Microprosthema Genus :
The Microprosthema genus is a unique one as they will host flame scallops.
Microprosthema semilaeve (Lima Shrimp)
Other Common Names: Lima Boxer Shrimp
Care Level: Difficult
Aggressiveness: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 75-82° F, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Maximum Size: .5”
Compatibility to other species: Do not house with fish that will hunt shrimp, such as groupers, anglers or lion fish. This is also a small shrimp, only getting a half an inch, so be cautious, as virtually every fish will eat these shrimp.
Origin: Caribbean
Potential Lifespan: 1+ years
Family: Spongicolidae
Looking like this crustacean came straight from Hell, this animal is very costly and extremely small. Very little is known about this shrimp. The animals itself is not difficult to care for, however they live in the mantle of flame scallops, which have always been regarded as challenging to take care of. When getting Lima shrimp, be aware they prefer groups as the male will have a harem within the mantle of the flame scallop. Their requirement to live in flame scallops and extremely small size has prevented this shrimp from becoming popular in the hobby.
The Periclimenes Genus
This is a very large genus which belongs to the family, Palaemonidae, like the Pederson cleaner shrimp. This genus contains many shrimp which have formed a symbiotic relationship with sea cucumbers, anemones, and corals.
Periclimenes brevicarpalis (White Spot Anemone Shrimp)
Other Common Names: The Glass Anemone Shrimp, Pacific Clown Anemone Shrimp
Care Level: Easy
Aggressiveness: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 75-82° F, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Maximum Size: 2"
Compatibility to other species: Do not house with fish that will hunt shrimp, such as groupers, anglers or lion fish.
Origin: Throughout the Indo-Pacific
Potential Lifespan: 2+ years
Family: Palaemonidae
The body of this shrimp is quite transparent, with only spots of white though out the shrimp’s body. This species have been known to host corals, anemones, and even jellyfish. This shrimp will do best when they have a host. They will rarely stray away from the anemone or coral and will share their food with their host. Like the Pederson shrimp, the white spot anemone shrimp have to acclimate themselves when they are given a new anemone host. They will progressively rub themselves against the anemones tentacles for increasing amount of time. They will repeat this process every time they molt. Also, clownfish will kick these shrimp out if they want to host the same anemone the shrimp is hosting, so do not add clown if you want to have this species.
Sexing them can be difficult; however males are larger and have more spots than the females. These shrimp will prefer groups, however this is not required.
Periclimenes soror (Sea Star Shrimp)
Other Common Names:
Care Level: Moderate
Aggressiveness: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 75-82° F, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Maximum Size: 0.6”
Compatibility to other species: Do not house with fish that will hunt shrimp, such as groupers, anglers or lion fish. This shrimp is very tiny, and will turn most fish that would generally not eat shrimp, eat shrimp.
Origin: Indo-Pacific, Gulf of Panama
Potential Lifespan: 1+ years
Family: Palaemonidae
This is unique species of shrimp that is very rare in the hobby. In fact, I have never seen this species sold anywhere. So I would have to assume that the best chance of getting one is through one hitchhiking on a starfish. As their name implies, sea star shrimp have a symbiotic relationship with starfishes, as they will live on them. The shrimp’s color varies dramatically as the shrimp’s color depends on the host starfish. Sea star shrimp can be found on the coral reef and lagoons. Feeding is not well known, however it is thought that this species eats leftover detritus from their host and may also eat parasites on their host. Sea star shrimp will live in groups among the starfish and have been known to attempt to defend their host from potential predators.
The Rhynchocinetes Genus
Rhynchocinetes contains 14 species, only two of which are commonly available in the hobby. This genus contains two species very common to the hobby, Rhynchocinetes durbanensis and Rhynchocinetes uritai. There is only a slight difference between the two as R. uritai has 7-8 teeth on their rostrum and coloration is somewhat duller, while R. dubanensis has 9-10 teeth on their rostrum (see shrimp anatomy for rostrum and teeth.)
This genus belongs to the family, Rhynchocinetidae, which only contains only two genera, Cinetorhynchus and Rhynchocinetes, they are mostly reclusive and typically have an upward-hinged foldable rostrum, which is why the family is called what it is,Rhynchocinetidae, which means “movable beak.”
Rhynchocinetes durbanensis (Camel Shrimp)
Other Common Names: Hinge-beak Shrimp, Dancing Shrimp, or Camel Hump Shrimp
Care Level: Easy
Aggressiveness: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 75-82° F, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Maximum Size: 2”
Compatibility to other species: Do not house with fish that will hunt shrimp, such as groupers, anglers or lion fish.
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Potential Lifespan: 3+ years
Family: Rhynchocinetidae
The Saron Genus
This genus belongs to the family, Hippolytidae, like the Lysmata genus.
Saron marmoratus (Saron Shrimp)
Other Common Names: Common Marble Shrimp, Monkey Shrimp
Care Level: Easy
Aggressiveness: I would say semi-aggressive, especially with others of the same species (especially if they are all males) as they will fight to the death
Reef Compatible: Usually, but may consume corals
Water Conditions: 75-82° F, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Maximum Size: 2”
Compatibility to other species: Do not house with fish that will hunt shrimp, such as groupers, anglers or lion fish.
Origin: Indo-Paific
Potential Lifespan: 2+ years
Family: Hippolytidae
The saron shrimp is a very interesting crustacean and has slipped through the radar of most aquarists.. During the day, they shrimp will be a brown with green spots and white speckles. The saron shrimp is nocturnal, and at night, the color of their body will change to red to aid them in camouflage.
Many argue that this shrimp is not reef safe and that they eat fish, while others say they are reef safe. Still some say they are ugly, and others say they are a very attractive species. These people can't all be right... well they are. The aquarium trade offers a huge variety of Saron shrimp, the most common two are Saron inermis and S. marmoratus. Consequently, people buy saron shrimp and the shrimp eats coral/attacks fish, while others will not.
This shrimp can be reclusive, however after they have acclimated to the tank, they will become more diurnal. This species lives in among rock rubble, as well as in lagoons and bay areas, so providing a rocky area for your saron shrimp is preferred. Saron shrimp are mostly scavengers, however you can provide additional food, such as pellets, frozen foods and other meaty foods. The saron shrimp is sexually dimorphic and the males have cirri (feathery looking things you see in the picture) all over their body.
The Stenopus Genus :
This genus includes the members of the coral banded shrimp, or boxing shrimp. It contains eleven species, and is part of the family of Stenopodidea.
Stenopus hispidus (Banded Coral Shrimp)
This is by far my least favorite shrimp offered in the hobby. The coral banded shrimp is a mean animal. They will kill any shrimp that infringes in their territory. They will also kill and eat small fish. I hear many stories of this shrimp killing a goby and eating it. They have been also known for injuring slower moving fish. Therefore I do not recommend the coral banded unless you set up a species specific tank. Ten gallons is of adequate size.
Other Common Names: Boxing Shrimp
Care Level: Easy
Aggressiveness: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 75-82° F, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Maximum Size: 3”
Compatibility to other species: Do not house with fish that will hunt shrimp, such as groupers, anglers or lion fish. Do not put these crustaceans with other shrimp, or small or slow moving fish as they may be killed or injured.
Origin: Throughout the tropical waters, including the Caribbean and Indo-Pacific
Potential Lifespan: 3+ years
Family: Stenopodidea
This shrimp really travels around, as they are found in almost every coral reef ecosystem. They are solitary creatures and should not be housed with members of their own species unless it is a mated pair. They are mostly nocturnal and during the day will remain in a rock crevice. Be wary if you have small fish or shrimp housed with the coral banded at night, as this is when most of the killing occurs.
The coral banded shrimp may sometimes pick at zoanthids, however this is uncommon. In nature, the coral banded will act as a cleaner shrimp and clean the fish, they should clean your fish as well, however this is not always the case. Feeding the shrimp is not difficult as they will scavenge for food and rid many pests. They will also eat bristle worms. The male is usually smaller than the female.
Stenopus tenuirostris (Blue Coral Banded Shrimp)
Other Common Names: Blue Boxer Shrimp
Care Level: Easy
Aggressiveness: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 75-82° F, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Maximum Size: 1.5”
Compatibility to other species: Do not house with fish that will hunt shrimp, such as groupers, anglers or lion fish.
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Potential Lifespan: 3+ years
Family: Stenopodidea
This is a much better alternative to Stenopus hispidus as the blue coral banded is much smaller and therefore much more peaceful and less prone to attack. It is actually curious why this species is not as popular as S. hispidus. This shrimp is nocturnal, and will remain reclusive during the day. They will also act as a cleaner shrimp, ridding you fish of parasites. Additionally, the blue coral banded is an attractive part of your cleanup crew as they will help eradicate pests in you tank. Do not keep this species with other of their own kind as fighting will follow. You may have them in mated pairs. This shrimp can be put with other peaceful shrimp, however be cautious when placing this shrimp with a smaller species of shrimp, as the smaller species may be killed. This shrimp will scavenge for food, you may also supplement their feeding with shrimp pellets and meaty foods, such as raw shrimp or fish.
Stenopus zanzibaricus (Gold Coral Banded Shrimp)
Other Common Names: Gold Boxer Shrimp
Care Level: Easy
Aggressiveness: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 75-82° F, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Maximum Size: 3”
Compatibility to other species: Do not house with fish that will hunt shrimp, such as groupers, anglers or lion fish. This species will not tolerate others of its own kind, other shrimp, and will kill small and methodical fish
Origin: Caribbean and Indo-Pacific
Potential Lifespan: 3+ years
Family: Stenopodidea
Much like their cousin, Stenopus hispidus, these shrimp are very aggressive. They will often kill small fish and will kill shrimp. They are very territorial and will not tolerate members of their own species unless it is a mated pair. I do not recommend these shrimp for any set up except for a species specific tank, or you know you will ONLY have large fish (that will not eat them) and clen up crew (absent of any other shrimp of course.) However, be aware they may injure your larger fish as well. When young, these shrimp will provide a cleaning service for your fish, but as they get older, they become more aggressive and are less likely to clean your fish. They will also rid you tank of many pests, and are known for eradicating bristle worm populations in very short order.
The Thor Genus
Thor is a genus which contains twelve species of small, anemone shrimp. Only one is available in the aquarium trade.
Thor amboinensis (Sexy Shrimp)
Other Common Names: Dancing Shrimp, Hula Shrimp
Care Level: Easy
Aggressiveness: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 75-82° F, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Maximum Size: 1.5”
Compatibility to other species: Do not house with fish that will hunt shrimp, such as groupers, anglers or lion fish. This is also a small shrimp, only getting slightly over an inch, so be cautious, as many fish that will not typically hunt these shrimp, will eat them.
Origin: Caribbean, Indo-Pacific
Potential Lifespan: 3+ years
Family: Hippolytidae
Sexy shrimp are among the most popular shrimp in the aquarium hobby, and would be my second favorite shrimp. They remain a very small size and should not be housed in a large setup as they will easily be picked off by predators or they will remain hidden in the rock work and they will become lost. When adding them to your aquarium, you should introduce them as close to your rock work or desired host to avoid predation. You should keep them in a setup fifteen gallons or smaller. And smaller would be preferable.
Sexy shrimp get their name by their provocative way they walk as they will sway their abdomens back and forth. In nature, these shrimp will host anemones. Specifically Stichodactyla gigante, Condylactis gigantea, and Lebrunia danae. And in the aquarium, they will host sea anemones, as well as many corals such as mushroom coral, Ricordea, hammer, and torch coral. Be aware that clownfish will not tolerate shrimp in their anemones and will kick the shrimp out. So if you are planning on adding clowns, or you have them currently, do not add sexy shrimp. These shrimp prefer to live in groups of three or more, remaining in odd numbers, however a mated pair is tolerated, or they can be housed singly.
Sexy shrimp are diurnal, scavenging for food throughout the day but will usually remain in the anemone as they will eat the anemone’s mucus and uneaten foods in the anemone. They will never stray too far from their host anemone or coral. It is recommended that you should spot feed them daily, with meaty foods, such as raw fish, or shrimp pellets, otherwise the sexy shrimp may start to eat their host. Also when hungry, they will eat the skirts off of zoanthids.
Breeding the sexy shrimp is not difficult, however raising the larvae is challenging. Sexy shrimp are sexually dimorphic and are quite easy to sex. The female usually has a broader abdomen and will also have a broken lateral white stripe along her abdomen. The male will have a smaller abdomen and will have one solid lateral white stripe on his abdomen.
The Urocaridella Genus
Urocaridella sp. (Yellow Line Shrimp)
Other Common Names:
Care Level: Easy
Aggressiveness: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 75-82° F, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Maximum Size: 1”
Compatibility to other species: Do not house with fish that will hunt shrimp, such as groupers, anglers or lion fish. This is also a small shrimp, only getting an inch, so be cautious, as many fish that will not typically hunt these shrimp, will eat them.
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Potential Lifespan: 1+ years
Family: Palaemonidae
This species is not too common in the industry as it is still relatively new. The Yellow Line Shrimp is better for smaller sized aquariums as they are quite small and can easily be picked off by fish that would usually not even think of eating a shrimp. This shrimp is mostly transparent, with scattered dark red and yellow spots, and a bright yellow line outlining the body of the shrimp. This is a kind of cleaner shrimp and will live in groups in small caves as they advertise their presence by swaying back and forth to passing fish. It is not known if the yellow line shrimp will clean fish in the aquarium. This shrimp does not host any corals or anemones and therefor will have little protection against predators; this is why they should NOT be kept in large systems. I would say 10 gallons or less would be appropriate for keeping these shrimp. These shrimp will scavenge for food, however you may provide them with supplemental feeding. I am unaware on any way to differentiate them between genders.
