Care Level: Easy
Temperament:Â Peaceful
Reef Compatible:Â Yes
General Description: The Peppermint Shrimp is best known for its ability to manage nuisance glass anemones, or Aiptasia. While this is true, keep in mind that this varies on an individual level; some Peppermint shrimp may have little interest at all in Aiptasia. Found throughout the Caribbean, Peppermint shrimp have a glass red body with several red bands along their abdomen. Though these shrimp are part of the cleaning shrimp genus Lysmata, they are predominately scavengers. Peppermint shrimp can reach a maximum size of 2″ and are extremely social; they do best when kept in groups. Sometimes confused with the Camel Shrimp (Rhynchocinetes durbanensis), Peppermint shrimp differ in that they do not have a pointed nose or white stripes. Peppermint shrimp are extremely peaceful and make a wonderful addition to reef aquariums.
Diet Requirements: Peppermint shrimp are carnivores. They will actively scavenge along the aquarium’s substrate and live rock looking for pieces of food, detritus, and other organic matter. Peppermint shrimp will readily accept a variety of flake, pellet, and frozen foods.
Tank Requirements: An established, minimum aquarium size of 15 gallons is recommended to house one, or a group of, Peppermint shrimp. Maintaining stable water parameters is a component to the success of keeping this invertebrate; Peppermint shrimp are intolerable of high nitrates. Regular water changes are necessary to replenish iodine that is important for the proper molting of Peppermint shrimp. Generous live rock with caves and crevices will mimic the Peppermint shrimp’s natural environment. It is imperative to take time acclimating Peppermint shrimp; we suggest via drip acclimation. Recommended water conditions: 76-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.024-1.026.
Purchase Size: 3/4” to 1-1/2″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase size is approximate.
