Peppermint Shrimp

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The Peppermint Shrimp is a popular and useful addition to marine aquariums, best known for its ability to prey on Aiptasia anemones. With its attractive red-and-white striped body and peaceful nature, it can be both an effective clean-up crew member and an interesting addition to a reef system.

Peppermint Shrimp are primarily nocturnal and will often spend the day hiding within rockwork before becoming active after lights out. They are generally peaceful and can be kept individually or in groups, with groups often being more effective when targeting Aiptasia outbreaks.

Provide plenty of caves and rockwork for shelter and supplement their natural scavenging with a varied diet of frozen marine foods and quality sinking foods.

Quick Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Lysmata wurdemanni
• Difficulty: Easy
• Lighting: Low to moderate
• Flow: Moderate
• Temperature: 24–27°C
• Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
• Diet: Aiptasia, algae, detritus, frozen foods and sinking pellets
• Minimum Aquarium: 40L+
• Placement: Rockwork, caves and shaded areas
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Reef Compatibility: Generally reef safe
• Activity: Primarily nocturnal

FAQ

Will Peppermint Shrimp eat Aiptasia?

Yes. Peppermint Shrimp are widely used as a biological control for smaller Aiptasia anemones. Results can vary between individual shrimp.

Can I keep multiple Peppermint Shrimp together?

Yes. They are generally social and can be kept in groups, provided the aquarium has sufficient hiding places and food.

Are Peppermint Shrimp reef safe?

Generally yes, although individual behaviour can vary. They are commonly kept in reef aquariums.

Are Peppermint Shrimp active during the day?

They are primarily nocturnal and may spend much of the daylight period hiding in rockwork.

Common Mistakes

Expecting them to remove every Aiptasia

Individual shrimp vary in their willingness to eat Aiptasia, and larger infestations may require additional control methods.

Keeping them with predators

Large wrasses, groupers and other predatory fish may view Peppermint Shrimp as food.

Not providing hiding places

Caves and crevices are important, particularly when the shrimp are first introduced.

Assuming they don't need additional food

Even when eating Aiptasia, provide supplementary food when natural food sources are limited.

Acclimating too quickly

Shrimp can be sensitive to sudden changes in salinity. A careful acclimation is recommended.