Peppermint Shrimp

Common Name(s): Peppermint Shrimp

Scientific/Other Name(s) : Lysmata wurdemanni
Care Level : Easy. They will frequently breed in the reef tank, but the larvae do not normally survive.
Maximum Size: 2"
Minimum Tank Size: Any within reason
Reef Safe: Yes

Feeding Requirements: They spend their night scavenging and will learn to come out during normal feeding times and get their share, but they will always remain fairly wary. They will eat any of the meaty foods offered. Of course, if you have Aiptasia in the tank, you will not want to directly feed them in order to encourage them to eat the pest anemones. The larger shrimp tend to be better predators of Aiptasia than the small ones.

Temperament / Behavior: Peaceful

Other Comments: There are several different types of shrimp sold as "Peppermint" shrimp. The ones illustrated here are the true Lysmata wurdenmanni which are completely reef safe. Other shrimp sold under the same name may not be completely safe in the reef tank. Peppermint shrimp are mostly nocturnal, reclusive, fairly non-descript and their main claim to fame is that they will usually eat the pest anemone Aiptasia. The picture at the bottom shows a Peppermint Shrimp attempting to make a meal out of an dieing clam, but they do not seem to bother healthy clams.

Seem to be fairly benign and do not seem to bother the other tank inhabitants (except Aiptasia). They will use their long stiff antennae to ward off curious fish.