Peppermint Shrimp - Guide On The Peppermint Shrimp

Scientific Name : Lysmata Wurdemanni

Origin : Caribbean

DIfficulty : Easy

Minimum Size Tank : 10 Gallons

Temperament : Peaceful

Temperature : 72 - 82°F

Reef Safe : Yes

Maximum Size : 3 Inches

Diet : Carnivore

The Peppermint Shrimp is another common ornamental shrimp offered up for sale in the saltwater aquarium trade. They hail from the Caribbean and is sometimes confused with the camel shrimp due to the fact that they do look similar.

Upon closer scrutiny however, they are easy to tell apart. Camel shrimp have pure white lines across its body while peppermint shrimps have reddish-orange lines instead.

Peppermint Shrimps are also known as the Caribbean cleaner shrimp.

Although, unlike the Fire Shrimp and the Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp, i have personally never witnessed any cleaning behavior from peppermint shrimps in the past.

What they are famous for is for eating aiptasia.

Aiptasia is a small anemone that is a pest. They are normally introduced into the marine aquarium via live rock and can spread at alarming speeds.

They pack a strong sting that can cause harm to surrounding corals.

Peppermint shrimps are natural predators that prey on aiptasia anemones in groups or packs.

For truly effective eradication, a small group of peppermint shrimps are needed. Lone shrimps or those in pairs generally don't hunt for aiptasia like they would in a pack for some reason.

Despite the fact that the hobbyist may have purchased this shrimp for the means of aiptasia eradication, it is best to supplement its diet with some prepared foods.

Peppermint shrimps are carnivores that will eat a wide selection of meaty foods.

They will eat anything from pellets to flakes to frozen brine shrimp. They will also feed on any isopods and amphipods nearby. A top pellet brand to offer is those produced by newlife spectrum.

About the quality of pellets, peppermint shrimp tend to get by being fed virtually any type of pellet. Ensure it is supplemented a good mix of food for variety as it will likely starve once it runs out of aiptasia to eat.

The peppermint shrimp has been bred in captivity by several individuals, hobbyists as well as commercial companies. Pairing the peppermint shrimp is pretty straightforward. Just put two shrimps together in the same tank and let them pair up on their own.

They are hermaphrodites that are able to change sex according to the circumstances. Add that to their social disposition and you'll have a pair in no time at all.

Once they have been paired, they will spawn in captivity extremely often. The larvae require suitable larvae food to grow. 

There have been some active breeders and companies that continually breed this shrimp due to the fact that aiptasia control is a big industry. Aiptasia infestations are very common in the marine aquarium hobby.