Lysmata Seticaudata

Quick Stats

Care Level:EasyTemperament:PeacefulColor Form:RedDiet:CarnivoreReef Compatible:YesWater Conditions:72-78 F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025Max. Size:2″Origin:CaribbeanFamily:HippolytidaeSupplements:Calcium, Magnesium, Iodine, Trace Elements

Overview

TheSeticaudata shrimp is best known for its natural ability to manage nuisance Aiptasia, or glass anemones. Keep in mind that some individual are better at managing aiptasia while others may not be interested in aiptasia at all. Though considered part of the “cleaner” grouping of shrimp,Lysmatais more of a scavenger. TheSeticaudata picks its way around your aquarium and live rock to consume detritus, uneaten food, and decomposing organic material. This ornamental member of the Hippolytidae family is brightly colored with a clear or creamy white body striped with several thin and distinct longitudinal red bands.

Theseticaudata does best in home aquariums with live rock, ample places to hide, as well as open areas to scavenge.

Seticaudataare very social and peaceful towards most reef inhabitants. Like other invertebrates, the Peppermint Shrimp cannot tolerate copper-based medications or high nitrate levels. It also requires supplemental iodine to encourage proper molting of its carapace. In addition to what it obtains from scavenging, the diet of the Shrimp should consist of most types of prepared foods and the occasional pieces of fresh fish.

The shrimp has been successfully bred by commercial fish farms, and can be bred in the home aquarium. Rearing the larvae requires specialized feeds and care outside of the display aquarium.