Peppermint Shrimp – Lysmata wurdemanni

Peppermint Shrimp, so named for their red and translucent striped color patterns, are a specialty member of the reef aquarium clean up crew. While they will play a part in consuming uneaten food, their specialty is consuming pest anemonescalled aiptasia. Some specimens are more interested in aiptasia than others, with some refusing to eat it entirely while others voraciously feed on them. For this reason, it’s important to purchase them in groups to increase your chances. They’ll also be far more effective at removal in groups.

Care

Peppermint shrimp grow to about 2″. They’re related to cleaner shrimp, and will occasionally perform a fish cleaning, but they are largely scavengers. They have been known to annoy corals and steal food from their mouths, and there are isolated reports of them attacking corals that look similar to aiptasia. They are, however, generally considered reef safe.Like all inverts, they cannot tolerate copper, and are sensitive to sudden changes in parameters, so a drip acclimation is important.

Diet

Peppermint Shrimp are known for their ability to eat aiptasia, but as scavengers, will readily accept uneaten meaty foods. When trying to encourage them to eat aiptasia, it’s advisable to limit the amount of uneaten food that reaches them so they’ll be more likely toseek out the aiptasia.