Peppermint Shrimp
Lysmata wurdemanni
Peppermint Shrimp are fascinating marine invertebrates with slender, translucent bodies patterned in delicate red stripes. Their long antennae and cautious movements add an intriguing layer of life to a reef aquarium, particularly after the lights begin to dim.
More discreet than the brightly coloured cleaner shrimps, Peppermint Shrimp usually spend daylight hours sheltering among caves, ledges and intricate rockwork. Once the aquarium grows quiet, they emerge to investigate crevices and search for food.
These adaptable scavengers pick at small food particles, meaty leftovers and naturally occurring organic material, helping to recycle nutrients as part of a balanced reef community. Regular supplementary feeding is still important; they should not be treated as a substitute for aquarium maintenance.
Peppermint Shrimp stocked by Aqua House have been directly observed actively hunting and consuming Aiptasia in our aquariums. Their proven appetite for these nuisance anemones makes them a valuable natural pest-control option, alongside their everyday scavenging behaviour. Results can depend on the number and size of Aiptasia and the conditions in each aquarium, so complete elimination should not be guaranteed.
Generally peaceful towards suitable fish and invertebrate tankmates, these shrimps can be kept in established reef systems with plenty of secure hiding places. They can, however, investigate or steal food from corals and may occasionally nip delicate polyps, so careful observation is important in valuable coral collections.
With their distinctive markings, nocturnal behaviour and constant curiosity, Peppermint Shrimp are a rewarding choice for a mature marine aquarium where their natural scavenging behaviour can be appreciated.
Feeding Notes
Peppermint Shrimp are opportunistic omnivores and scavengers that collect small food particles and animal matter from reef surfaces. Aqua House has directly observed our shrimp actively hunting and consuming nuisance Aiptasia anemones.
Offer a varied diet of small frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped marine seafood and sinking marine pellets or invertebrate foods. Include occasional algae-based foods where accepted.
Feed small portions several times per week, or more often if the aquarium provides little natural food. Target-feed close to the shrimp's shelter after the lights dim if fish consume food before the shrimp can reach it.
Do not rely on detritus, leftover fish food or Aiptasia as a complete diet. Monitor the abdomen, activity and moulting condition, and remove uneaten food before it deteriorates water quality.
Aiptasia control — tested at Aqua House: Our shrimp have shown a strong appetite for Aiptasia in our aquariums. They can be valuable natural pest controllers, but the extent of control depends on anemone size, aquarium conditions and other available food. Aiptasia should not be treated as their complete diet.
These shrimp may take food directly from LPS corals or anemones during target feeding. When feeding corals, gently protect the food until it has been fully consumed; monitor for polyp irritation or tissue damage.
Aquarium Setup Notes
Provide a mature, stable marine aquarium of at least 60 litres for a single small shrimp, with ample established rockwork and numerous narrow caves, overhangs and crevices. Use a larger aquarium and additional shelters when keeping a group.
Peppermint Shrimp are usually secretive during the day and become more active at dusk or after lights out. Ensure they can retreat completely out of sight and are not forced into exposed areas by tankmates.
Provide low-to-moderate water movement around sheltered resting places, with good overall circulation and oxygenation. They do not require specialised lighting; standard marine aquarium lighting is suitable if shaded areas are available.
Maintain stable reef conditions, typically 24–27 °C, pH approximately 8.1–8.4 and specific gravity around 1.024–1.026. Avoid abrupt temperature or salinity changes, particularly during transfer between systems.
Acclimate carefully. Shrimp are sensitive to rapid changes in salinity and other water parameters. Match water conditions gradually using a clean, species-appropriate acclimation process, then transfer the shrimp without adding transport water to the aquarium.
Never expose ornamental marine shrimp to copper-based medications. Check the suitability of any aquarium treatment for crustaceans before use. Keep ammonia and nitrite at undetectable levels.
As they grow, shrimp periodically moult their exoskeleton. A freshly moulted shrimp is soft and vulnerable, so provide safe hiding places. A discarded moult may look like a dead shrimp; check carefully before removing it.
Stable salinity and a balanced reef mineral supply support normal moulting. Do not add iodine or other supplements solely for shrimp without testing and a demonstrated need.
Compatibility Notes
Peppermint Shrimp are generally peaceful invertebrates and are suited to established marine aquariums with appropriately selected community fish and other reef-safe invertebrates.
They usually coexist with small peaceful fish, snails, many hermit crabs and other non-predatory ornamental shrimp where enough shelter and food are available.
Avoid known shrimp predators, including hawkfish, large or aggressive wrasses, triggerfish, puffers, lionfish, predatory groupers and some dottybacks. Even a generally compatible fish may prey on a small or freshly moulted shrimp.
Several Peppermint Shrimp can share a sufficiently large aquarium, provided there are multiple shelters and enough food. Introduce and monitor groups carefully, especially when individuals differ greatly in size.
Reef safe with caution: Although commonly maintained in reef aquariums, opportunistic individuals may steal food from fleshy LPS corals, zoanthids or anemones and occasionally damage delicate polyps. Extra monitoring is recommended with valuable Euphyllia, Goniopora and fleshy LPS collections.
Our Peppermint Shrimp have been tested at Aqua House and observed consuming Aiptasia readily. This makes them a useful natural option for Aiptasia management in suitable reef aquariums. Complete removal of every anemone cannot be guaranteed; continue to observe shrimp behaviour and the condition of neighbouring corals.
Introduce the shrimp to a mature aquarium with stable water chemistry, peaceful tankmates and protected moulting spaces. Monitor feeding and coral interactions, especially during the first weeks.