Lysmata wurdemanni
Due to variations within species, your item may not look
identical to the image provided. Approximate size range may also vary between
individual specimen
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Color Form: Red
Diet: Carnivore
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78?
F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 2"
Origin: Mexico
Family: Hippolytidae
Supplements: Calcium,
Magnesium, Iodine, Trace Elements
The Peppermint Shrimp is best known for its natural ability
to manage nuisance Aiptasia, or glass anemones. Keep in mind that some
individual Peppermint Shrimp are better at managing aiptasia while others may
not be interested in aiptasia at all. Though considered part of the
"cleaner" grouping of shrimp, Lysmata wurdemanni is more of a
scavenger. The Peppermint Shrimp 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.
Also known as the Veined or Caribbean Cleaner Shrimp, the
Peppermint Shrimp is sometimes confused with its Pacific cousin, Rhynchocinetes
durbanensis. However, that shrimp has a pointed nose and inter-spaced white
stripes over its body. In the wild, Peppermint Shrimp are usually found in the
vertical shafts of the reef. Some even take up residence in the core of pipe
sponges. The Peppermint Shrimp does best in home aquariums with live rock,
ample places to hide, as well as open areas to scavenge.
Peppermint Shrimp are 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 Peppermint Shrimp should
consist of most types of prepared foods and the occasional pieces of fresh
fish.
The Peppermint 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.