Peppermint Shrimp

Also known as Veined Shrimp, Caribbean Cleaner Shrimp

The Peppermint Shrimp is a small, hardy species featuring distinctive red and white striped patterns. Native to the Western Atlantic and Caribbean, this peaceful shrimp is highly valued in the reef aquarium hobby for its ability to consume pest Aiptasia anemones, making it both ornamental and functionally beneficial. Its active nature and reef-safe behavior make it an excellent addition to most marine aquariums.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Lysmata wurdemanni (Atlantic/Caribbean), Lysmata boggessi (Pacific – less common in trade)
• Common Names: Peppermint Shrimp, Veined Shrimp, Caribbean Cleaner Shrimp
• Adult Size: Up to 2 inches
• Lifespan: 2–3 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful and social – excellent community member
• Reef Compatibility: Completely reef safe – will not harm corals or desirable invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum; 20+ gallons for groups
• Experience Level: Easy – hardy, adaptable, and beginner-friendly

Habitat & Tank Requirements

• Tank Environment: Provide live rock with caves, crevices, and overhangs for daytime shelter. Benefits from moderate to complex rockwork with multiple hiding spots. Moderate lighting acceptable. Open areas allow for foraging behavior.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.023–1.025
  • pH: 8.1–8.4
  • Maintain stable water conditions with regular maintenance
• Equipment Recommendations:
  • Standard filtration system
  • Protein skimmer recommended
  • Moderate water flow
  • Avoid copper-based medications and treatments

Diet & Feeding

Peppermint Shrimp are opportunistic omnivores and effective scavengers:

• Staples: Frozen mysis shrimp, frozen brine shrimp, high-quality pellets, flake food
• Supplemental: Chopped frozen seafood, algae wafers, leftover fish food, detritus
• Pest Control: Primary benefit – actively consume Aiptasia (glass anemones), a common reef pest. Effectiveness varies by individual.
• Feeding Frequency: Once daily; will also scavenge continuously throughout the day and night
• Special Note: Best Aiptasia control results when kept slightly hungry (don’t overfeed) and in groups. Individual appetite for Aiptasia varies – some are voracious hunters, others ignore them.

Social Structure & Behavior

• Best Kept as: Single specimen, pair, or group (3–6+ individuals recommended for Aiptasia control)
• Sexual System: Simultaneous hermaphrodites – all individuals possess both male and female reproductive organs
• Social Behavior: Peaceful with conspecifics and all other species; groups coexist without aggression
• Activity Pattern: Primarily nocturnal but increasingly active during day once acclimated. More bold in groups.
• Breeding: May breed in aquariums and carry visible eggs. Larvae are extremely difficult to raise.
• Tank Mates: Compatible with all peaceful fish, other shrimp species, and invertebrates
• Foraging Behavior: Constantly explores rockwork searching for food, Aiptasia, and detritus

Notes & Considerations

• Among the most effective biological control methods for Aiptasia anemones – this is their primary value in reef aquariums.
• Groups are significantly more effective at Aiptasia control than single specimens.
• Individual variation in Aiptasia-eating behavior is substantial – some are aggressive hunters, others rarely touch them.
• Hunger level affects Aiptasia predation – slightly underfed shrimp are more motivated to hunt pests.
• Will not harm desirable anemones (bubble tip, carpet, etc.) or corals under normal circumstances.
• More active and visible than Fire Shrimp but less bold than Skunk Cleaner Shrimp.
• Relatively transparent body with red stripes makes them less visually striking than some species but still attractive.
• Hardy and tolerant of varied water conditions, making them excellent for beginners.
• May occasionally perform minor cleaning services for fish, though not their primary behavior.
• Can be kept successfully in groups without territorial disputes.
• Like all Lysmata species, may breed readily in home aquariums.
• Provide iodine supplementation to support healthy molting cycles.
• Molts regularly; may be less visible for 1–2 days around molting periods.
• Vulnerable to predation by triggers, large wrasses, groupers, lionfish, and other predatory fish.
• Good jumpers when startled – secure aquarium lid recommended.
• Like all invertebrates, extremely sensitive to copper-based medications – remove before treating display tank.
• Can regenerate lost appendages over multiple molts.
• CAUTION: Look-alike species (Lysmata californica, Lysmata rathbunae) are sometimes sold as “peppermint shrimp” but do NOT eat Aiptasia and may even consume coral polyps. Verify species is L. wurdemanni for Aiptasia control.

Why Choose a Quarantined Peppermint Shrimp?

Purchasing a quarantined specimen from us means you’re receiving healthy, well-acclimated shrimp that have been observed for normal behavior and feeding response. Our specimens are robust, actively accepting prepared foods, and confirmed to be true L. wurdemanni (not look-alike species), giving you the best chance of effective Aiptasia control and long-term success with this practical and beneficial reef aquarium species.