Sexy Dancer Shrimp

Also known as Sexy Shrimp, Sexy Anemone Shrimp, Dancing Shrimp

The Sexy Dancer Shrimp is a tiny, entertaining species named for its characteristic tail-wagging “dance” motion. Native to the Indo-Pacific and Caribbean, this miniature shrimp is popular for nano reef aquariums due to its small size, reef-safe nature, and endearing behavior. Often found in association with anemones in the wild, where it performs its distinctive dancing movements.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Thor amboinensis
• Common Names: Sexy Dancer Shrimp, Sexy Shrimp, Sexy Anemone Shrimp, Dancing Shrimp, Squat Anemone Shrimp
• Adult Size: Up to 0.5 inches (extremely small)
• Lifespan: 1–2 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful and social – excellent nano tank inhabitant
• Reef Compatibility: Completely reef safe – will not harm corals or invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons minimum; ideal for nano and pico reefs
• Experience Level: Easy to Moderate – hardy but requires appropriate tank mates due to tiny size

Habitat & Tank Requirements

• Tank Environment: Provide host anemones (bubble tip, carpet, or other suitable species) or large-polyp stony corals (hammer, frogspawn, torch, elegance) for shelter and security. Can also associate with zoanthids and other soft corals. Live rock with small crevices for additional hiding. Benefits from moderate lighting to support host organisms.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.023–1.025
  • pH: 8.1–8.4
  • Maintain stable, high-quality water conditions
• Equipment Recommendations:
  • Gentle filtration appropriate for nano systems
  • Screen ALL equipment intakes (overflow, return pump, powerheads) – CRITICAL due to extremely small size
  • Protein skimmer for larger nano systems
  • Gentle to moderate water flow
  • Fine mesh or sponge covers essential on all openings

Diet & Feeding

Sexy Dancer Shrimp are opportunistic omnivores and micro-scavengers:

• Staples: Finely crushed flake food, powdered pellets, frozen cyclops, frozen baby brine shrimp, liquid invertebrate foods
• Supplemental: Phytoplankton, zooplankton, mucus from host anemone or coral, microalgae, detritus
• Feeding Frequency: Daily; multiple small feedings preferred due to tiny size and high metabolism
• Special Note: Extremely small size requires very fine food particles. Target feeding with pipette or turkey baster near their location is highly beneficial. Often obtain supplemental nutrition from food particles captured by host anemone or coral polyps.

Social Structure & Behavior

• Best Kept in Groups: Highly social species; groups of 3–6+ individuals strongly recommended
• Sexual Characteristics: Sexual dimorphism minimal; females slightly larger and may carry visible eggs when berried
• Host Association: Strongly prefer association with host anemones or large-polyp coral species for security, though not obligate symbionts. Can survive without hosts but significantly less comfortable.
• Characteristic Dancing: Constantly wave their abdomens (“tails”) up and down in a distinctive rhythmic dancing motion – the source of their common name. This behavior is near-constant when comfortable.
• Activity Level: Active throughout day and night; highly visible and entertaining when comfortable
• Group Dynamics: Peaceful with each other; multiple individuals often cluster together on single host anemone or coral head
• Perching Behavior: Often perch directly on host anemone tentacles or coral polyps, appearing to “dance” on them

Notes & Considerations

• Among the smallest ornamental shrimp available in the hobby, making them perfect for nano and pico reef aquariums.
• The constant “dancing” tail-wagging behavior is uniquely entertaining and endearing to observe.
• Extremely vulnerable to predation – avoid housing with any predatory fish, larger shrimp, crabs, or aggressive species.
• Equipment screening is absolutely critical – their tiny size means they can easily be sucked into unprotected intakes and become trapped.
• Groups exhibit much bolder behavior and are significantly more visible and active than single specimens.
• Providing suitable host anemones or large-polyp stony corals dramatically increases their confidence, activity level, and natural behavior display.
• Can be successfully kept in species-only nano reef setups with just these shrimp, their host organisms, and other peaceful nano inhabitants.
• May be difficult to locate and observe in larger aquariums due to extremely small size – best suited for nano systems where they’re more visible.
• Often perch directly on bubble tip anemone tentacles without being stung, demonstrating immunity to nematocysts.
• Like all invertebrates, sensitive to copper-based medications and treatments.
• Molt frequently as they grow; provide iodine supplementation to support healthy molting cycles.
• May occasionally breed in home aquariums; females carry visible eggs but larvae are extremely challenging to raise.
• Very similar to Curly Que Anemone Shrimp but more commonly available in the trade.
• May provide minor control of pest anemones (Aiptasia) by nibbling on them, though not reliable or effective for this purpose.
• Their small size and specific behavior make them conversation starters and focal points in nano reef displays.
• Best observed in aquariums with minimal competing visual elements where their tiny dancing movements can be appreciated.

Why Choose a Quarantined Sexy Dancer Shrimp?

Purchasing a quarantined specimen from us means you’re receiving healthy, well-acclimated shrimp that have been observed for normal behavior, dancing activity, and feeding response. Our specimens are housed with appropriate screening and safety measures to protect these tiny invertebrates, conditioned to accept various prepared foods, and ready for introduction to your nano reef aquarium, giving you the best foundation for success with these delightful and entertaining miniature dancers.