Lysmata wurdemanni complex

Datasheet

General Description

The Peppermint Shrimp, scientifically known as Lysmata wurdemanni complex, is an ornamental marine invertebrate belonging to the Hippolytidae family. It is recognizable by its bright coloration, featuring a clear or creamy white body adorned with thin, distinct longitudinal red bands. Often confused with its Pacific cousin, this shrimp is valued for its ability to manage nuisance Aiptasia, or glass anemones, in aquariums.

Aquarium Suitability

Peppermint Shrimp are suitable for aquariums and are considered easy to care for, making them ideal for beginners in marine invertebrate keeping. They are peaceful and social towards other reef inhabitants, contributing to a harmonious tank environment.

Demands and Care

This species has a peaceful temperament and is compatible with reef setups. Peppermint Shrimp have specific care requirements, such as avoiding copper-based medications, maintaining low nitrate levels, and supplementing their diet with iodine to support healthy molting of their carapace. They also need a varied diet, including prepared foods and occasional fresh fish pieces.

Reef Suitability

Peppermint Shrimp are reef-compatible animals. They help maintain a balanced ecosystem within reef aquariums by scavenging detritus, uneaten food, and organic debris. Their ability to manage Aiptasia makes them valuable additions to coral reef tanks.

Aquarium Setup

To create an optimal environment for Peppermint Shrimp, aquariums should include live rock for hiding places and scavenging, as well as open areas for the shrimp to explore. Water conditions should be closely monitored, with recommended parameters of pH between 8.1-8.4, specific gravity between 1.023-1.025, and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 8-12.

Behaviour

Peppermint Shrimp are known to be social creatures within the aquarium, peacefully interacting with other tank mates. They typically move around the tank, picking through the substrate and live rock in search of food.

Feeding and Diet

As carnivorous scavengers, Peppermint Shrimp feed on detritus, prepared foods, and fresh fish pieces. Supplementing their diet with essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, iodine, and trace elements promotes their overall health and vitality.

Dimorphism and Captive Reproduction

Peppermint Shrimp have been successfully bred by commercial fish farms and can also be bred in home aquariums with proper care and attention. Rearing their larvae involves specialized feeds and care methods outside of the main display tank.

Habitat and Distribution

In the wild, Peppermint Shrimp are commonly found in the Western Atlantic in vertical reef shafts and sometimes residing in pipe sponges. Their distribution includes regions like the Florida Keys, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean, with different species from the Lysmata wurdemanni complex exhibiting distinct color patterns.