Peppermint Shrimp (Lysmata wurdemanni) Care Guide

A small, translucent shrimp with distinctive red stripes, prized for its appetite for aiptasia pest anemones. Shy and nocturnal, it often hides during the day.

Overview

Lysmata wurdemanni is a species in the family Lysmatidae. A small, translucent shrimp with distinctive red stripes, prized for its appetite for aiptasia pest anemones. Shy and nocturnal, it often hides during the day. Be cautious of lookalike species (Camel Shrimp) which may nip corals instead of aiptasia.

Taxonomy

Family: Lysmatidae
Genus: Lysmata
Scientific name: Lysmata wurdemanni
Other names: Veined Shrimp
Origin: Western Atlantic, Caribbean

Habitat

Lysmata wurdemanni, the peppermint shrimp, inhabits reefs and rocky areas of the western Atlantic and Caribbean. A nocturnal omnivore and scavenger noted for eating nuisance Aiptasia anemones; it is reef-safe and shelters in rockwork by day.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 40 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
KH: 8-12 dKH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 3-5 cm
Lifespan: 2-4 years
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 1x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Position in tank: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Clownfish, Blue Chromis, Firefish Goby, Cleaner Shrimp
Avoid with: Triggerfish, Large Wrasses, Hawkfish

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.