Camel Shrimp care guide

Camel Shrimp (Rhynchocinetes durbanensis) — minimum tank 60 L, temperature 24-26 °C, pH 8.1-8.4.

Overview

Camel Shrimp (Rhynchocinetes durbanensis) is a marine hinge-beak (camel) shrimp of the family Rhynchocinetidae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. Active small reef shrimp with red-and-white striping and arched back giving 'camel' appearance. Active in groups; not always reef-safe with anemones, soft corals or zoanthids.

Taxonomy

Family: Rhynchocinetidae
Genus: Rhynchocinetes
Scientific name: Rhynchocinetes durbanensis
Common synonyms: Dancing Shrimp, Hingebeak Shrimp, Candy Shrimp

Habitat

Rhynchocinetes hinge-beak (camel) shrimp are rhynchocinetid reef crustaceans with a movable, upward-hinged rostrum. They are gregarious nocturnal scavengers that shelter in caves and overhangs by day, often in large aggregations. In the Aquairi knowledge base this species is recorded from Indo-Pacific.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 60 L (15.9 US gal)
Adult size: 3-4 cm
Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
pH: 8.1-8.4
GH: 8-12 °dGH
KH: 8-12 °dKH
Salinity (specific gravity): 1.024-1.026
Lifespan: 1-3 years

Diet

The species is an omnivore, taking a wide range of foods including meaty frozen foods, sinking pellets and detritus gathered from the rockwork.

Compatibility

The Aquairi knowledge base lists this species as peaceful. Suitable tank mates include FOWLR fish, Hardy corals. It should be kept away from Soft corals, Zoanthids, Anemones. This species is not fully reef-safe and may pick at corals, sessile invertebrates or small tank mates.

Breeding

Breeding requires an extended planktonic larval stage in open water before the young settle, which makes captive reproduction very difficult and rarely accomplished in home aquaria. Most specimens in the hobby are wild-collected.