Marble Shrimp care guide
Marble Shrimp (Saron marmoratus) — minimum tank 80 L, temperature 24-26 °C, pH 8.1-8.4.
Overview
Marble Shrimp (Saron marmoratus) is a marine marble shrimp of the family Hippolytidae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an intermediate-level species. Reclusive nocturnal reef shrimp with marbled green-and-red body and tufted appendages. Will pick at small polyps and clams — not always reef-safe.
Taxonomy
- Family: Hippolytidae
- Genus: Saron
- Scientific name: Saron marmoratus
- Common synonyms: Saron Shrimp, Common Marble Shrimp
Habitat
Saron marble shrimp are hippolytid reef crustaceans of the Indo-Pacific, nocturnal foragers that hide in crevices by day. Males carry conspicuous tufts of bristles on the body and longer claws than females. In the Aquairi knowledge base this species is recorded from Indo-Pacific.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L (21.1 US gal)
- Adult size: 4-6 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: 2-4 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 semi-aggressive. Suitable tank mates include FOWLR systems. It should be kept away from Soft polyps, Small clams, SPS. 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.