Sexy Shrimp Care Guide

Thor amboinensis is a tiny pantropical shrimp that lives commensally on anemones and corals, swaying its upturned abdomen above its head.

Overview

Thor amboinensis is a small shrimp of the family Thoridae, about 13 mm long, with an olive-brown body marked by symmetrically placed white patches edged in thin blue lines. It characteristically carries its abdomen curved upward so the tail fan sits above the head, which gives rise to its common name.

Taxonomy

Family: Thoridae
Genus: Thor
Scientific name: Thor amboinensis
Common synonyms: Squat Anemone Shrimp, Dancing Shrimp

Habitat

Although named after Ambon Island in Indonesia, the species is pantropical, occurring in the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, Madeira and the Canary Islands. It lives in shallow reef communities, symbiotically on corals, sea anemones and other marine invertebrates.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 20 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
pH: 8.1-8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
Carbonate hardness: 8-12 dKH
Group size: 3 or more individuals
Host: anemones or mushroom corals preferred

Diet

The shrimp feeds on host tissue and on mucus-trapped planktonic particles adhering to the anemone or coral. In aquaria it scavenges meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, clam and prepared marine foods, fed about once a day.

Compatibility

The species is peaceful and reef-safe, best kept in groups in nano reef tanks where it forms a commensal relationship with a host invertebrate. It should be kept away from predatory fish such as hawkfish, wrasses and dottybacks that may eat it.