Sexy Shrimp care guide
Sexy Shrimp (Thor amboinensis) — minimum tank 30 L, temperature 24-26 °C, pH 8.1-8.4.
Overview
Sexy Shrimp (Thor amboinensis) is a marine sexy (squat) shrimp of the family Hippolytidae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. Tiny shrimp famous for its quirky tail-up posture and wiggle. White spots on brown body. Lives commensal with anemones and corals. Best in groups in nano-reef tanks.
Taxonomy
- Family: Hippolytidae
- Genus: Thor
- Scientific name: Thor amboinensis
- Common synonyms: Sexy Anemone Shrimp, Squat Anemone Shrimp
Habitat
Thor amboinensis, the sexy shrimp, is a tiny hippolytid of Indo-Pacific reefs that lives commensally among the tentacles of anemones, corals and zoanthids, holding its abdomen raised in a characteristic rocking posture. In the Aquairi knowledge base this species is recorded from Indo-Pacific, Caribbean.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 30 L (7.9 US gal)
- Adult size: 1-2 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: 1-2 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 Anemones, Corals, Peaceful reef fish. It should be kept away from Hawkfish, Wrasses (some), Predators. It associates with host anemones or corals for shelter and is generally reef-safe.
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.