ORA Peppermint Shrimp (Qty 6)

Quick Stats

• Care Level: Easy
• Diet: Carnivore
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Reef-Safe: Yes
• Source: Captive Bred
• Approximate Purchase Size: 0.75-1"
• Approximate Max Size: 2"

Overview

These Peppermint Shrimp are shipped directly to you with exceptional care and high-grade packaging specifically made for live animals from our partner, ORA. This animal is certified by the Mr. Chili Sustainability Alliance, meaning it is sustainably bred, was raised with exceptional husbandry practices, and 2% of net proceeds will be donated to support Ocean Conservation.

The Peppermint Shrimp (Lysmata sp.) name applies to a variety of Lysmata species that are distributed along the Eastern Seaboard, Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean. This attractive shrimp is named for the red stripes running the length of its transparent to cream-colored body. It grows to a maximum size of 2 inches.

The Peppermint Shrimp is famous for eating the nuisance Aiptasia anemone. In a reef system, the shrimp can control the spread of Aiptasia by eating the small, developing anemones. It is also a scavenger, looking for food and promoting a healthier aquarium. This shrimp will not eat corals.

During the day, the shrimp will generally hide in live rock and come out at night to forage for food. The Peppermint Shrimp is non-aggressive with fish and other invertebrates, and groups of them can cohabitate peacefully in the same reef aquarium.

It is not uncommon for peppermint shrimp to spawn when kept in groups of 2 or more. The newly hatched shrimp larvae are great food for corals and small fish.

Note: Image is a representation of what to expect. The animal you receive may vary slightly in appearance.

Water Parameters

Maintaining proper water parameters is crucial for the health and well-being of your cleanup crew. While Peppermint Shrimp are some of the hardiest cleanup crew members you can add to your saltwater aquarium, providing a stable environment will allow them to thrive and stay healthy.

• Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 75-78°F. Stability is key, so use a reliable heater that can limit any temperature swings to about +/- 1°F or less.
• pH Level: This animal will do well in a wide pH range from about 7.7 to 8.5.
• Salinity: The specific gravity should be between 1.023-1.026 (27-35ppt). Use a refractometer to monitor salinity levels accurately.
• Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate: Ammonia and nitrite levels should be undetectable, while nitrate levels should be kept below 20 ppm. Regular water changes and proper filtration will help to achieve this.

Diet

Peppermint Shrimp are carnivores that play a dual role in your reef tank by scavenging for leftover food and helping to control nuisance pests. One of their most well-known and desirable traits is their appetite for Aiptasia anemones, a problematic pest that can spread rapidly in a reef system. By eating these small anemones, the shrimp contribute to maintaining a healthy and balanced aquarium.

In addition to their Aiptasia control, Peppermint Shrimp are opportunistic feeders and will readily consume uneaten food that settles in the tank. 

Feeding Frequency

They do not require additional feeding in a well-established tank with enough leftover food. If needed, they can be offered small portions of meaty foods a couple of times a week.

Compatibility

When it comes to tank mates, the Peppermint Shrimp can be kept with any peaceful fish and won't bother corals. Avoid some of the larger wrasse species or other fish that are known to pick on shrimp. Be mindful when spot-feeding corals, as these shrimp are known to steal food directly from corals during feeding times. To avoid this, you may need to distract the shrimp with a small offering of food before feeding your corals.

Common Tank Mates

Here are some ideal tank mates:

• Fish: Clownfish, Cardinalfish, small Wrasse, Firefish, Tangs, Dwarf Angelfish, and other peaceful fish.
• Invertebrates: Peppermint Shrimp won't bother other invertebrates and can even be kept with other Peppermint Shrimp in the same aquarium.
• Coral: Peppermint Shrimp are considered Reef Safe and can be kept with Soft, LPS, or SPS coral.