Peppermint Shrimp
The Peppermint Shrimp is a popular and beneficial addition to saltwater aquariums, known for its beautiful translucent body with red striping and its helpful habit of eating nuisance Aiptasia anemones. Peaceful, hardy, and reef-safe, this shrimp makes a great choice for both beginner and experienced marine aquarists.
Peppermint Shrimp are active scavengers that help keep your aquarium clean by consuming leftover food and detritus. They also exhibit fascinating social behaviors and can be kept singly or in small groups.
Care Sheet
Scientific Name: Lysmata wurdemanni
Common Name: Peppermint Shrimp
Origin: Western Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico
Difficulty: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Safe: Yes
Max Size: 2 inches (5 cm)
Water Parameters
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Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
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pH: 8.0–8.4
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Specific Gravity: 1.023–1.025
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dKH: 8–12
Tip: Keep water parameters stable — sudden changes can stress shrimp and affect molting.
Tank Requirements
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Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
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Provide live rock with plenty of hiding spots and crevices.
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Use a tight-fitting lid — shrimp may climb or jump.
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Compatible with reef tanks and peaceful community fish. Avoid aggressive or predatory species.
Feeding
Peppermint Shrimp are omnivorous scavengers and easy to feed.
They will naturally consume leftover food, detritus, and nuisance Aiptasia, but should also be offered:
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High-quality marine pellets or flakes
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Mysis or brine shrimp (frozen or live)
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Marine shrimp or reef blends
Feed small amounts 3–4 times per week.
Behavior & Compatibility
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Peaceful and social — can be kept in pairs or small groups.
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May clean parasites or dead tissue from tank mates, similar to cleaner shrimp.
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Best kept with other non-aggressive reef inhabitants.
Molting & Health
Like all shrimp, Peppermint Shrimp molt as they grow. Provide hiding places so they can shed safely and regrow their exoskeleton. Remove uneaten food and maintain excellent water quality to prevent stress during this process.
Key Benefits
- Natural predator of Aiptasia anemones
- Reef-safe and peaceful
- Excellent scavenger and cleaner
- Adds color, movement, and personality to marine aquariums
