Description
Peppermint Shrimp (Lysmata boggessi)
The peppermint shrimp is quite popular in the hobby for its beauty and relative hardiness. It is particularly desirable, however, for its habit of feeding on Aiptasia (glass) anemones. Additionally, it effectively scavenges wastes such as uneaten food, dead snails, etc. As the peppermint shrimp is completely reef-safe, it is an indispensable member of any clean-up crew. See below for more information.
Size and Care Requirements
- Purchase Size: 0.5″-1″ (length)
- Max Size: 1.75″
- Water Parameters: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.2-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
- Color: Pink/off-white with red striations
- Reef-Safe: Yes
- Diet: Omnivore. Peppermint shrimp do not require supplemental feeding when housed in a saltwater aquarium where Aiptasia and/or leftover fish food is present. As scavengers, these shrimps will wander the live rock in your reef aquarium searching for Aiptasia or wastes. However, if the animal completely eliminates all pest anemones and waste, it can be offered supplemental feedings of most prepared fish foods.
Peppermint Shrimp Species Information
The peppermint shrimp (Lysmata boggessi) comes from the Florida Keys, Key West and the Gulf of Mexico where it prefers shallow reef habitats. It most commonly occurs on the roofs of caves and crevasses, but may also be found within vase sponges or on the blades of seagrass.
Totally reef-safe and proven to consume glass anemones, it has for long been a favorite shrimp among marine aquarium enthusiasts. It is also important to note that this shrimp will not harm desirable anemone species. It cannot be safely kept with predatory fishes such as triggerfish, lionfish and hawkfish. Fairly social, it is somewhat less territorial than many other shrimp species. It regularly spawns in aquaria; though the young generally do not survive under typical aquarium conditions, they do provide a great source of nutrition for zooplanktivorous animals (e.g. many corals). In addition to being a sustainable alternative to wild-caught shrimp, it makes a great addition to any clean-up crew that will help to control and eliminate accumulations of solid organic waste.
Benefits of Aquacultured Invertebrates
Captive-bred peppermint shrimp provide a huge advantage over wild-caught specimens. Because they are cultured in captive conditions, they are better adapted to living in an aquarium and tend to be more disease resistant. They are also better able to handle the stress of shipping. By purchasing captive-bred organisms, you are supporting the aquaculture of marine organisms and helping make our hobby sustainable!
AlgaeBarn keeps these peppermint shrimp in an invertebrate-specific system to minimize the transfer of fish parasites and other unwanted hitchhikers.
100% Alive on Arrival (AoA) Guarantee
We guarantee that every peppermint shrimp we sell will be Alive On Arrival and in good health. Should they arrive in any other state, we will either replace them free of charge (including shipping). If the total livestock loss is less than $40, we will issue store credit. For more information, please also visit our 100% Alive On Arrival Guarantee page.
