Other Inverts
Cleaner Shrimp
Scientific Name: Lysmata amboinensis
Care: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Parameters: dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.026
Max Size: 2”
Diet: Carnivore
Family: Hippolytidae
Reef Compatibility: Reef Safe
The Cleaner shrimp is also known as a skunk or scarlet cleaner. The Cleaner Shrimp acts like a medic, the shrimp sets up a cleaning station on live rock or coral ledges and waits for fish to come and be cleaned of parasites or dead tissue. The Cleaner Shrimp is often found in groups amongst live rock or coral. In the home aquarium, the Cleaner Shrimp requires similar habitats and peaceful tankmates. Like other invertebrates, the Cleaner Shrimp is intolerant of copper-based medications, high nitrate levels, and fluctuating water parameters.
Blood Shrimp
Scientific Name: Lysmata debelius
Care: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Parameters: dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.026
Max Size: 2”
Diet: Carnivore
Family: Hippolytidae
Reef Compatibility: Reef Safe
The Blood Shrimp, also known as red, fire Shrimp or scarlet cleaner shrimp. It has a blood-red body with white spots and long white antennae. The Blood Red Fire Shrimp prefers a habitat thats provided with a cave or overhang where the lighting is not too intense. It is generally peaceful with most other organisms in the reef system unless they impinge on its territory. As a "cleaner shrimp," it will set up cleaning stations and remove dead tissue and parasites from fish. It will also scavenge for meaty bits along the substrate bottom. It will not tolerate copper or high levels of nitrates in the aquarium and will require iodine supplements to promote molting.
Peppermint Shrimp
Scientific Name: Lysmata wurdemanni
Care: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Parameters: dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.026
Max Size: 2”
Diet: Carnivore
Family: Hippolytidae
Reef Compatibility: Reef Safe
Peppermint Shrimp is also known as the veined or Caribbean Cleaner. Peppermint Shrimp is best known for its natural ability to manage nuisance Aiptasia, or glass anemones. Keep in mind that some individual Peppermint Shrimp are better at managing aiptasia while others may not be interested in aiptasia at all. The Peppermint Shrimp picks its way around your aquarium and live rock to consume detritus, uneaten food, and decomposing organic material. This ornamental member of the Hippolytidae family is brightly coloured with a creamy white body striped with several thin and distinct longitudinal red bands. The Peppermint Shrimp does best in home aquariums with live rock, ample places to hide, as well as open areas to scavenge. The Peppermint Shrimp is very social and peaceful towards most reef inhabitants. Like other invertebrates, the Peppermint Shrimp cannot tolerate copper-based medications or high nitrate levels. It also requires supplemental iodine to encourage proper molting.
Banded Coral Shrimp
Scientific Name: Stenopus hispidus
Care: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Parameters: dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.026
Max Size: 2.5”
Diet: Carnivore
Family: Stenopodidae
Reef Compatibility: Reef Safe
The Banded Coral Shrimp is also known as a Boxing Shrimp. The Banded Coral Shrimp catches the eyes of most aquarists with their beautiful coloration and body shape. It has striking red and white bands across its body with fairly long pinchers and extra long white antennae. Combined with its prickly body texture, this peaceful member of the Stenopodidae family brings interest to any marine aquarium. Though the Banded Coral Shrimp can be aggressive towards other Banded Coral Shrimp and smaller shrimp of different species, most are peaceful towards fish, corals, and invertebrates within your aquarium. Its aggressive nature towards other Banded Coral Shrimp, the Banded Coral Shrimp should be housed individually or kept as a true mated pair.
Turbo Snails
Scientific Name: Turbo fluctuosa
Care: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Parameters: dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.026
Max Size: 2.5”
Diet: Herbivore
Family: Turbinidae
Reef Compatibility: Reef Safe
The Turbo Snail is extremely popular among reef hobbyists, since it quickly eliminates large amounts of nuisance algae. It is particularly fond of hair algae and will consume mass quantities of it and other algae off your live rock and aquarium glass. An excellent member of your aquarium's cleanup crew, the Turbo Snail thrives in crevices and holes in natural reefs. In the home aquarium, the Turbo Snail needs ample hiding places and large spaces to graze. If algae levels are insufficient, supplement the diet of the Turbo Snail with dried seaweed. Like other invertebrates, the Turbo Snails is very sensitive to copper-based medications and high nitrate levels.
