Peppermint Shrimp

Peppermint Shrimp: The Aiptasia Destroyer

The Peppermint Shrimp (Lysmata wurdemanni) is one of the most popular and highly beneficial invertebrates in the marine aquarium hobby. Native to the Western Atlantic and Caribbean, this shrimp is an opportunistic omnivore known for its attractive translucent body marked by distinctive red and white horizontal stripes.

While an excellent scavenger and member of the clean-up crew, the Peppermint Shrimp is most highly prized for its appetite for nuisance Aiptasia anemones (also known as glass anemones). A few individuals added to a tank can quickly bring a persistent Aiptasia outbreak under control.

This species is relatively hardy, peaceful, and reef-safe, making it an ideal choice for nearly all saltwater systems. However, like all shrimp, it is vulnerable during its molting process and is highly sensitive to copper-based medications.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: The Peppermint Shrimp is an Omnivore/Carnivore and a diligent scavenger. In the aquarium, it will consume leftover fish food, detritus, and sometimes algae. Its most noted diet feature is its predation on Aiptasia anemones.
• Feeding: In a tank with an Aiptasia problem, supplemental feeding should be limited to encourage it to hunt the pests. Once the Aiptasia is gone, it should be offered meaty foods a few times a week, such as frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or high-quality pellets, as it may otherwise pick at soft corals or other invertebrates if perpetually hungry.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe. It will not harm corals. However, it is an opportunistic feeder and may attempt to steal food from corals (especially large polyp stony corals) during targeted feedings. It is highly incompatible with copper medications.
• Temperament: It is Peaceful. It can be kept alone or in groups and gets along well with most fish and other shrimp species, though it is nocturnal and will hide in live rock crevices during the day. Avoid predatory fish such as Hawkfish, Lionfish, large Wrasses, Dottybacks, and Puffers, as they will readily consume the shrimp.
• Reproduction: This species is a simultaneous hermaphrodite (each individual possesses both male and female sex organs). They are known to breed easily in the home aquarium, often carrying green egg masses under their tails, though raising the planktonic larvae is challenging.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Lysmata wurdemanni
• Primary Common Name: Peppermint Shrimp
• Other Common Names: Caribbean Cleaner Shrimp, Veined Shrimp, Aiptasia Shrimp
• Origin: Western Atlantic, Caribbean
• Max Size: 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm)
• Temperament: Peaceful (Nocturnal)
• Diet: Omnivore (Valued for Aiptasia control)
• Minimum Tank Size: 10-20 Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: Yes (Highly sensitive to Copper)