Sexy Shrimp

Sexy Shrimp: The Dancing Reef Invertebrate

The Sexy Shrimp, scientifically known as Thor amboinensis (and sometimes still seen with the synonym Periclimenes holthuisi), is a popular and engaging marine invertebrate. It earns its common name from its constant, comical "hip-swaying" or "sexy dancing" motion, where it wiggles its abdomen while perched on a host or rockwork.

This tiny, colorful shrimp typically has a translucent body adorned with large, distinct white spots outlined in blue or red-orange. Originating from the tropical oceans of the Indo-Pacific, the Sexy Shrimp is a circumtropical species often found living commensally with various large sea anemones and corals. They are a nano-reef favorite due to their diminutive size, reaching a maximum length of only about 1 inch (2.5 cm).

The Sexy Shrimp is peaceful, hardy, and one of the easiest shrimp species for a beginner, making them perfect for tanks as small as 10 gallons. They thrive when kept in small groups or colonies, which enhances their unique social behavior and constant dancing.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: The Sexy Shrimp is an Omnivore/Scavenger. In the wild, they graze on detritus, plankton, and even steal small food particles from their host anemone. In captivity, they will actively scavenge for leftover fish food.
• Feeding: While they scavenge, supplemental feeding is recommended to ensure their health and to prevent them from picking at delicate coral polyps. Offer small, meaty foods such as finely chopped frozen mysis or brine shrimp, coral pellets, or crushed flake food 2-3 times per week. They will readily accept sinking foods.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Generally Reef Safe. While peaceful and typically harmless to corals, in some cases, a hungry individual may pick at the polyps of soft corals like Zoanthids, or fleshy LPs (Large Polyp Stony Corals) if insufficient food is provided. They are safe with all snails and most non-predatory small crabs.
• Temperament: It is Peaceful. They are an ideal tankmate for small, peaceful fish like gobies, clownfish, and peaceful blennies. They should never be housed with large or aggressive predatory fish (e.g., Hawkfish, large Wrasses, or Coral Banded Shrimp), which will view them as food. They are social and should be kept in groups of three or more for the best display.
• Host Preference: While they naturally associate with anemones (Bubble Tip Anemone, Rock Flower Anemone) and large-polyped corals (e.g., Euphyllia), they do not require a host to survive in a home aquarium. Providing a soft, fleshy coral like Ricordea or Mushroom Corals gives them a preferred perch.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Thoramboinensis (Synonym: Periclimenes holthuisi)
• Primary Common Name: Sexy Shrimp
• Other Common Names: Dancing Shrimp, Sexy Anemone Shrimp, Squat Shrimp
• Origin: Indo-Pacific (Circumtropical)
• Max Size: 1 inch (2.5 cm)
• Temperament: Peaceful (Best kept in groups)
• Diet: Omnivore / Scavenger (Requires supplemental meaty foods)
• Minimum Tank Size: 10+ Gallons (Ideal for Nano Reefs)
• Reef Compatibility: Generally Reef Safe (Observe carefully around fleshy corals)