🦐 Peppermint Shrimp (Lysmata wurdemanni)
A Translucent Body With Fine Red-Orange Stripes • A Documented Aiptasia Hunter • Nocturnal, Most Active After Lights-Out
 
📋 The Peppermint Shrimp is a translucent, red-striped marine invertebrate widely valued in the reef hobby for one specific and useful behaviour: many individuals will actively hunt and consume Aiptasia, the pest anemone that plagues reef tanks and can be difficult to eliminate by other means.
It comes from the Western Atlantic and Caribbean, displaying a semi-transparent body marked with fine red-orange stripes, allowing it to blend easily into rockwork and crevices during the day. Every Peppermint Shrimp we ship is feeding well.
Naturally shy and largely nocturnal, this species spends daylight hours tucked into rock crevices, becoming considerably more active and visible after lights-out. Its reputation as an Aiptasia solution has made it one of the most requested reef invertebrates, though appetite for Aiptasia varies between individual shrimp, so a small group tends to give better results than a single specimen. It reaches 4-5cm, so a 40L tank suits it well.
 
💡 Highlights
🔴 Aiptasia Predator: Many individuals actively hunt and consume this common pest anemone
🦐 Peaceful Scavenger: Also cleans up leftover food and detritus around rockwork
🧠 Beginner Friendly: Hardy and adaptable to typical reef parameters
🌿 Fully Reef Safe: Compatible with corals and most reef fish
🌙 Nocturnal Behaviour: Most active after lights-out, adding interest to evening tank viewing