Peppermint Shrimp

Lysmata wurdemanni


(40 Reviews)

Peppermint Shrimp

Peppermint Shrimp

Lysmata wurdemanni


(40 Reviews)

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Care Facts

Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivore
Reef Safe: Yes
Minimum Tank Size: 10 Gallons
Max Size: 2 inches
The Peppermint Shrimp, Lysmata wurdemanni, also known as Veined Shrimp and the Caribbean Cleaner Shrimp, is a staple in the marine aquarium industry. They are proficient eliminators of pesty Aiptasia making them highly useful and desirable. Featuring a sleek light pink body with small red stripes, the Peppermint Shrimp are completely reef safe and reclusive in nature. Found mostly in the Atlantic Ocean, the Peppermint Shrimp has extended eyes and a pair on antennae that it uses to avoid predation. These shrimp will often completely shed their exoskeleton, called molting - this is not unusual behavior. Overall, the Peppermint Shrimp is one of the most useful and popular shrimp species out there due to its incredible ease of care and beneficial nature in the home aquarium. 

The Practical & Enigmatic Peppermint Shrimp (Lysmata wurdemanni) in Saltwater Aquariums

The Peppermint Shrimp (Lysmata wurdemanni) is a captivating and beneficial addition to saltwater aquariums, known for its unique appearance and remarkable behaviors. This species has gained popularity among marine enthusiasts due to its ability to clean and enhance the aquarium environment. In this article, we will delve into various aspects of the Peppermint Shrimp, including its habitat, reef compatibility, size, lifespan, diet, aquaculture potential, molting process, symbiotic relationships, water requirements, other common names, compatible tank mates, and the advantages of sourcing the Peppermint Shrimp from Saltwaterfish.com.

Habitat and Distribution

The Peppermint Shrimp is found in warm waters across the Atlantic Ocean, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Caribbean Sea, and even down to the northern coast of South America.

Reef Compatibility

The Peppermint Shrimp is reef safe and considered a peaceful species that poses no threat to corals or other invertebrates.

Size and Lifespan

This shrimp species typically grows to a length of around 2 inches (5 cm). They can have a lifespan of several years with proper care in a well-maintained aquarium.

Diet

Peppermint Shrimp are opportunistic scavengers and omnivores. They primarily feed on detritus, algae, and small particles of food, contributing to the overall cleanliness of the tank.

Aquaculture Potential

Peppermint Shrimp are available in the aquarium trade, and captive-bred specimens are increasingly common. Captive-bred individuals are preferred for their adaptability and reduced impact on wild populations. While higher priced currently, they are more acclimated to the aquarium environment.

Molting Process

Like other crustaceans, Peppermint Shrimp periodically molt to grow. The shrimp sheds its exoskeleton during molting and becomes temporarily vulnerable until the new shell hardens.

Symbiotic Relationships

Peppermint Shrimp establish symbiotic relationships with certain fish and other marine organisms. They may clean parasites and dead tissue from the skin of larger fish, forming a beneficial partnership.

Water Requirements

Peppermint Shrimp thrive in well-maintained aquariums with stable water parameters. Regular water changes, proper filtration, and maintenance are essential to their well-being.

Other Common Names

In addition to the name "Peppermint Shrimp" or "Lysmata wurdemanni," this species is also known as the “Veined Shrimp” and "Caribbean Cleaner Shrimp."

Compatible Tank Mates

Clownfish (Amphiprion spp.): Clownfish are peaceful and can coexist with Peppermint Shrimp in a reef environment.

Dwarf Angelfish (Centropyge spp.): Certain dwarf angelfish species can make suitable companions for Peppermint Shrimp.

Blennies (e.g., Tailspot Blenny): Peaceful blennies can cohabitate with Peppermint Shrimp, adding diversity to the tank.

Gobies (e.g., Yellow Watchman Goby): These small, peaceful fish can share the tank with Peppermint Shrimp.

Cardinalfish (e.g., Banggai Cardinalfish): Peaceful and visually appealing, cardinalfish can make compatible tank mates.

Advantages of Sourcing from Saltwaterfish.com

Acquiring Peppermint Shrimp from Saltwaterfish.com offers several benefits. Their commitment to sustainable practices ensures you receive healthy and responsibly sourced specimens. Saltwaterfish.com


Reviewed by: Gene Kleinschmit on April 3, 2024


Reviewed by: Carmelo Lopez-Williams on March 18, 2024


Reviewed by: Gary Sparks on March 6, 2024


Reviewed by: Barbara Pinedo on Feb. 23, 2024

Beautiful and healthy


Reviewed by: Joshua Aust on Feb. 8, 2024

They arrived alive and are thriving in my 75 gallon aquarium.


Reviewed by: Brian Carr on Feb. 7, 2024


Reviewed by: Weldon White on Feb. 4, 2024

I realized a little too late that these shrimps should be bought in groups as to lower their stress. Bought five more. So far so good.


Reviewed by: Brian Carr on Feb. 1, 2024


Reviewed by: Jason Salyer on Jan. 16, 2024

While I see the work they do on the aptasia, seeing them is rare.


Reviewed by: Monte Puymon on Dec. 11, 2023


Reviewed by: Scott Harper on Dec. 10, 2023

Both arrived alive and good sized


Reviewed by: John Stone on Dec. 10, 2023


Reviewed by: Sheila Haettich on Dec. 4, 2023


Reviewed by: Reynaldo Sosa on Nov. 20, 2023


Reviewed by: Nick Direnzo on Nov. 12, 2023

Active, doing well!


Reviewed by: Gabriela Feier on Nov. 5, 2023


Reviewed by: John Keiser on Oct. 10, 2023


Reviewed by: Carrie Payne on Sept. 18, 2023


Reviewed by: Ronica Lynn Terrell on July 19, 2023


Reviewed by: Kristine Alcantara on July 17, 2023

They are actually a good size. They are neat to watch when they aren’t hiding.


Reviewed by: Lisa Davis on July 8, 2023

Nice size peppermint shrimp I bought 3 for my 20 gallon cube with lots of aphasia. So far I have not seen a reduction in them but have hope.


Reviewed by: Christine Browning on July 4, 2023


Reviewed by: Christine Holter on June 27, 2023


Reviewed by: David Orear on June 27, 2023

I have had mine for two years in a 125 FOWLR tank with 6" Tangs and a Rabbitfish. I also have clowns, damsels, gobies, and a Coral Branded shrimp. For about 1 year, I never saw it. I thought something ate it. One day I saw something strange and low and behold, it was my Peppermint Shrimp. Now that I know it is there, I see it about once a month. It is always a nice surprise. It spends all of its time hiding, so don't expect to see it much, but it is a nice surprises when I do. It lives in tiny cracks in my live rock and has not ventured farther than 6" of the corner of the tank it is in. It has managed to stay away from my Coral Branded Shrimp which stays in the other corner of the tank. Get it for the job it does and for a rare sighting. If you have a small nano tank, you will see it more.


Reviewed by: John on Jan. 4, 2023

I treated my tank for Aiptasia and then Purchased the shrimp to keep them away. So if it was the treatment or the shrimp keeping them away I am happy. and it is much more active around the tank.


Reviewed by: Jerry Ebner Jr on Sept. 26, 2017

Picked up 2 peppermint shrimp, both doing great, swaying under a shoal, grabbing bits of food. I see them mostly as lights are dimming in the evening.


Reviewed by: Jeff Cergnul on Sept. 4, 2017

These guys really do eat that stupid nuisance coral....you need 20 of them...I have a 125 gal and 3 have really done the trick....best investment ever


Reviewed by: Mel on April 3, 2017

Peppermint shrimp I love these guys too! They are active and are out and about looking for food. They are a necessary addition to my reef tank just by being themselves. Aren't bothered by my fish and don't bother anything else.


Reviewed by: Linda Steele on March 13, 2017

These little critters are great scavengers, they keep the sand clean from eating leftovers, and clean the rocks as well. Please note they are cooler water species!! And will certainly eat out of your hand. Love em, will be ordering more to help keep my pot belly seahorse tank clean!


Reviewed by: Stacy on Jan. 29, 2017

Came in good condition. 4 out of 5 survived. Adding rocks to the tank changed water condition, but they survived.


Reviewed by: Michael Joseph on June 14, 2016

Shrimp arrived in good shape and acclimated well. The aiptaisia population has not changed in a week, so I don't know whether they are eating the less obvious ones first, or not eating them at all. Time will tell.


Reviewed by: Bruce Blumberg on March 22, 2016

Great addition they have already started eating my aiptasia anemone


Reviewed by: Andrew Cookerly on July 9, 2015

Very hardy, easy keeper. Great little clean up guy for a reef tank. Sheds skin once in awhile, thought he had died!


Reviewed by: Lia Debettencourt on Nov. 27, 2014


Reviewed by: Barry Mccool Sr on Sept. 13, 2014

I wish this guy wouldn't hide so much but he is doing quite well.


Reviewed by: Geoff C on Sept. 1, 2014

These arrived all healthy and are thriving. Seems their favorite task is to steal food from the anemones and glide away on the current. Ever exploring and make excellent house cleaners. One wasn't so lucky - he became coral food. Always a night time treat to watch but they will come out anytime for brine shrimp.


Reviewed by: James Fullard on Aug. 23, 2014

Arrived live and well. My first order. In fact that very day of receipt I placed another order because I was so please with the healthy condition of every thing I received. Acclimation went off without a hitch and the shrimp seem to be thriving. Wonderful to watch them grab a meal as they swim throughout the tank.


Reviewed by: James Fullard on Aug. 14, 2014

Always looking for something to eat and when you tlook at them at night with the flashlight they are every wear and every tank needs them.


Reviewed by: Brian Depriest on Aug. 2, 2014

These guys are great about getting food scraps and cleaning rocks and sand but be careful. I've pulled them out of my tank becaus they have pulled apart my hammer coral and are known to tear apart other soft corals.


Reviewed by: Cameron Bates on Dec. 28, 2012

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