
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Rhynchocinetes durbanensis
A shrimp with red and white lines and white spots on a translucent body and a hinged, upturned rostrum. It lives in groups of dozens in rock crevices.
The camel or hingebeak shrimp (Rhynchocinetes durbanensis) is an Indo-Pacific shrimp (SeaLifeBase) named for its hinged rostrum, which bends upwards. It reaches 4 cm (SeaLifeBase). The translucent body has red and white lines, many white eyespots and a Y-shaped white mark on the front of the carapace. The sexes are clearly different, dominant males having larger first claws. It lives in groups of dozens in hollows and crevices at 5-35 m. It is often confused with R. uritai and similar species, so the trade name alone does not guarantee the species. It is easy to keep, readily eats frozen and prepared foods and lives happily in groups. However, LiveAquaria notes that it may nip colonial anemones (zoanthids), disc corals and soft leather corals, so it is only conditionally reef-safe. It needs hiding places for moulting. In Japan it is a staple shrimp sold by size.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Camel shrimp grows to Up to 4 cm (SeaLifeBase).
The ideal temperature for the Camel shrimp is 18〜25℃.
Origin
Indo-Pacific
Lifespan
Little data available
Size
Up to 4 cm (SeaLifeBase)
Temperature
18〜25℃
Sources: SeaLifeBase (Rhynchocinetes durbanensis) / LiveAquaria
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Rhynchocinetes durbanensis Gordon, 1936
Authority databases: WoRMS · GBIF · GBIF · WoRMS · SeaLifeBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+). Not designated as an Invasive Alien Species under Japanese law. Never release aquarium animals into the sea.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) / Ministry of the Environment: List of Designated Invasive Alien Species / SeaLifeBase
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
Omnivore
18-25°C, specific gravity 1.023-1.025 (LiveAquaria).
Provide plenty of crevices, overhangs and rubble to hide in, especially for moulting. It can be kept in groups.
It usually tolerates other shrimp.
It may nip zoanthids, disc corals and leather corals, so it is only conditionally reef-safe. It generally leaves bubble coral and stinging anemones alone.
Readily eats frozen brine shrimp, frozen or freeze-dried plankton and flakes.
Maintain calcium, magnesium and iodine for moulting (LiveAquaria). Check for the Y-shaped white mark on the carapace, as related species are easily confused.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Camel shrimp is 18〜25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
Camel shrimp typically reaches Up to 4 cm (SeaLifeBase) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Camel shrimp feeds on: Omnivore. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Camel shrimp varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 28, 2026