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Lysmata wurdemanni
Beautiful marine shrimp with red and white stripes. Valued for eating Aiptasia (pest anemone) — a beneficial cleaner.
Peppermint shrimp (genus Lysmata) are small crustaceans of the family Hippolytidae native to the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Their candy-cane pattern of red and white stripes gives them considerable ornamental appeal in their own right. In reef aquariums they are valued primarily for their voracious predation on Aiptasia anemones (glass anemones), which can proliferate aggressively and sting corals; peppermint shrimp are among the most effective and natural biological controls available. They also scavenge detritus, leftover food, and decaying matter, contributing to aquarium hygiene. Manageable in tanks of 40 litres or more, they are peaceful toward fish and most invertebrates. Care must be taken to exclude piscivores or crustacean-eating species that may predate them.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Peppermint Shrimp lives 2-3 years.
The Peppermint Shrimp grows to 3-5cm.
The ideal water temperature for the Peppermint Shrimp is 22〜26℃.
Origin
Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea
Lifespan
2-3 years
Size
Sources: 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: Lysmata wurdemanni
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / Ministry of the Environment Specified Animal List / Ministry of the Environment: List of Designated Invasive Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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3-5cm
Temperature
23〜26℃
Leftover food, Aiptasia, pellets
Can be kept in a tank of 40L or more. Rockwork to hide in keeps it settled, and adding several boosts Aiptasia control.
Aiptasia pest anemone removal
Eats leftover food, decaying matter and detritus, helping keep the tank clean. In a tank without Aiptasia, offer prepared food.
Peaceful and compatible with most fish. However, large frogfish and crustacean-eating fish will prey on it, so choose tankmates carefully.
May eat coral mucus
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 Peppermint Shrimp is 22〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Peppermint Shrimp is 2-3 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Peppermint Shrimp typically reaches 3-5cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Peppermint Shrimp feeds on: Leftover food, Aiptasia, pellets. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Peppermint Shrimp varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 23, 2026