Will peppermint shrimp eat my corals?

They generally leave corals alone and are commonly kept in reef tanks. That said, no shrimp can be guaranteed completely safe, so it's wise to observe behavior after adding one.

Can they be housed with other fish and shrimp?

Peppermint shrimp are peaceful and get along with most saltwater fish and invertebrates. Avoid pairing them with large predatory fish or aggressive hermit crabs that may prey on them.

Will they completely get rid of Aiptasia anemones?

Peppermint shrimp are known for eating Aiptasia, but appetite varies between individuals, so they won't necessarily eliminate every anemone. Combining them with other control methods tends to work best.

Are they suitable for a first invertebrate?

They're considered a beginner-friendly species, with easy, omnivorous feeding habits. Still, it's worth learning the invertebrate-specific basics, like acclimation and water quality, before starting.

What should I feed them?

They're omnivorous scavengers that eat algae, leftover food, and prepared foods, so picky eating isn't much of a concern. They may also prey on Aiptasia anemones, but it's best not to rely on that alone for their diet.

Peppermint Shrimp

The peppermint shrimp is a small saltwater shrimp with a translucent body marked by bold red-and-white stripes. It's prized in reef tanks as a natural pest controller, since it readily preys on Aiptasia anemones that can otherwise take over a tank. Peaceful by nature, it rarely bothers fish or corals and tends to stay tucked away during the day, becoming more active after dark. As an omnivorous scavenger, it also helps tidy up leftover food and algae. With its easy care requirements, the peppermint shrimp is a great starting point for anyone new to keeping invertebrates.

View Peppermint Shrimp encyclopedia →

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About Peppermint Shrimp

Peppermint shrimp are saltwater shrimp known for their red-and-white stripes and their usefulness in eating pest Aiptasia anemones. Docile and easy to care for, they're a popular choice for reef keepers of all experience levels.

7 things to know before welcoming a Peppermint Shrimp

1Provide Plenty of Hiding Spots
Peppermint shrimp spend much of the day tucked away in live rock crevices and other hiding spots. Without enough cover, they can become stressed, so make sure your tank offers plenty of places to hide.
2A Natural Aiptasia Eater
These shrimp are known for preying on Aiptasia anemones, which can otherwise overrun a reef tank. That said, individual shrimp vary in appetite, so they won't necessarily eliminate every anemone.
3Sensitive to Water Changes
Like most crustaceans, peppermint shrimp are vulnerable to sudden shifts in temperature, salinity, or water chemistry. Acclimate them slowly and only add them to a tank that has already fully cycled.
4Avoid Copper Medications
As with most invertebrates, peppermint shrimp are highly sensitive to copper-based treatments used for fish diseases. Never share water or equipment that has been exposed to copper medication.
5Molting Is Normal Growth
Being crustaceans, they shed their exoskeleton periodically as they grow. Right after molting they're soft and vulnerable, so they may hide for a while — this is a normal part of their life cycle, not cause for concern.
6Choose Tankmates Carefully
Peppermint shrimp are peaceful and rarely bother corals or other tankmates, but they should be kept away from large predatory fish or aggressive hermit crabs that might attack them. Multiple shrimp can usually be kept together.
7Easy-Going, Omnivorous Eaters
They'll happily eat algae, leftover food, and prepared foods, which makes feeding simple. Their care is considered beginner-friendly, though the usual basics of water quality management still apply.

Frequently asked questions about Peppermint Shrimp

Q.Will peppermint shrimp eat my corals?: A.They generally leave corals alone and are commonly kept in reef tanks. That said, no shrimp can be guaranteed completely safe, so it's wise to observe behavior after adding one.
Q.Can they be housed with other fish and shrimp?: A.Peppermint shrimp are peaceful and get along with most saltwater fish and invertebrates. Avoid pairing them with large predatory fish or aggressive hermit crabs that may prey on them.
Q.Will they completely get rid of Aiptasia anemones?: A.Peppermint shrimp are known for eating Aiptasia, but appetite varies between individuals, so they won't necessarily eliminate every anemone. Combining them with other control methods tends to work best.
Q.Are they suitable for a first invertebrate?: A.They're considered a beginner-friendly species, with easy, omnivorous feeding habits. Still, it's worth learning the invertebrate-specific basics, like acclimation and water quality, before starting.
Q.What should I feed them?: A.They're omnivorous scavengers that eat algae, leftover food, and prepared foods, so picky eating isn't much of a concern. They may also prey on Aiptasia anemones, but it's best not to rely on that alone for their diet.