{"product_id":"peppermint-shrimp-lysmata-sp-saltwater","title":"Peppermint Shrimp (Lysmata sp.)","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;color:#1a1a1a;max-width:860px;line-height:1.7;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#FBE9E7;border-left:4px solid #D84315;padding:10px 14px;margin:0 0 14px;font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIn-store pickup only.\u003c\/strong\u003e Your order is reserved, we hold off on bagging until you arrive so it stays healthy in its display tank.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003ePeppermint Shrimp\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eLysmata\u003c\/em\u003e sp.) is the reef keeper's answer to an Aiptasia outbreak. Semi-transparent with fine candy-red pinstriping down its body, it spends the day tucked in the rockwork and comes out at night to work the reef, and what it works on includes the glass anemones that spread through a tank faster than you can scrape them. It is cheap, hardy, entirely peaceful, and it does a job no chemical really does well. Browse the rest of our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/salt-water\"\u003esaltwater livestock and supplies\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is also a decent general scavenger and a part-time cleaner, picking leftovers out of the rock and occasionally servicing fish that hold still for it. Most keepers buy them in threes or more, both because a group works Aiptasia faster and because a lone shrimp tends to stay hidden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #D84315;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eCare Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 gallons and up with live rock. Caves and overhangs matter, since they are nocturnal and want somewhere dark to sit out the day.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHow many:\u003c\/strong\u003e for Aiptasia control, three or more. A single shrimp in a big tank rarely makes a visible dent. For general cleanup, one per 20 gallons is fine.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e omnivore and scavenger. Aiptasia, detritus, leftover food, and meaty frozen foods. If the Aiptasia runs out, keep feeding them or they will look elsewhere.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e 72 to 78°F, salinity 1.023 to 1.025, pH 8.1 to 8.4. Drip acclimate slowly. Shrimp are far more sensitive to salinity swings than fish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZero copper:\u003c\/strong\u003e copper-based medications kill invertebrates. Never dose them in a tank holding shrimp.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMolting:\u003c\/strong\u003e they shed regularly and leave a ghostly empty shell behind. It is not a dead shrimp. Leave it in the tank to be eaten back for calcium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIodine:\u003c\/strong\u003e not strictly required in a well-maintained tank with regular water changes, but shrimp use it for molting and some keepers supplement lightly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #D84315;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;max-width:640px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #FFCCBC;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #FFCCBC;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003ePeppermint Shrimp, Candy Cane Shrimp, Veined Shrimp\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #FFCCBC;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #FFCCBC;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eLysmata\u003c\/em\u003e sp. (usually \u003cem\u003eL. boggessi\u003c\/em\u003e or \u003cem\u003eL. wurdemanni\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #FFCCBC;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #FFCCBC;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eWestern Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #FFCCBC;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #FFCCBC;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eBeginner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #FFCCBC;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #FFCCBC;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #FFCCBC;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #FFCCBC;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eAbout 1.5 to 2 inches\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #FFCCBC;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum tank\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #FFCCBC;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e10 gallons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #FFCCBC;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef safe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #FFCCBC;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eYes, with caution around LPS and zoanthids\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #FFCCBC;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #FFCCBC;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eOmnivore and scavenger, eats Aiptasia\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #FFCCBC;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eActivity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #FFCCBC;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eMostly nocturnal\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #FFCCBC;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #FFCCBC;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e72 to 78°F\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #FFCCBC;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSalinity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #FFCCBC;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e1.023 to 1.025\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #FFCCBC;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater type\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #FFCCBC;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eSaltwater\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #D84315;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSafe with peaceful reef fish, corals, and the rest of a cleanup crew. It pairs naturally with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/scarlet-skunk-cleaner-shrimp-lysmata-amboinensis-saltwater\"\u003eScarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/zebra-turbo-snail-turbo-sp-saltwater\"\u003eZebra Turbo Snails\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/pitho-crab-pitho-sp-saltwater\"\u003ePitho Crabs\u003c\/a\u003e, each handling a different part of the job.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo honest cautions. Anything that eats shrimp will eat these: hawkfish, larger wrasses, triggers, puffers, lionfish, and big angels. And while they are sold as reef safe, individual shrimp occasionally pick at LPS polyps or zoanthids, particularly once the Aiptasia is gone and they are hungry. Keep them fed and the risk stays low.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #D84315;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eRecommended Foods \u0026amp; Supplies\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/sfbb-mysis-shrimp-cube-3-5oz\"\u003eSFBB Frozen Mysis Shrimp\u003c\/a\u003e, an easy meaty staple they will come out for\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/pe-pellets-saltwater-1mm-2oz\"\u003ePiscine Energetics Saltwater Pellets\u003c\/a\u003e for general feeding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/zebra-turbo-snail-turbo-sp-saltwater\"\u003eZebra Turbo Snail\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/pitho-crab-pitho-sp-saltwater\"\u003ePitho Crab\u003c\/a\u003e to round out the cleanup crew\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrowse the full \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/salt-water\"\u003esaltwater\u003c\/a\u003e selection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #D84315;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it actually eat Aiptasia?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUsually, and it is the main reason to buy one. Results vary by individual, which is why we recommend three or more rather than a single shrimp. Give them a few weeks and stop hand feeding heavily while they work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow many do I need?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor an Aiptasia problem, three or more. For general scavenging, roughly one per 20 gallons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI never see them. Is that normal?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. They are nocturnal and spend the day in the rockwork. Look with a flashlight after lights out and you will find them out working.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre they safe with my corals?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlmost always. A hungry peppermint can nip LPS polyps or zoanthids, so keep them fed once the Aiptasia is cleared. Most tanks never see an issue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI found an empty shrimp shell. Did one die?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlmost certainly a molt. Shrimp shed their exoskeleton whole and it looks like a pale, hollow copy of the animal. Leave it in for them to eat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow is this different from a Cleaner Shrimp?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Scarlet Skunk Cleaner is bold, out all day, and sets up cleaning stations for fish. The Peppermint is shy, nocturnal, cheaper, and the one that eats Aiptasia. Many reefers keep both.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Squeaky's Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48252401352923,"sku":"SW4-SW0116","price":8.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/5209\/3403\/files\/PeppermintShrimp_2000x2000_crop_center_png.webp?v=1771063970","url":"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/peppermint-shrimp-lysmata-sp-saltwater","provider":"Squeaky's Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}