Magnificent Anemone Shrimp

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Widely distributed in the tropical Indo-Pacific, particularly around Indonesia, the Philippines, South China Sea, and the Great Barrier Reef. Inhabits protected lagoons and outer reef slopes.

Taxonomy: Member of the family Palaemonidae. Features a slender, laterally compressed glassy body with long white antennae that it waves constantly. Reaches about 2.5 cm.

Social Behavior: Commensal species that lives inside or near large stinging anemones or corals (such as Heliofungia). Moves with characteristic rhythmic body sways.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Glass-clear body with a transverse white band across the carapace and white-and-red markings on the tail fan. Legs and claws are spotted with purple. Mature females are larger than males.

Tank Setup: Suitable for established reef aquariums of 10 gallons or larger. The presence of a suitable host anemone (such as Stichodactyla, Entacmaea, or Dofleinia) or large LPS corals is highly recommended.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivore. Feeds on host mucus, detritus, and small organisms. In captivity, target-feed with fine frozen foods (brine shrimp, copepods) using a syringe or pipette near its host.

Water Quality: Stable reef parameters. Salinity SG 1.023-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4, temperature 22-28°C. Strictly zero copper levels. Very sensitive to chemical changes.

Compatibility and Tankmates: 100% reef-safe. Peaceful with clownfish and small community reef fish. Do not house with large predatory fish or aggressive crabs that could harass it.

Aquarium Breeding: Females carry eggs under their abdomen. Planktonic larval stages are highly complex and do not survive standard home aquarium filtration systems.

Risks and Diseases: High stress and early mortality if kept without a protective host anemone or coral. Highly sensitive to copper treatments and salinity shock.