Rathbun's Peppermint Shrimp

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Western Atlantic: eastern coast of the United States to the Gulf of Mexico. Commonly found in rocky crevices, coral reefs, and caves at depths between 1 and 20 meters.

Taxonomy: Family Hippolytidae, genus Lysmata. Features a translucent body with long sensory antennae and delicate claws. Grows to 5.0 cm.

Social Behavior: Peaceful and gregarious. Operates cleaning stations where it actively grooms reef fish, removing parasites and dead tissue.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Very similar to Lysmata wurdemanni; feeds mainly on small anemones and organic detritus. Simultaneous hermaphrodite; individuals possess both male and female reproductive organs.

Tank Setup: Requires an aquarium of at least 40.0 liters with plenty of live rock crevices and caves for shelter.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous scavenger. In addition to cleaning fish, it accepts mysis, brine shrimp, flake foods, and organic waste.

Water Quality: Requires stable conditions: temperature 20.0-26.0 °C, pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.021-1.025. Zero copper tolerance.

Compatibility and Tankmates: 100% reef-safe. Keep with peaceful community fish. Avoid predatory species like groupers or hawkfish.

Aquarium Breeding: Spawns regularly in aquariums, but the microscopic pelagic larvae are quickly consumed or lost to filtration.

Risks and Diseases: Highly vulnerable to copper treatments. Failed molts may occur if trace elements like iodine are depleted.