Not furry either, still lovely.
Peppermint Shrimp
Lysmata wurdemanni
Also called Candy cane shrimp, Lysmata wurdemanni complex
Peaceful and sociable with most reef animals, and comfortable living alongside other invertebrates.
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Length | 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3 in)12 |
| Coat | Thin, mostly see-through exoskeleton that is moulted as it grows |
| Origin | Western Atlantic: US Atlantic coast from Long Island to Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to Texas, possibly the northern Caribbean12 |
| Last checked | 2026-09-30 |
Personality what they are like
Peaceful and sociable with most reef animals, and comfortable living alongside other invertebrates.2
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Peppermint Shrimp. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingDepends on species, many feed from the light and the watervaries
- Salinity checkevery week
- Water testevery week
- Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
- Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
- Light checkevery month
Looks how to spot one
Thin, mostly see-through exoskeleton that is moulted as it grows
A slender, glassy shrimp with a clear to creamy body crossed lengthwise by thin red stripes, giving it a candy-cane look. Egg-carrying adults show bright green eggs under the tail.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A busy scavenger that is most active in lower light, picking over rocks for leftovers.21
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Easy to keep in an established marine tank. Keep water copper-free with low nitrate and provide some iodine for moulting.2
Home where they are happiest
A marine reef aquarium with live rock and plenty of hiding places. LiveAquaria gives 72-78 °F (about 22-26 °C), pH 8.1-8.4, dKH 8-12 and specific gravity 1.020-1.025. No minimum tank size was given by the sources.2
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Carnivorous scavenger that eats detritus, leftover food and decaying matter, plus parasites and dead tissue picked from fish. Some individuals eat small Aiptasia anemones. Offer prepared foods and the odd piece of fresh fish.12
Company who they like around
Gets along well in groups and with other invertebrates.2
The story where it all began
The peppermint shrimp was first described by Gibbes in 1850 from the coast of Florida and South Carolina. Reef keepers took it up as a natural way to control nuisance Aiptasia anemones, and DNA work has since shown that the name actually covers several near-identical species.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- Taxonomy (via Wikipedia)
- Described by Gibbes in 1850 from Key West, Florida and Charleston, South Carolina. Genetic studies show the name covers a group of several look-alike species, and many shrimp sold under it belong to related species such as Lysmata boggessi.1
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Peppermint Shrimp?
Your Peppermint Shrimp is a scavenger that eats leftovers and detritus, so it doesn't need heavy feeding. Offer a small piece of prepared food or fresh fish occasionally, adjusting based on how much it cleans up. For a precise schedule, ask your vet or a good breeder.12 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Peppermint Shrimp eat, and what should it never eat?
It eats detritus, leftover food, decaying matter, parasites, and dead tissue from fish. Some individuals also eat small Aiptasia anemones. Offer prepared foods and the odd piece of fresh fish. Avoid anything with copper or medications, as shrimp are sensitive.12
How much space does a Peppermint Shrimp need?
No minimum tank size is given, but it needs a marine reef aquarium with live rock and plenty of hiding places. A larger tank provides more stable water conditions. Ask a good breeder or reef specialist for advice on tank size.2
What temperature, light or water does a Peppermint Shrimp need?
Keep water temperature between 72-78°F, pH 8.1-8.4, dKH 8-12, and specific gravity 1.020-1.025. It prefers lower light and is most active in dim conditions. Pet Wiki's starting plan includes weekly water tests and daily top-ups with fresh RO water.2 Pet Wiki plan
How often should I clean a Peppermint Shrimp's home?
Pet Wiki's starting plan recommends a 10-20% water change every two weeks, daily top-ups with fresh RO water, and weekly water tests. Also check salinity weekly and lights monthly. Clean the tank as needed to maintain water quality. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Peppermint Shrimp live with others?
Yes, it is peaceful and sociable, getting along well with other shrimp and invertebrates. It can live in groups in a reef tank. Just ensure plenty of hiding places and stable water.2
How long does a Peppermint Shrimp live?
Lifespan information is not provided in the sources. It varies depending on tank conditions and care. Ask your vet or a good breeder for an estimate.
Can I handle a Peppermint Shrimp?
No specific guidance is given, but it is best to avoid handling due to its delicate body. Enjoy watching your shrimp from a distance in the tank.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Where this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- Lysmata wurdemanni (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for names, range, size, appearance, taxonomy, reproduction, diet, history
- Peppermint Shrimp, LiveAquaria liveaquaria.comused for care level, water parameters, social needs, diet, captive breeding
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.