The Peppermint Shrimp (Lysmata wurdemanni) is one of the most popular and highly beneficial invertebrates in the marine aquarium hobby. Native to the Western Atlantic and Caribbean, this shrimp is an opportunistic omnivore known for its attractive translucent body marked by distinctive red and white horizontal stripes.
While an excellent scavenger and member of the clean-up crew, the Peppermint Shrimp is most highly prized for its appetite for nuisance Aiptasia anemones (also known as glass anemones). A few individuals added to a tank can quickly bring a persistent Aiptasia outbreak under control.
This species is relatively hardy, peaceful, and reef-safe, making it an ideal choice for nearly all saltwater systems. However, like all shrimp, it is vulnerable during its molting process and is highly sensitive to copper-based medications.