Common name: Manning hingebeak

General information

The Peppermint Shrimp, Cinetorhynchus manningi, is a popular choice among reef aquarium hobbyists for its natural ability to control Aiptasia, a type of pest anemone. These shrimp are known for their striking red and white striped bodies, which provide excellent camouflage among the coral and rockwork of a reef tank.

Native to the Western Atlantic, they are nocturnal scavengers that play a role in the clean-up crew by consuming detritus and uneaten food.

Care

Peppermint Shrimp are relatively easy to care for. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of live rock and hiding places. These shrimp are not picky eaters and will accept a variety of foods, including frozen, flake, and pellet diets, as well as the Aiptasia they are so valued for controlling.

Reproduction

In captivity, Peppermint Shrimp can breed successfully. They are known to carry their eggs beneath their abdomens until they hatch into larvae. The larvae require specialized care and feeding with phytoplankton or specially formulated shrimp larval diets to survive and grow.

Symbiosis

While not involved in the classic symbiotic relationships seen with clownfish and anemones, Peppermint Shrimp do contribute to the overall health of the aquarium by cleaning up waste, which in turn benefits other tank inhabitants.

Habitat

In the wild, Cinetorhynchus manningi is typically found in shallow waters, often hiding in crevices during the day. They are distributed throughout the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.