Common name: Horned Sea Pen Shrimp

General information

The Ceratops Cleaner Shrimp, scientifically known as Dasycaris ceratops, is a lesser-known but fascinating species in the marine aquarium hobby. This shrimp is recognized for its cleaning behavior, where it removes parasites and dead tissue from fish, providing a valuable service in maintaining fish health.

Care

Ceratops Cleaner Shrimp require a stable marine aquarium with plenty of live rock or coral structures to provide hiding places and surfaces for them to explore. They are not particularly demanding regarding water quality, but like all marine invertebrates, they are sensitive to copper-based medications and sudden changes in water parameters.

Reproduction

In the home aquarium, breeding Ceratops Cleaner Shrimp can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor. They have a larval stage that requires specialized care and feeding with microscopic foods such as phytoplankton or specially formulated shrimp larval diets.

Symbiosis

While not as commonly associated with symbiotic relationships as other cleaner shrimps, Dasycaris ceratops does engage in mutualistic interactions with fish, offering cleaning services that can help reduce stress and disease in the aquarium community.

Habitat

Dasycaris ceratops is typically found in tropical coral reef environments where it can be seen performing its cleaning duties. It is important for hobbyists to replicate a similar environment with adequate hiding spots and a community of fish that will benefit from its presence.