Common name: Zanzibar Whip Coral Shrimp

Scientific name: Dasycaris zanzibarica Bruce, 1973
Zanzibar whip coral shrimp, Dasycaris zanzibaricaZanzibar whip coral shrimp - Dasycaris zanzibarica
Seawhip shripms, Dasycaris zanzibarica, Raja Ampat IndonesiaZanzibar whip coral shrimp

General information

The Zanzibar Whip Coral Shrimp, Dasycaris zanzibarica, is a fascinating species of shrimp that is highly sought after by marine aquarium enthusiasts for its unique appearance and behavior. This species is characterized by its elongated, transparent body with white and purple markings, which allows it to blend seamlessly with its preferred habitat, the whip corals of the genus Cirrhipathes.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
75 liter (20 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.023 to 1.025
Temperature
24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
5 cm (2″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Needs hiding spots
Diet
Carnivore Prefers live and frozen foods
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Peaceful
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Arthropods
    Arthropoda
  3. Class
    Malacostracans
    Malacostraca
  4. Order
    Decapods
    Decapoda
  5. Family
    Palaemonid Shrimp
    Palaemonidae
  6. Genus
    Peppermint Shrimp
    Dasycaris
  7. Species
    Zanzibar Whip Coral Shrimp
    Dasycaris zanzibarica Bruce, 1973

Care

Caring for Zanzibar Whip Coral Shrimp in captivity requires a well-established reef aquarium with stable water conditions and low to moderate flow. They are sensitive to changes in water quality, so regular maintenance and monitoring are crucial. These shrimp are peaceful and can be kept with a variety of reef-safe fish and invertebrates, but they should not be housed with predatory species that may harm them.

Reproduction

In the wild, Dasycaris zanzibarica has a complex life cycle that includes a planktonic larval stage. In captivity, breeding is challenging due to the difficulty in rearing the larvae, which require very specific conditions to survive and develop.

Symbiosis

Dasycaris zanzibarica has a commensal relationship with whip corals, particularly those in the genus Cirrhipathes. The shrimp gains protection and a feeding ground, while the coral benefits from the cleaning services provided by the shrimp, which removes parasites and dead tissue.

Habitat

This species is typically found in the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting coral reefs and slopes where whip corals are abundant. They are often observed clinging to the branches of their host corals, swaying with the currents.