Common name: Striped Bumblebee Shrimp

General information

The Peppermint Shrimp, Gnathophyllum americanum, is a popular invertebrate in the marine aquarium hobby, known for its striking red and white striped appearance. It is a small shrimp, reaching about 3 to 4 centimeters in length, and is often confused with its close relative, the Pacific Peppermint Shrimp (Lysmata wurdemanni), which shares a similar color pattern.

Care

Peppermint Shrimp are considered easy to care for and can be a beneficial addition to a reef tank due to their scavenging habits. They are known to consume detritus, leftover food, and are particularly famed for their ability to control Aiptasia, a type of pest anemone. They thrive in tanks with plenty of live rock and hiding places. It's important to maintain stable water conditions and avoid copper-based medications, which are toxic to all invertebrates.

Reproduction

In the home aquarium, Peppermint Shrimp are known to breed readily. They are protandric hermaphrodites, starting life as males and potentially transitioning to females as they mature. Breeding occurs after a molting process when the female is receptive. The larvae are released into the water column and go through several planktonic stages before settling down and metamorphosing into their adult form.

Habitat

Gnathophyllum americanum is native to the Western Atlantic, ranging from the Caribbean Sea to the northern coast of South America. They are typically found in shallow waters, often hiding among the crevices of coral reefs or beneath rocks during the day.