Common name: Sea Star Shrimp
General information
The Soror Shrimp, scientifically known as Periclimenes soror, is a striking species of shrimp found in the Indo-Pacific region. It is particularly noted for its symbiotic relationship with various anemones, which makes it a fascinating addition to any reef aquarium. The Soror Shrimp is characterized by its translucent body adorned with purple and white bands, and it can grow up to 5 centimeters in length.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 75 liter (20 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 22 to 28 °C (72 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 5 cm (2″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs stable conditions & clean water
- Diet
- Omnivore Eats detritus, leftover food, small organisms
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumArthropodsArthropoda
- ClassMalacostracansMalacostraca
- OrderDecapodsDecapoda
- FamilyPalaemonid ShrimpPalaemonidae
- GenusGlass Anemone ShrimpPericlimenes
- SpeciesSea Star ShrimpPericlimenes soror Nobili, 1904
- SynonymsPericlimenes bicolor Edmondson, 1935Periclimenes frater BorradaileZenopontonia soror (Nobili, 1904)
Care
Soror Shrimp are considered moderate in terms of care difficulty. They thrive in well-established aquariums with stable water conditions and plenty of hiding spaces. These shrimps are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods, including frozen and flake foods, but they particularly enjoy small meaty foods like brine shrimp or mysis.
Reproduction
In the aquarium, Periclimenes soror may breed with the right conditions. The female carries the eggs until they hatch into free-swimming larvae. Raising the larvae can be challenging, as they require very fine, planktonic foods and stable water conditions.
Symbiosis
Periclimenes soror forms a mutualistic relationship with sea anemones, similar to clownfish. The shrimp gains protection from predators by living among the anemone's tentacles, and in return, it helps keep the anemone clean by removing parasites and detritus. This shrimp is often associated with the anemone species @species:entacmaea-quadricolor, @species:stichodactyla-gigantea, and @species:heteractis-magnifica.
Habitat
This species is native to the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. It is typically found in coral reefs and associated with anemones at various depths, often below the intertidal zone.