Common name: common marble shrimp

General information

The Marbled Shrimp, Saron marmoratus, is a strikingly patterned crustacean that adds both color and intrigue to a reef aquarium. Its body is adorned with a mosaic of greens, browns, and reds, which provides excellent camouflage against the reef. This species is nocturnal and tends to hide during the day, emerging at night to feed.

Care

Marbled Shrimp are relatively hardy and can adapt to a range of conditions found in well-established aquariums. They prefer to have plenty of hiding places and will appreciate a tank with live rock formations. They are omnivorous scavengers, feeding on detritus, leftover food, and sometimes small invertebrates. It's important to ensure they are not outcompeted for food by more aggressive feeders.

Reproduction

In the home aquarium, breeding Marbled Shrimp can be a challenge. They have a larval stage that requires very specific conditions to survive, which are difficult to replicate in captivity. However, they can occasionally reproduce if the conditions are right, with the larvae requiring planktonic food sources to develop.

Symbiosis

While not known for any specific symbiotic relationships, Marbled Shrimp can contribute to the cleanliness of the tank by consuming detritus and uneaten food, thus helping to maintain water quality.

Habitat

Saron marmoratus is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Japan and the Great Barrier Reef. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky substrates, usually at depths of up to 30 meters.