Common name: Banded Tozeuma Shrimp

Scientific name: Tozeuma armatum

General information

The Camelback Shrimp, Tozeuma armatum, is a distinctive and fascinating species of shrimp known for its elongated body and rostrum that resembles a saw blade. This species is part of the family Hippolytidae and is often sought after by aquarists for its unique appearance and behavior. The Camelback Shrimp is relatively small, usually reaching up to 5 centimeters in length, and displays a variety of colors, from green to brown, often with white or yellow stripes running along its body.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
75 liter (20 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.022 to 1.025
Temperature
24 to 26 °C (75 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
5 cm (2″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Needs stable conditions & hiding spots.
Diet
Omnivore Eats small inverts & detritus.
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
    Cleaner Shrimp
    Hippolytidae
  6. Genus
    Tozeuma Shrimp
    Tozeuma
  7. Species
    Banded Tozeuma Shrimp
    Tozeuma armatum
  8. Synonyms
    Angasia stimpsonii Henderson, 1893

Care

Tozeuma armatum is a hardy species that can adapt to a range of conditions found in well-established reef aquariums. They prefer tanks with plenty of live rock and crevices where they can hide and search for food. These shrimps are omnivorous and will scavenge for detritus, algae, and small organisms within the aquarium. They are generally peaceful but may become territorial with other shrimps of the same species. It's important to provide a varied diet that includes high-quality frozen and dry foods to maintain their health.

Reproduction

Reproduction in Tozeuma armatum is not well documented in the aquarium hobby, but like many shrimp species, they are likely to have a planktonic larval stage. In the wild, females carry the eggs under their abdomen until they hatch. Successfully breeding these shrimps in captivity may require a separate breeding tank with controlled conditions to raise the delicate larvae.

Habitat

The natural habitat of the Camelback Shrimp includes coral reefs and rocky substrates in the Indo-Pacific region. They are typically found in shallow waters, often hiding among the branches of corals or within the crevices of the reef structure. Their cryptic nature and ability to blend into their surroundings make them an interesting addition to the reef aquarium, where they contribute to the biodiversity and natural behavior observed in the tank.

Geographical distribution of Tozeuma armatum spans from the Red Sea and East Africa across the Indo-Pacific to the central Pacific Ocean.