Common name: Banded Tozeuma Shrimp
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
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumArthropodsArthropoda
- ClassMalacostracaMalacostraca
- OrderDecapodsDecapoda
- FamilyCleaner ShrimpHippolytidae
- GenusTozeuma ShrimpTozeuma
- SpeciesBanded Tozeuma ShrimpTozeuma armatum
- SynonymsAngasia 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.