Sexy Anemone Shrimp

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Easy   • Temperament: Peaceful   • Maximum Size: 2"
• Diet: Carnivore   • Aquarium Level: Substrate & Rocks   • Minimum Tank Size: 12 gallons
 • Reef Compatible: Yes   • Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
• Supplements: None   • Coloration: Brown, Grey, White
• Origin: Indo-Pacific • Family: Hippolytidae   • Species: Shrimp

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The Sexy Anemone Shrimp is a truly unique and fascinating shrimp to view, and one that exhibits an unusual trait of swaying its abdomen back and forth, hence the name Sexy shrimp. This species is usually found among the tentacles of an anemone, but in the reef aquarium it will quickly find a nice coral to perch on.

This is a relatively small peaceful species that does better in the more tranquil environment of a smaller reef aquarium or nano aquarium, away from larger more boisterous fish and invertebrate species.

Sexy shrimp do best in small groups of 3 to 6 individuals in a smaller reef aquarium. Sexy Anemone shrimp will grow quite rapidly, molting about every 3-4 weeks. Although very hardy, the small size of these shrimp means they should be acclimated slowly to avoid any salinity and/or pH shock. While a suitable anemone is the preferred home of the Sexy Anemone Shrimp, they will also take up residence on some corals as well.

As with most marine invertebrates, the Sexy Anemone Shrimp are intolerant of high nitrates or copper levels, and iodine levels in the water must be correct to promote proper molting.

The Sexy Anemone Shrimp maintains a symbiotic relationship with its host Anemone and will get a portion of its food by eating small food items that it can scavenge from what the Anemone is feeding on. However, its diet should be supplemented with flaked and frozen foods, plankton, and other similar type meaty items.