Some of the most well-known invertebrates in the field are deep-sea shrimp. Both vivid and semi-transparent colors are available for them.
Various kinds of partnerships with various other microbes, such as fish and polyps, for daily protection and health!
There is far more than fulfills the eye with these leading 12 sorts of deep-sea fish tank shrimp.
Types of Saltwater Aquarium Shrimp
Below are a few of our preferred deep-sea Shrimp that you can maintain house:
Blood Red Fire Shrimp
The Blood Red Fire Shrimp is one of the most beautiful of all, even though deep-sea fish tank shrimp generally look far more spectacular than their freshwater siblings.
Blood Red Fire Shrimp are typically nocturnal and also reticent, but over time and with consistent daytime feedings, they become more active throughout the day and are visible outside. They typically built cleaning terminals on rocky or reef protrusions where permitted.
Fish will surely relax nearby after that, allowing the shrimp to choose and eliminate bloodsuckers and other skin-irritating toxins. Blood Red Fire Shrimp are enormous and a great addition to fish-only storage tanks, despite not being as effective cleaners as some other cleaners.
Both within their own species and with other Shrimp, Blood Red Fire Shrimp are capable of being possessive. They form mated sets if kept with different other Shrimp and require a rather large storage tank (55+ gallons).
They are likewise simple to feed, accepting the usual prepared and also chilly dishes that your fish would certainly eat. It has been observed that blood red fire shrimp occasionally pick at both stony and soft reefs. Others who are fans claim they have no issues at all. Take care when adding to your coral reef.
- Taxonomic Name: Lysmata Sebelius.
- Beginning: Indo-Pacific.
- Dimension: Up to 3 inches.
- Rate: $20-30.
- Reef-Safe: With Caution.
- Trouble: Easy.
Banded Coral Shrimp
One of the more aggressive varieties of deep-sea fish tank shrimp is the grouper coral shrimp. They have no grace for one another, however they will occasionally put up with other varieties. They must continually be kept alone or as a proven mated pair because they will surely fight the fatality in large fish aquariums.
Grouped coral shrimp are also vigorous cleaners and would surely check any fish that comes close for irritants to their skin. They are among the best first shrimp varieties for beginners because they are resilient, affordable, and attractive.
Their enthusiasm for hunting for and ingesting Bristleworms in the aquatic fish tank is a big contributing reason to their attraction. Even while most are friendly at night, some are carnivorous and will undoubtedly attack fish.
Heaven Banded Coral Shrimp (Stenopus tenuirostiris), Golden Banded Coral Shrimp (Stenopus scutellatus), and Yellow Banded Coral Shrimp are three additional closely related species with the same treatment requirements (Stenopus zanzibaricus).
- Taxonomic Name: Stenopus hispidus.
- Beginning: Indo-Pacific.
- Dimension: 3 inches.
- Cost: $10-20.
- Coral Reef Safe: Yes.
- Problem: Easy.
Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
The Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp should be your first choice if you’re seeking for a shrimp specifically known for cleaner behaviors. They are ideal for a variety of fish tanks, from coral reef aquariums to fish tanks with mostly fish.
In the wild, the Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp will voluntarily enter the mouths of big killers to clean up the spaces between the teeth and the gill arcs. Unless your predatory fish was increased with one around, it’s never a good idea to play with this in your home aquarium.
Scarlet Skunks can be housed in groups and are quiet and safe around coral reefs. It is encouraged to keep 2 to 3 shrimp because they can be reticent and retire when they are born alone.
They only reach a maximum height of 2 inches, despite being beautifully coloured. Despite their diminutive size, they are brazen and wave their flamboyant antennae in the direction of reefs to attract fish that are looking for pet grooming.
The red skunk cleaning shrimp will surely eat some of everything, including algae on rocks, prepared meals, and skin bloodsuckers. They may occasionally pursue after shrimp of different sizes in a similar manner, but they never hurt their relatives.
- Taxonomic Name: Lysmata amboinensis.
- Beginning: Indian Ocean.
- Dimension: 2 inches.
- Cost: $20-30.
- Coral Reef Safe: Yes.
- Problem: Easy.
Peppermint Shrimp
Peppermint Shrimp can be kept alone or in groups and are small, quiet, and inexpensive, while not being as visually appealing as some of their more substantial relatives. Although they will surely demonstrate cleansing actions, they are not as reliable as other sorts.
In addition to serving as cleaner shrimp, peppermint shrimp will also seek out and eat glass anemones (Aiptasia). These tiny polyps have a propensity to reproduce erratically and will surely indiscriminately harm nearby fish and invertebrates.
Some Peppermint Shrimp might choose to ignore less spicy dishes and make a pig of themselves with them. However, because they can be kept in groups, you should eventually see a shift in the population of Glass Anemones. Additionally, Peppermint Shrimp like slightly warmer temperatures in the lower to mid-’70s.
- Taxonomic Name: Lysmata wurdemanni.
- Beginning: Caribbean.
- Dimension: 1 1/2 inches.
- Rate: $5-10.
- Coral Reef Safe: Yes.
- Trouble: Easy.
Marbled Shrimp
Despite not being bloodsucker cleaners, marbled shrimp are excellent at clearing up the remains of fish dishes. They are reluctant scavengers, and because they mainly hunt at night, you might not often spot your own among the vast fish tanks filled with hiding places.
During the night, the animal searches for any remaining food and will unquestionably devour practically anything, including concealed flakes or pellets and silt. In the evening, they also have a crimson pigment that makes it easier for them to blend in with the shadows while they feed.
But the reason why they are called marbled shrimp is because they have a habit of nibbling on everything that is not safe for the coral reef. They will surely consume polyps if given the chance.
They are one of the few species of deep-sea shrimp that can be reliably sexed due to their exoskeletons, controlled yet eye-catching marbling, and tufts. Women have tufts on the first foreleg. Men also have long claws that lack bristly extensions.
- Taxonomic Name: Saron marmoratus.
- Beginning: Indo-Pacific.
- Dimension: 2 inches.
- Rate: $5-10.
- Coral reef safe: No.
- Problem: Easy.
Sexy Anemone Shrimp
One of the tiniest varieties of deep-sea fish tank Shrimp is known only as the Sexy Shrimp. Because they require so little space and can be kept both alone and in groups of any size, attractive shrimp are great for micro fish tanks. They have a distinctive belly-waving shimmy that gives them their name and is entertaining to see.
Sexy Anemone Shrimp are found in nature hiding within the painful arms of different kinds of polyps. While insufficient to defend against the majority of murderers, they will surely clean up mucus from their hosts as well as occasionally chew on arm ideas. Their relationship is commensal as a result. The polyp does not benefit but is also not harmed.
Even though it seems like a natural pairing, they won’t be able to share polyps with clownfish because the latter will just eat or expel the bothersome shrimp.
Occasionally, hot shrimp will also form bonds with coral reefs, such as Duncan’s Coral (Duncanopsammia Saxifraga) and also clove polyps (Clavularia sp.). They are omnivorous like the majority of Shrimp and will unquestionably eat any prepared, ice, or vegetable item used as nourishment.
- Taxonomic Name: Thor amboinensis.
- Beginning: Atlantic and also Indo-Pacific.
- Dimension: 3/4 inch.
- Rate: $10.
- Coral Reef Safe: Yes.
- Problem: Easy.
Harlequin Shrimp
Since they are well-built and active all day, Harlequin Shrimp would surely rank among the most well-known varieties of deep-sea fish tanks Shrimp if it weren’t for how difficult it is to feed them. Since they are expert killers, they will only accept starfish (and occasionally sea urchins) as prey.
This makes feeding expensive and difficult at times. While Asterina may frequently be found in great numbers in the fish tank, eventually your shrimp will absolutely consume all of them and also need further feedings. One Chocolate Chip Starfish can sustain a set of Harlequin Shrimp for a week and costs around $10.
They happily coexist as mated pairs and will even hunt together, working to turn over the starfish and drag it to their burrow to eat on the vulnerable tube feed and within. They are great additions to an aquatic fish aquarium as long as you can accommodate their unusual preferences.
- Taxonomic Name: Hymenocera picta.
- Beginning: Indo-Pacific.
- Dimension: 2 inches.
- Rate: $40-50.
- Coral Reef Safe: Yes.
- Problem: Moderate.
Bumblebee Shrimp
A small but eye-catching variety of deep-sea fish tank shrimp, bumblebee shrimp is ideal for nano fish tanks. Many sanctuaries are active throughout the day when available. Additionally, they only reach one inch in size. Bumblebee shrimp are docile and can be kept individually or in groups.
Similar to harlequin shrimp, bumblebee shrimp will consume other echinoderms as well as the television foot of starfish. They will surely accept substitutes, such as brined shrimp and other defrosted nutritious items.
Because they are a smaller species, bumblebee shrimp aren’t a very effective way to manage Asterina population increases unless housed in large groups.
- Taxonomic Name: Gnathophyllum americanum.
- Beginning: Indo-Pacific.
- Dimension: 1 inch.
- Rate: $10.
- Coral Reef Safe: Yes.
- Problem: Easy.
Pistol Shrimp
One of the intriguing varieties of deep-sea fish tank shrimp is the handgun shrimp. They possess a particular claw that creates a cavitation bubble, as the name suggests. Although the technology is complex, it fires a quick, variable bullet of water and acoustic power at a target and potential assassins.
The bubble bursts on itself, producing a thunderous explosion and a brief pulse of light. Gun Shrimp use this “bullet” to stun and kill small fish and shellfish, but they will definitely get used to eating prepared meals and dead animals rapidly.
Although they usually don’t harm coral reefs, some species of micro shrimp may fall prey to them, especially if they are caught during a molt when their skin is still delicate.
Pistol Shrimp come in a variety of kinds, and almost all of them are burrowers that like a deep, high-quality sand substrate. Then, without a doubt, they will create a tunnel that they aggressively patrol and rarely leave other than to feed.
Many pistol shrimp will also form cooperative relationships with shrimp gobies since the goby has stronger vision and serves as an alarm for the pistol shrimp. The Shrimp often keeps a single antenna on the Goby and continuously monitors its location. The Pistol Shrimp and Goby share a burrow, and the Goby occasionally supplies and gathers food for its roommate.
It is challenging to replicate this connection in a fish tank since different kinds and varieties of Gobies pair with different kinds of Pistol Shrimp. Both must be introduced right now to avoid the Goby claiming a straightforward rock cavern and refusing to leave when the Pistol Shrimp completes its new home.
- Taxonomic Name: Alpheidae household.
- Beginning: Worldwide.
- Dimension: 1 to 3 inches.
- Cost: $20-40.
- Coral Reef Safe: Yes.
- Trouble: Easy to Moderate.
Camel Shrimp
According to appearances, camel shrimp and peppermint shrimp are very similar. They do, however, have a distinct belly bulge, visible eyes, and less pronounced white and red stripes.
Their twilight nature is suggested by their large, reflecting eyes. Although Camel Shrimp will surely get used to eating during the day, they spend most of their time wandering at night when they are safe from most predators. They are excellent housemaids since they hunt for leftover food and other sediments that collect in the fish tank.
Disputes and the shrimp’s impulses determine whether camel shrimp are safe for coral reefs. While some discover that Camel Shrimp tend to forage on coral reefs, many aquarists find that well-fed Camel Shrimp are safe to coral reefs.
Although supposed to be safe from camel shrimp, bubble coral and painful polyps are not guaranteed. Although they are great additions to coral reef fish aquariums, I can only urge caution when trying them on your own.
- Taxonomic Name: Rhynchocinetes durbanensis.
- Beginning: Pacific.
- Dimension: 2 inches.
- Rate: $10.
- Coral reef Safe: With Caution.
- Problem: Easy.
Peacock Mantis Shrimp
Please Note: Mantis Shrimp are shellfish known as Stomatopods; they are not true shrimp. They should be included because they are ostensibly similar and are sometimes called shrimp.
Mantis Shrimp are renowned for their sight as well as their vivacious, audacious character. They come in two varieties: smashers, who have a forelimb that resembles a club, and spearers, who have a razor-sharp forelimb. Both types whip this arm or leg extraordinarily quickly to both dispatch victims and defend themselves from assassins.
The 8-inch-tall Peacock Mantis Shrimp is quite large, with vividly colored red, blue, and green tones. As a “smasher” kind, they feature twin clubs that, if used at the right angle and with enough force, may fracture fish tank glass. On the other hand, this seldom rarely happens. This frequently occurs when large adults maintained in a small storage tank are prodded into leaving.
There is a chance. Commonly, Peacock Mantis Shrimp defend their prey against rocks or glass and attack repeatedly to crack the shells of crabs, clams, Shrimp, and other hard-shelled prey. They will also accept fish and defrosted shellfish as well as other soft, heavy food.
Strong Peacock Mantis Shrimp are unique deep sea fish tank shrimp that are speedy, fierce killers with excellent vision. Despite this, they should be maintained in containers alone because they will eventually harm or consume everything else nearby.
- Taxonomic Name: Odontodactylus scyllarus.
- Beginning: Indo-Pacific.
- Dimension: Up to 8 inches.
- Rate: $50-100.
- Coral reef safe: No.
- Problem: Moderate to Difficult.
Pederson’s Cleaner Shrimp
The little, placid Caribbean variety known as Pederson’s Cleaner Shrimp not only acts as a cleaner but also forms commensal relationships with polyps for protection. They advertise their products with powerful white antennas, and the small shrimp will definitely climb over large predatory fish in search of bloodsuckers to annihilate.
Although their relationship to polyps is intriguing, Pederson’s Cleaner Shrimp do not require home fish tanks to survive.
Friendly and best when eaten in groups of three or more, Pederson’s Cleaner Shrimp are a favorite. They are also omnivorous and will certainly accept any icy or prepared offerings as well as consume substratum and also hole fragments as food.
- Taxonomic Name: Ancylomenes Pederson.
- Beginning: Caribbean.
- Dimension: 1 to 1 1/2 inches.
- Rate: $20-30.
- Coral Reef Safe: Yes.
- Problem: Easy.