Camel shrimp

[lando]

Does anyone have any experience with camel shrimp? I am considering getting one because they are unusual looking and are great scavenges. I have heard conflicting reports on how safe they are for reef tanks. Arethey reef safe or not? Thanks! Lando

 

[snapcrackler]

I think they are a lot like peppermints (Lysmata wurdemanni) in looks but the peppermints are "better" becasue they are a little more reef safe and actually eat aiptasia, in fact sometimes people buy the camel shrimp because they look like peppermints and they think they are getting peppermints.

If you get 2 peppermints they can release eggs which help feed the tank. I have 5 peppermints and they do not bother my corals to my knowledge. They do release little egg things though and pick little scraps of things up to eat.

 

[lando]

Thanks snapcrackler. I noticed you are from Iowa, what part? I grew up in Sheldon (Northwest Iowa), went to Iowa State (go Cyclones!), and lived in Des Moines for a time. Anyone else on the camel shrimp?

 

[snapcrackler]

Cedar Falls here, I go to Des Moines for business sometimes. 8)

 

[XXFirefighter]

Stick with Pepps, the camels I hate were eating good stuff on my rock !

 

[reefrunner69]

Camel shrimp are coral munchers.

 

[snapcrackler]

LOL

The hump on their back probably fills up with coral so they can go long periods between eating your reef..

 

[XXFirefighter]

Camel shrimp are coral munchers.

EXACTLY ! were killing my nice coral...
SO....
One day, 1 of em was dead...
then 2 days later the second died...
DAM Mantis shrimp !

 

[snapcrackler]

Yeah, or let a flame hawk loose in there to get those camels if ya don't have a mantis handy! 8O

hee hee