Peppermint Shrimp (Lysmata wurdemanni)
Lysmata wurdemanni built its entire reputation on one specific behavior: actively hunting down and eating pest aiptasia anemones, a nuisance that spreads fast and stings coral if left unchecked. It’s worth knowing that several look-alike species get sold under the same common name without the same appetite for aiptasia, so genuine wurdemanni stock is what you actually want if pest control is the goal, not just the striped good looks.
Care level: Easy · Temperament: Peaceful · Max size: ~2" · Min tank: 10 gal · Reef safe: Yes · Diet: Omnivore, scavenger + pest anemones
At a glance
- Scientific name
- Lysmata wurdemanni
- Common name
- Peppermint Shrimp
- Water type
- Saltwater
- Care level
- Easy
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Max size
- ~2"
- Minimum tank
- 10 gal
- Diet
- Omnivore, scavenger + pest anemones
- Reef safe
- Yes
When it ships
Most non-quarantined stock goes out the week you order. If we do not already have the animal in-house we source it first — allow up to two weeks for it to reach us. Live animals leave Monday and Tuesday, and Early AM Overnight is the only service that carries a live arrival guarantee.
The live guarantee
Shipped Early AM Overnight: a 1-hour DOA window from confirmed delivery, and nothing beyond it. Next Day Air and 2-Day carry no live arrival guarantee, and neither does USPS Priority. Local pickup or local delivery: 24 hours, if you bring a water sample from your aquarium and we test it before the animal goes home. Maintenance clients: 60 days when we service the aquarium at least twice a month, 28 days on a monthly plan.
Expert guidance
Have a question about this piece?
Cameron draws on 25+ years in the hobby and a marine biology background to help you choose the right fit for your system.