Kuekenthali's Peppermint Shrimp (Lysmata Kuekenthali)

The Kuekenthali's Peppermint Shrimp is a hardy, active, and beneficial addition to any marine aquarium. Known for its translucent body with red stripes, this shrimp is often sought after for its potential to control Aiptasia anemones—a common pest in reef tanks. In addition to being effective at naturally controlling Aiptasia, it also plays a role in the tank’s cleanup crew by scavenging leftover food and detritus, helping maintain a clean environment.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 2 inches.
• Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum; a tank with plenty of rockwork provides ideal hiding spots and feeding areas.
• Diet: Omnivorous; primarily a scavenger, feeding on detritus and leftover food. It may consume Aiptasia anemones if they are present, making it a natural solution for pest control. It also accepts a variety of supplemental foods, such as sinking pellets and frozen mysis or brine shrimp.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Peaceful; Kuekenthali's Peppermint Shrimp are generally non-aggressive and get along well with other tank inhabitants. They are often kept in small groups to encourage natural behavior.
• Skill Level: Beginner; hardy and easy to care for, making it suitable for aquarists of all levels.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe with caution; while it does not harm most corals or invertebrates, rare instances of nipping at soft corals or small polyps have been reported, especially in tanks with limited food sources. Ensuring it is well-fed will reduce the likelihood of it bothering corals.

Special Feature - Aiptasia Control
One of the standout qualities of Kuekenthali's Peppermint Shrimp is its potential to naturally control Aiptasia anemones. While effectiveness can vary between individual shrimp, many aquarists report success in using these shrimp to reduce Aiptasia populations. It is best to monitor the shrimp’s behavior and supplement its diet if Aiptasia is scarce.

Compatibility
Kuekenthali's Peppermint Shrimp are peaceful and compatible with most tankmates, including small fish and other invertebrates. They are often kept in small groups, and multiple shrimp can enhance their effectiveness in Aiptasia control.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: This shrimp has a translucent body with red horizontal stripes, making it an attractive addition to any aquarium. Its small size and vibrant coloration allow it to blend in among corals and rockwork while adding beauty to the tank​.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Kuekenthali's Peppermint Shrimp are commonly found in coral reefs and rocky areas, where they feed on detritus and small invertebrates. They prefer tanks with ample hiding spots and moderate flow.