Care
The popular Fire Shrimp is a member of the ‘cleaner shrimp’ group of decapods. In the wild, these vivid red shrimp are known to set up cleaning stations on the reefs, where they will relieve fish of their skin parasites. This behaviour is not observed all that often within the confines of the aquarium, the reclusive shrimp sometimes unfortunately preferring to feed on small polyps such as zoanthids and certain SPS corals (do research suitable sessile invertebrates prior to purchase!). Fire Shrimp are quite sociable and are best maintained in spacious aquaria where they can be kept in pairs or small groups. They should only be added to mature tanks containing plenty of live rock so that shelter can be sought during the day; however, during the evening they can usually be observed going about their business under blue moon lighting. Acclimatise slowly and carefully, preferably using the drip method or a Maidenhead Aquatics Fintro. Careful thought should be given to tankmates - avoid any large, aggressive predators. As with other invertebrates, do not use copper-based medications if you have Fire Shrimp in the tank. As these shrimp grow, they will moult every now and again, and you may find their exoskeletons in the tank. They are quite vulnerable for a few days once they have shed their exoskeleton, and may hide away until the new shell hardens. Will not tolerate a high nitrate level. May also be seen on sale as Blood Shrimp.
Feeding
Will eat most aquarium foods. Feed small amounts several times per day – underfed specimens are likely to pick on each other.
Breeding
Fire Shrimp regularly fill with eggs in the home aquarium, but raising the larvae is extremely challenging - mainly due to predation by tankmates, strong currents sucking them into the filtration system, and difficulty in feeding them with appropriately sized foodstuffs such as phytoplankton.
