Fire Shrimp

1. Physical Characteristics

• Coloration: Fire Shrimp are deep red with white spots on their carapace and legs. Their bright color makes them a stunning addition to reef tanks. They have long white antennae which they use to sense their surroundings.
• Size: They typically grow to around 2-2.5 inches (5-6 cm) in length.
• Lifespan: With proper care, they can live up to 2-3 years in captivity.

2. Natural Habitat and Distribution

• Environment: Fire Shrimp are found in the Indo-Pacific region, especially around coral reefs. They live in crevices and under rocks where they can hide from predators.
• Water Conditions: They prefer tropical marine environments with temperatures around 75-82°F (24-28°C). Water salinity should range from 1.023 to 1.025 specific gravity.

3. Behavior and Symbiosis

• Cleaner Shrimp: Fire Shrimp are known as cleaner shrimp because they set up “cleaning stations” where fish, like tangs and angelfish, come to have parasites and dead skin removed. They use their claws to delicately pick off debris from fish scales.
• Nocturnal Activity: While active during the day, Fire Shrimp are more reclusive and may stay hidden in crevices. They often become more active at night when they emerge to forage.
• Territoriality: Fire Shrimp can be territorial and aggressive toward other shrimp of the same species if the tank is too small. They should have enough space and hiding places to establish their own territory.

4. Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: They can be kept in tanks as small as 10 gallons, but larger tanks are recommended, especially if housing multiple shrimp.
• Reef-Safe: Fire Shrimp are reef-safe and won’t harm corals or other invertebrates. However, they may steal food intended for corals if not well-fed.
• Water Quality: As with most invertebrates, Fire Shrimp are sensitive to water quality. A stable marine tank with good filtration and proper levels of ammonia (0 ppm), nitrites (0 ppm), and low nitrates is essential.
• Feeding: They are omnivores and scavengers. In addition to feeding on parasites, they should be supplemented with meaty foods such as frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and high-quality pellets or flakes. They also eat detritus and leftover food in the tank.

5. Breeding

• Sexuality: Fire Shrimp are hermaphroditic, meaning they possess both male and female reproductive organs. However, they still require another shrimp to reproduce.
• Breeding in Captivity: While possible, breeding Fire Shrimp in captivity is challenging. The larvae, called zoea, require specific conditions and are extremely sensitive to water quality and predation.
• Molting: Like all crustaceans, Fire Shrimp molt as they grow. After molting, they are soft and vulnerable to predators, so they will hide until their exoskeleton hardens.

6. Compatibility with Other Species

• Peaceful Species: Fire Shrimp are generally peaceful and can be kept with other reef-safe fish, such as clownfish, gobies, and wrasses. However, they may not tolerate other shrimp of the same species unless the tank is large enough.
• Avoid Predators: Avoid housing them with aggressive fish or large predators like triggers or puffers, as these fish may eat them.

7. Fun Facts

• Fire Shrimp’s cleaning services are sought after in the wild, where they interact with fish in a mutually beneficial way. Fish enjoy a parasite-free life, while the shrimp gets a meal.
• They can regrow lost limbs or antennae after molting.

Key Care Tips for Fire Shrimp:

• Stable Water Parameters: Maintain consistent water conditions, as shrimp are sensitive to changes in salinity, pH, and temperature.
• Hiding Places: Provide plenty of rocks, caves, and coral crevices for them to retreat to, especially after molting.
• Supplements: Ensure they have enough calcium in the water to support healthy molting.