The Fire Shrimp, scientifically known as Lysmata debelius, is a striking and bold addition to marine aquariums and particularly, reef aquariums. This shrimp species hails from the Indo-Pacific region, specifically from the waters around the Red Sea and it appreciated for it's distinct bright red coloration and white spots.
Aquarium Setup: The Fire Shrimp thrives in aquariums with a minimum size of 10 gallons, providing ample space for exploration and molting. A well-established tank with live rock structures, caves, and crevices allows the Fire Shrimp to establish territories and molt safely. Maintain stable water conditions, including a temperature range of 72-78°F (22-26°C), a pH level between 8.1 and 8.4, and a specific gravity of 1.023 to 1.025.
Water Parameters: Ensuring pristine water quality is crucial for the health of the Fire Shrimp. Regular monitoring of ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate levels, along with consistent water changes, will contribute to optimal conditions for these graceful crustaceans.
Diet: The Fire Shrimp is primarily a scavenger and a filter feeder. While it will consume detritus and leftover food in the aquarium, supplement its diet with high-quality marine pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and other small meaty foods.
Compatibility: Fire Shrimp are generally peaceful and can be housed with a variety of tankmates. Ideal companions include non-aggressive fish species, such as gobies, smaller wrasses, and other reef-safe fish. They are also known to form symbiotic relationships with certain anemones, providing both protection and food for the shrimp. Exercise caution with predatory fish known to eat shrimp (Hawk fish for example) that may view the Fire Shrimp as potential prey.
Reef Safety: The Fire Shrimp is considered reef safe and is an excellent addition to reef aquariums. They play a beneficial role in the aquarium ecosystem by helping clean detritus and parasites from fish, and they pose no threat to corals or other invertebrates.
Molting and Care: As with all shrimp, the Fire Shrimp undergoes molting to grow. During molting, provide hiding places to reduce stress. Molting is a vulnerable time for the shrimp, so ensure water quality remains optimal, and avoid handling the shrimp during this process.
The Fire Shimp will grow to a maximum xize of about 2 inches in length.
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