Description
The Dancing Jewel of Nano Reefs (VERY SMALL)
Add a splash of personality and vibrant motion to your aquarium with the one-and-only Sexy Shrimp. Famous for its unique behavior, this tiny shrimp holds its abdomen high in the air and sways rhythmically back and forth, creating a mesmerizing "dance" that is sure to capture attention. Its reddish-brown body is covered in brilliant, electric-white spots, making it a stunning jewel against the backdrop of a nano reef.
In the wild, Sexy Shrimp form a symbiotic relationship with anemones, and they will happily host in Rock Flower Anemones or certain corals (like Duncans) in the home aquarium. These shrimp are best kept in small groups where their confidence and fascinating social behaviors truly shine. For anyone with a nano or pico reef tank, a group of these dancing, spotted shrimp is an absolute must-have for adding life, color, and unparalleled character.
Why Sexy Shrimp are a Nano Tank Must-Have:
- Unique "Dancing" Behavior: Their signature swaying and wiggling is endlessly entertaining and adds a dynamic element to your tank.
- Stunning Pattern: The bold, white spots on their reddish bodies make them pop, creating a beautiful micro-display.
- Perfect for Nano Tanks: Their minuscule size makes them ideal for nano and pico aquariums (5 gallons and up) with a very low bioload.
- Best in Groups: Their fascinating social interactions are on full display when kept in groups of three or more, where they feel more secure and active.
- Completely Reef Safe: These tiny shrimp are model citizens and will not harm any corals or other invertebrates.
Care & Specifications
The Sexy Shrimp is hardy and easy to care for, making it perfect for beginners and experts alike. Providing a stable nano environment is the key to their success.
Tank Requirements:
- Minimum Tank Size: 5 Gallons or larger.
- System Maturity: Best suited for a mature, stable aquarium with live rock and a sandbed for scavenging.
- Aquascape: While not strictly required, they will be most comfortable and display their natural behaviors if a host is provided, such as a Rock Flower Anemone, Mini Carpet Anemone, or a suitable LPS coral like a Duncan.
Feeding:
- Diet: Omnivore. They are active scavengers.
- Recommended Foods: Their diet should include a variety of finely minced meaty foods (mysis, enriched brine shrimp), high-quality flake food, and pellet foods. They will also consume any leftover food that settles on the bottom.
- Feeding Method: In a tank with fish, they will typically scavenge enough to thrive. In a species-only tank, feed small amounts every other day.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature:72−78°F (22−25.5°C)
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Specific Gravity: 1.023−1.025
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pH: 8.1−8.4
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Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate: As close to 0 ppm as possible.
Compatibility:
- Temperament: Extremely peaceful.
- Group Behavior: To see them at their most confident and active, we highly recommend keeping them in a group of three or more. A single shrimp will often hide and be rarely seen.
- Tank Mates: Ideal for peaceful nano tanks. Keep with other small, peaceful inhabitants like small gobies (Clown, Trimma), small shrimp, and snails.
- Avoid: Do not house with any fish large enough to eat them. Avoid Wrasses, Hawkfish, Dottybacks, and any other aggressive or opportunistic predators.
Acclimation: IMPORTANT: Like all shrimp, they are sensitive to changes in water chemistry. To prevent stress and ensure a successful introduction, slow drip acclimation over a period of at least 60 minutes is mandatory.
