subject: Sexy Shrimp Guide [print this page] If you're into marine aquariums, and you have a penchant for smaller creatures both fish or invertebrates, the sexy shrimp might interest you. Sexy shrimp are probably the smallest shrimp to come into the marine aquarium hobby on a regular basis.
They rarely grow bigger than half and inch and they like to hang out in groups. These shrimp are found throughout the indo-pacific where they are usually found hosting an anemone. Due to their diminutive sizes, an anemone is a vital means of protection. Because of their small sizes and lack of defence, they are easy prey to a great number of predators be they fish, corals or invertebrates.
The female is typically bigger than the male and it is she that calls the shots usually. They can co-exist in larger numbers than two and are a joy to see in large numbers. They will typically graze on liverock throughout the day where they move together as a group.
Sexy shrimp are obviously not suited to aquariums that house larger carnivores such as triggerfish, large dottybacks, groupers and the like. Fish like those will make a quick meal out of them in short order. They are more suited to aquariums that are more peaceful.
Because they are so small, they can also be housed in very small tanks. I've seen them housed in tanks as small as five gallons. At that size, a pair would be the upper limit. They are easy to care provided water quality is good and there is food. A pellet or two a day would suffice.
