The Western Atlantic Peppermint Shrimp complex
Lysmata wurdemanni has been reclassified in 2006 by Andrew L. Rhyne and Junda Lin based on their morphology and color pattern. See the
article here. In general, peppermint shrimp from different regions can easily be identified to species level by their color patterns. Our peppermint shrimp from either the Florida Keys or the Gulf of Mexico and are most often
Lysmata boggessi, a species proven to consume
Aiptaisa (Rhyne et al. 2004). We occasionally receive other species from the
Lysmata wurdemanni complex, we have consulted with Dr. Rhyne and he has confirmed that all species of peppermint shrimp he has tested in the laboratory consume
Aiptasia. Differences in exact collection location often dictates what species we have in stock. The exact species that will be shipped to your door is one of the following listed below. The exact species you receive will vary based on the time of year, weather conditions, freight space, and inventory levels. All of the following species make ideal scavengers and prey on the pest anemone
Aiptasia pallida.
Florida Bay and Atlantic –
L. wurdemanni
Caribbean –
L. ankeri
Florida Bay and Gulf of Mexico –
L. boggessi
South Western Florida Keys –
L. rafa
