Blood Shrimp

The Blood Shrimp (Lysmata debelius), also called a Fire Shrimp, has a red body, white spots, and long white antennae. It is often more visible around feeding time or after dark than in the middle of a brightly lit display.

Provide caves and overhangs with shaded retreats. A settled shrimp may spend much of the day under cover, with only its antennae showing. Allow it access to food near that retreat rather than expecting it to compete in open water.

Offer small meaty marine foods as part of its regular diet. Blood Shrimp can perform cleaning behaviour, but they can also defend territory against other Blood Shrimp. Ask about compatibility before adding a second individual, and keep copper-based treatments out of an aquarium housing this invertebrate.