Blood stripe shrimp - Lysmata Wurdemanni / seticaudata / kuekenthali

Especially its reputation for destroying glass rose infestations in no time has earned the Wurdemanni shrimp, Lysmata wurdemanni, many a fan. And since this pretty striped crawler not only looks cute, but is cute, it also belongs to the genus Lysmata within the family of cleaner shrimp and marble shrimp (Hippolytidae). Just like other Lysmatas, the Wurdemanni shrimp loves to clean the skin of its fellow fish and even dares to enter wide open large mouths and take care of its teeth. Its natural range extends from Belize through the Gulf of Mexico to the western Atlantic, where it occurs at depths of up to 37 meters and also maintains a symbiotic relationship with Heteractis anemones, but also lives somewhat withdrawn between coral overhangs or crevices. As a relatively robust marine shrimp, it is easy to keep and takes on an important role in the community aquarium.

Wurdemanni shrimp are easy to spot in the aquarium due to their striking reddish-brown stripe pattern on a transparent body. The legs and antennae are also colored. With a size of 6-7 cm they also grow a bit larger.

The Wurdemanni shrimp, which belongs to the Lysmata, is also hermaphrodite (hermaphroditic). It undergoes a sex change during growth, in which it initially shows only male characteristics, which are later supplemented by female ones. However, it requires a mate to reproduce, as it cannot mate itself. Wurdemanni shrimp can also be bred in the aquarium with a little patience. The shrimp, which takes over the female part, forms a clear egg spot in the neck. She keeps the fertilized eggs under her swimming legs. Being of the primitive reproductive type, it forms thousands of very tiny eggs from which fully developed young hatch. However, overpopulation is not to be expected, as several factors and natural predators regulate the number of young.

Wurdemanni shrimp can be kept well in reef aquariums from 100 liters, especially in large community aquariums they play an important role in tank hygiene and fish care. They contribute substantially to the well-being of the fellow fish. It can be socialized without problems and likes to hang upside down under coral overhangs. As a rather nocturnal animal, it usually carries out its campaigns against glass lizards in the twilight or night hours. It feels with its antennas at the tentacles of the glass rose and starts to "cut" pieces out of it and eat them until the glass rose has disappeared. However, to really get on top of an active plague, it is worthwhile to use several shrimps that are fed quite sparingly, as they will otherwise readily and quickly adapt to regular feeding. On the other hand the right middle should be found. A socialization with cylinder roses and other animals with very fine tentacles is not recommended.

Like all marine invertebrates, the Wurdemanni cleaner shrimp is very sensitive to density fluctuations and residual copper in the aquarium. With regard to this, medicinal treatments should therefore be chosen with caution and the product description should be checked carefully. In order to accustom the shrimp to its new home, it is recommended to use a Acclimation setwhich makes it easier for it to move in by means of the droplet method.
Also Wurdemanni shrimps shed their skin regularly and literally "get out of their skin". This then lies in the aquarium and is eventually eaten by her. Until their new shell has hardened, they can hide in caves or crevices for a while. Regular water changes bring in new minerals, which she needs for this process, among other things. To keep the water parameters constantly in the optimal range, it is worth checking them weekly with the help of a Test sets for seawater. Average water values with a density of 1.023 and a pH between 7.8-8.3 are optimal.

Wurdemann's shrimp are omnivores that should be fed well in the aquarium. They do have a reputation for eating polyps, but they can certainly be discouraged from doing so with a varied diet. Glass lice will eat them with relish if fed sparingly. They can be fed well with crushed flake food, but also with small live and Frozen foods such as cyclops, copepods and nauplii. They also search for food between crevices in the reef and also between the teeth of their fellow inhabitants. Thus they make an important contribution to the aquarium care.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.

Special feature: glass rose eater