Peppermint shrimp, aggressive?

[manowar669]

We have 2 large peppermint shrimp. We added a large feather duster (not sure what type). The peppermints started pulling on the crown until it withdrew. The next morning, the featherduster's entire crown was lying on the sand. It's dead. Could it have been the shrimp? Also, some baby xenia were almost completely devoured. They're ok now, but would the peppermints bother small xenia? Other inhabitants are 2 ocellaris clowns, a pj cardinal, banded goby/pistol shrimp team, emerald crab, 2 skunk cleaners, lots of blue leg hermits, snails. We're considering feeding the peppermints to the mantis shrimp (another tank).

 

[Grins]

It could have been the peppermints. Some are OK, some not so much. I know mine have eaten stomatellas. Are you certain they are peppermints though and not camelbacks? (have to ask, please pardon if you are aware of the differences)

 

[Catpicklesdog]

As Grins said are you sure it was the "safe" peppermint? There are 2 that are classed as peppermints. There is Lysmata californica which is called Peppermint shrimp or Catalina cleaner shrimp and is known for eating polyps, soft corals such as Clavularia, zoas and both SPS and LPS. It will NOT eat aiptasia. It is also a cool-water shrimp and won't survive long in reef tanks.

The other is Lysmata wurdemanni, also known as Peppermint shrimp. Thie one IS reputed to eat Aiptasia.

Then there is Camel backs Rynchocinetes spp also known as hinge-beak prawns. They prey on corals and other polyps.

HTH

 

[manowar669]

Pretty sure they're Lysmata wurdemanni. They are not camel back shrimp. I've had them for about 1.5 years at tropical temps, so I'm pretty sure it's not californica. They some times chase the skunk cleaners also (maybe just territorial there).

 

[journey0820]

Don't be so sure your feather is dead. They drop their crowns when they are scared or starved. It will grow back.

 

[journey0820]

I have two peppermints and haven't had any trouble with aggression yet.