𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐀𝐥𝐥!
𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬
Introduction
If there were a dance-off in your reef tank, one contestant would win every single time. Thor amboinensis, better known as the Sexy Shrimp, doesn’t just walk across your reef—it struts, shakes, and wiggles like it’s auditioning for the ocean’s hottest music video. These tiny crustaceans bring more personality per inch than most fish ten times their size. And the best part? That famous “booty shake” isn’t just for show—it’s part of how they interact with their world.
In this article, we’ll dive into what makes Sexy Shrimp such a favorite for nano and reef tanks, how to keep them thriving, and which corals make the perfect stage for their signature dance moves.
Meet The Sexy Shrimp!
Hailing from the Indo-Pacific, Sexy Shrimp live in shallow reef flats and rubble zones, usually nestled among coral branches and anemones. At barely an inch long, they’re one of the smallest ornamental shrimp in the hobby, but their rich caramel bodies, bright white spots, and constant tail-wiggling make them impossible to miss.
Why the name “Sexy Shrimp”? Their signature dance: a rhythmic upward curl of the abdomen that looks like a constant shimmy. But this isn’t just style—it helps them maintain balance and communicate with other shrimp in the group.
Did You Know? Scientists believe the “sexy dance” may also mimic the swaying of coral polyps in the current, helping them blend in and avoid predators.
Tank Requirements – Small Shrimp, Specific Needs
Sexy Shrimp thrive in nano and pico tanks as small as 5 gallons, though groups do better in 10+ gallons. They aren’t demanding on space but prefer tanks with plenty of coral cover and crevices.
Ideal Parameters:
- Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C)
- Salinity: 1.024–1.026
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Stable nitrates and phosphates in reef-safe ranges
They do best in peaceful tanks with low-flow zones where they can perch on corals without being blasted off by powerheads.
Behavior – The Tiny Dancers
If you’re expecting a shy shrimp, think again. Sexy Shrimp are social, active, and constantly in motion. They shine in small groups of 3–5, where they often synchronize their movements, creating what looks like a tiny underwater dance troupe.
They’ll establish territories around a host coral or anemone and spend their days swaying, cleaning, and occasionally stealing bits of food from their host. Underfed shrimp may nip at LPS coral tentacles, but they rarely cause lasting damage.
Corals They Prefer to Dance On
Sexy Shrimp are drawn to corals with soft, flowing polyps or fleshy surfaces where they can perch securely. Their favorites often include:
- Ricordea and Discosoma Mushrooms: Perfect soft platforms for their signature wiggle.
- Euphyllia (Hammer, Torch, Frogspawn): The swaying tentacles mimic their natural hosts and make for a perfect “dance floor.”
- Zoanthids and Palythoa: They’ll happily perch and sway among polyps.
- Xenia and Clove Polyps: The pulsing motion of Xenia seems to match their own rhythm, creating a living stage.
- Anemones: In the wild, they often associate with mini carpet anemones and rock flower anemones.
Tamara’s Pro Tip: If you want to see them in full performance mode, provide a small cluster of Ricordea or a branching Euphyllia. They’ll often claim it as their permanent dance stage.
Diet – Keeping Them Sassy and Well-Fed
Sexy Shrimp are omnivores and opportunistic feeders. They’ll scavenge leftover fish food, graze on detritus, and happily accept small offerings.
Preferred Foods:
- Frozen mysis shrimp (finely chopped)
- Crushed pellets
- Reef blends for invertebrates
- Small bits of seafood
Regular feeding ensures they don’t turn to coral polyps for a snack. Target feeding once or twice a week helps keep them plump and active.
Tankmates – Friends and Frenemies
These shrimp do best with peaceful nano fish and other inverts. They’re particularly good companions for:
- Gobies (neon, clown, and watchman varieties)
- Small clownfish
- Peaceful blennies
Avoid: Larger wrasses, hawkfish, or predatory crabs and shrimp, all of which may view them as a snack.
Breeding – Little Love Stories
Sexy Shrimp breed readily in captivity. Females carry clusters of greenish eggs under their tail until they hatch into free-swimming larvae. Raising the larvae is challenging because they require planktonic food and specialized rearing tanks, but even without raising the young, watching their courtship dances is fascinating.
Why Every Reef Needs a Little Sass
Sexy Shrimp bring life, movement, and personality to any reef. They’re especially valuable in nano tanks where every inch of activity counts. Their constant dancing makes them a conversation piece and a living example of how even the smallest creatures can captivate an audience.
I’m not sure your reef is truly complete without a shrimp that looks like it’s auditioning for “Dancing With the Stars: Nano Tank Edition.”
FAQ’s
Q: Can I keep them with other shrimp?
A: They’re peaceful and can coexist with cleaner shrimp, peppermint shrimp, and other non-aggressive species. Avoid housing them with large predatory shrimp like coral banded or harlequin shrimp, which may see them as prey.
Q: Are they good for beginners?
A: Absolutely! As long as you maintain stable reef parameters, they’re hardy, easy to feed, and don’t require a large tank. Their small size and behavior make them ideal for nano reefkeepers.
Q: Will they breed in my tank?
A: Most likely! Females carry eggs frequently in established tanks. The challenge is raising the larvae—they require a separate rearing tank and specialized planktonic food. Even if you don’t raise them, you’ll get to watch their adorable courtship and egg-carrying behavior.
Q: Are they compatible with clownfish?
A: Yes, in most cases. Peaceful clownfish ignore them, but very large or aggressive clowns may harass small inverts in tight quarters. In nano tanks, observe interactions carefully.
Q: Can I keep them in a tank with high flow?
A: Sexy Shrimp prefer moderate to low-flow areas. They love perching on corals and can be knocked around in high-energy tanks designed for SPS. Creating calm zones will keep them happy and dancing.
Conclusion
With their endless energy, signature shimmy, and flair for turning any coral into a stage, Sexy Shrimp live up to their name. They’re easy to care for, endlessly entertaining, and bring a playful elegance to reef tanks of all sizes. Give them a few mushroom corals or a Euphyllia to call home, and watch the underwater dance party begin.
So if your tank is lacking in personality, it might be time to add Thor amboinensis—the sexiest shrimp of them all!
Happy Reefing!
References:
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Fenner, Robert M. The Conscientious Marine Aquarist: A Commonsense Handbook for Successful Saltwater Hobbyists. 2nd ed., Microcosm/T.F.H., 2008.
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Sprung, Julian, and Charles Delbeek. The Reef Aquarium: A Comprehensive Guide to the Identification and Care of Tropical Marine Invertebrates. Vol. 3, Ricordea Publishing, 2005.
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Calfo, Anthony, and Robert Fenner. Reef Invertebrates: An Essential Guide to Selection, Care, and Compatibility. Reading Trees Publications, 2001.
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Shimek, Ronald L. *Marine Invertebrates: 500+ Essential-to-Know Aquarium Species.* Microcosm/T.F.H., 2004.