Lysmata

Lore & Background

The genus Lysmata is informally divided into two main categories. Some species are cleaner shrimp that clean parasites and other material from fish, live in pairs, and are brightly colored, often in contrasting reds and yellows with white antennae. Other species are the 'peppermint shrimp', which have semi-translucent, red-banded bodies and live in large groups; some peppermint shrimp perform cleaning behaviors, but less actively than cleaner shrimp.

The genus has been studied with interest due to its unusual sexual system, protandric simultaneous hermaphroditism. While some other taxa of shrimp undergo sequential hermaphroditism, they have only been observed changing from male to female. In Lysmata, males become true hermaphrodites instead of females. So far, every species studied has been confirmed to have this sexual system. During their 'female phase' they actually have functioning male and female tissues in their gonads and produce both types of gamete. When paired, they take turns fertilizing each other's eggs.

Lysmata occur in the tropics and in warmer temperate waters. They usually live on rock and coral reefs, in shallow and deeper areas. Some live in sponges.

Reader's Guide

Lysmata shrimp are significant in the marine aquarium trade for their bright color patterns, interesting behaviors, and ability to control certain aquarium pests such as sea anemones of the genus Aiptasia. They command high prices on the pet market. The genus is informally divided into cleaner shrimp and peppermint shrimp, each with distinct social and coloration traits. Cleaner shrimp live in pairs and are brightly colored, while peppermint shrimp live in large groups and have semi-translucent, red-banded bodies. The genus is also notable for its unusual sexual system, protandric simultaneous hermaphroditism, where males become true hermaphrodites with functioning male and female tissues, and paired individuals take turns fertilizing each other's eggs. This system has been confirmed in every species studied. Their natural habitat includes tropical and warmer temperate waters, on rock and coral reefs, and some live in sponges. Their legacy in the aquarium hobby is tied to both their aesthetic appeal and their practical role in pest management.

Did You Know?

• Lysmata shrimp can control Aiptasia sea anemones in aquariums.
• Some Lysmata species are cleaner shrimp that live in pairs and are brightly colored.