The sexy shrimp (Thor amboinensis) is a small, yet fascinating marine crustacean that belongs to the family Hippolytidae. Also known as the squat or dancing shrimp, this species is widely sought-after by marine aquarists for its unique and captivating behavior.
Appearance
The sexy shrimp is a relatively small species, typically growing to a maximum length of 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) for females and males stay smaller around 1.5 cm (0.6 inches). Their bodies are translucent, and they possess distinctive dark spots on their backs. Their legs and antennae are thin and elongated, and they possess two large, movable claws that they use to capture and manipulate food.
Region
The sexy shrimp is native to the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the eastern coast of Africa to the western coast of the Americas. They can be found in coral reefs, shallow lagoons, and rocky outcroppings, typically hiding among the rocks or burrowing into the sand.
Behavior
One of the most captivating aspects of the sexy shrimp is its unique behavior. They are known to perform a dance-like movement, where they rapidly move their front legs up and down in a coordinated manner. This behavior is believed to serve as a signal to potential mates or as a form of communication with other members of their colony.
Diet
Sexy shrimp are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including plankton, algae, and small pieces of meaty foods such as small invertebrates (brine shrimp and planktonic larvae). They will also scavenge for leftover food in the aquarium. In the wild, they are known to be opportunistic feeders, taking advantage of any available food source.
Keeping a sexy shrimp at home
If you’re interested in keeping sexy shrimp in your home aquarium, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. First and foremost, you’ll need to ensure that your tank is well-maintained, with stable water parameters and a healthy population of live rock and coral.
Sexy shrimp are relatively hardy and can tolerate a range of water temperatures, typically between 22-28 °C (72-82 °F). However, it’s important to avoid sudden fluctuations in temperature, which can be harmful to their health.
In terms of feeding, sexy shrimp are relatively easy to care for. They can be fed a diet of small, meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and small pieces of fish or squid. It’s important to avoid overfeeding, as excess food can pollute the water and lead to health issues for your shrimp.
When it comes to tank mates, sexy shrimp are relatively peaceful and can coexist with a variety of other small, non-aggressive species. However, they should be kept away from larger predatory fish that may view them as a potential snack.
In conclusion, the sexy shrimp is a fascinating and unique species that can make a great addition to a well-maintained marine aquarium. With proper care and attention, these small but captivating creatures can thrive in captivity and provide endless hours of entertainment for their owners.
| Scientific name | Thor amboinensis |
| Type of aquarium | Marine |
| Size | Up to 10 cm (4 inches) in length, including its fan-shaped crown of feeding tentacles. |
| Region | All tropical oceans |
| Ideal tank size | A minimum of 38 liters / 10 gallons is recommended |
| Ideal water temperature | 22-28 °C / 72-82 °F |
| pH | 8.1 – 8.4 |
| sG | 1.023 – 1.025 |
| Diet | Omnivore, eating plankton, algae, and small pieces of meaty foods such as shrimp and fish. |
| Interesting facts | 1. These shrimp can be very quick and are capable of going short distances of up to 20 cm (8 inches) in just a second. 2. This species is usually seen living with corals and anemones. In the aquarium however they do not need anemones to survive. 3. Thor amboinensis has been seen living with at least 12 different genera of sea anemones according to various studies. |
