The Striped Shrimp or Kuekenthal's Cleaner Shrimp, is a shy species best suited to mature reef aquaria. Like many marine shrimp, they are very interesting creatures to observe in their own right, but this species has an added benefit in that it will consume the pest anemone Aiptasia. Do bear in mind that they will also feed on certain small polyps and may take food from corals and slower organisms, so observe carefully. These pretty shrimps may stay hidden amongst the live rock for much of the day, but can usually be observed scavenging under blue moon lighting in the evening. Striped Shrimp are a sociable species, and can be kept in groups in spacious aquaria. Choose tankmates with care, avoiding large, predatory, and aggressive species. Acclimatise slowly and carefully, preferably using the drip method or a Maidenhead Aquatics Fintro. As with other invertebrates, do not use copper-based medications if you have Striped Shrimp in the tank. As these shrimp grow, they will moult every now and again, and you may find their exoskeletons in the tank. They are quite vulnerable for a few days once they have shed their exoskeleton, and may hide away until the new shell hardens. Will not tolerate an elevated nitrate level. May also be seen on sale as Kuekenthal's Cleaner Shrimp.
