Volcano Shrimp

Shrimp are active, entertaining and easy to keep. They shed their shells as they grow, and afterwards need to hide in the rock until their new shell hardens. Shrimp are highly excitable when food is present, and will do anything to get it. Some species may pester corals by attempting to reach food the coral has eaten. In this situation the shrimp should be provided food first. Large individuals may catch and consume smaller species.

The Volcano shrimp is a very rare and diminutive shrimp from Hawaii. It has a bright red color and only grows to 1.5cm. It is native to brackish water pools which form in volcanic rock. It can survive in a wide range of salinities, but fresh water and full strength salinity are not recommended. We keep our shrimp at SG 1.018. It is important to make changes to their water slowly, and to use a proper marine salt mix. The Volcano shrimp eats mainly algae, so their enclosure should be well established. Feeding should be very minimal; one fish food pellet a week is more than enough; the shrimp may be fed less often if there is enough algae.

If its needs are provided for the Volcano shrimp may breed. It is very social with its own kind and makes a terrific pet. It can also be bred and used as a feeder animal for fish and seahorses.