Sexy Anemone Shrimp

*Anemone not included.

Sexy Shrimp (Thor amboinensis) offer a unique look at the symbiotic relationship that different species of shrimps can form with a variety of other organisms. In the case of the sexy shrimp, they are most well-known for their relationship with sea anemones. Often forming small assemblages within a singular anemone, sexy shrimp will spend most of their time scavenging for food on their anemone hosts tentacles, as well as feeding on the mucous produced by the anemone; In exchange for the safety and security offered by the anemone, sexy shrimp help to keep their host healthy by cleaning it of any detritus that may settle onto the body or get caught in the tentacles. Additionally, sexy shrimp are known for their displaying behaviors, in which the shrimp raises its tail-end above its head, waving it back and forth in a gentle motion. This characteristic behavior is one of the biggest appeals of these shrimp, especially in nano-reefs, making them a wonderful choice for a centerpiece. Unfortunately, sexy shrimp may not fare as well in larger systems, as their small size can leave them open to being preyed upon by many commonly kept small damsels, wrasses, and tangs.