Yellow Fire Shrimp: Species Profile

Species Overview

Common Name: Yellow Fire Shrimp
Scientific Name: Lysmata debelius var.
Adult Size: Up to 2 inches (5 cm)
Life Expectancy: 2-3 years

Characteristics

• Family: Hippolytidae
• Origin: Indo-Pacific region
• Social: Peaceful; thrives in community tanks with proper tankmates
• Tank Level: Primarily bottom-dwellers and rock dwellers
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Diet: Omnivorous scavenger
• Breeding: Challenging in captivity
• Care Level: Intermediate
• Preferred pH: 8.0-8.4
• Water Hardness: Moderately hard
• Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C)

Origin and Distribution

The Yellow Fire Shrimp is found in warm tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, particularly in reef environments. These shrimp are often spotted in rocky crevices, cleaning detritus and interacting with other marine life.

Colors and Markings

Known for their vibrant yellow coloration, these shrimp stand out in any reef tank. Their semi-translucent bodies are adorned with golden hues, and their legs and antennae often display subtle white accents.

Tankmates

Yellow Fire Shrimp are peaceful and can coexist with a wide variety of reef-safe species, including:

• Small, non-aggressive fish such as gobies and clownfish
• Other invertebrates like snails and hermit crabs
• Coral and anemones

Avoid keeping them with aggressive predators like triggers, puffers, or large wrasses.

Habitat and Care

Yellow Fire Shrimp thrive in reef tanks with plenty of hiding places and stable water conditions. Key care guidelines include:

• Tank Setup: Provide live rock structures for shelter and grazing.
• Water Quality: Maintain stable salinity and excellent filtration. Shrimp are highly sensitive to sudden changes in water parameters.
• Maintenance: Perform regular water changes and monitor ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite levels closely.

Diet and Feeding

These shrimp are scavengers and will help keep the tank clean by consuming leftover food, algae, and detritus. They also enjoy:

• High-quality shrimp pellets or wafers
• Frozen or live foods like brine shrimp or mysis shrimp
• Occasional blanched vegetables like spinach

Feed them small portions to avoid overfeeding.

Gender Differences

Distinguishing males from females is difficult without observing breeding behavior. Females may appear slightly larger when carrying eggs beneath their abdomens.

Breeding

Breeding Yellow Fire Shrimp in captivity is possible but challenging. They are hermaphroditic, meaning any two individuals can mate. Larvae require specific planktonic foods and pristine water conditions to survive.

Further Research

Yellow Fire Shrimp are a rewarding addition to reef tanks. For additional guidance on shrimp care and compatible species, explore more resources on marine invertebrates.

FAQ

Q: Do Yellow Fire Shrimp clean fish?
A: Yes, they exhibit cleaning behavior and may remove parasites from tankmates.

Q: Can they live in non-reef tanks?
A: They can survive in non-reef tanks if proper hiding spots and water parameters are maintained.

Q: How do I know if they are molting?
A: During molting, shrimp often hide, and you may find their old exoskeleton in the tank.