• General Overview

  • The Camel Shrimp, also known as the Hinge-back Shrimp (Rhynchocinetes spp.), is a popular marine invertebrate admired for its bold coloration and unique body shape.

  • Offered here at 1–3 cm, this shrimp is a juvenile to young adult size, making it highly adaptable to established marine aquariums.

  • Its vivid red body with white striping and characteristic arched back adds instant visual interest to reef and marine display tanks.

  • Camel shrimp are commonly chosen by marine hobbyists looking to add movement, color, and natural scavenging behavior to their aquarium.

• Appearance & Identification

  • Bright red body with contrasting white bands and spots.

  • Distinctive arched or “humpback” profile, which gives the shrimp its common name.

  • Long antennae and active walking legs make it constantly visible and engaging.

  • Transparent highlights on legs and tail add depth to its coloration under proper lighting.

  • Grows more vibrant with good nutrition and stable water parameters.

• Behavior & Temperament

  • Semi-peaceful but opportunistic, typical of many marine shrimp species.

  • Very active, especially during feeding time and at night.

  • Spends much of its time scavenging rockwork, substrate, and crevices.

  • Can be territorial toward other shrimp if space is limited.

  • Not aggressive toward fish but may compete with other invertebrates for food.

• Tank Size & Aquarium Setup

  • Minimum tank size: 40–60 liters (10–15 gallons)

  • Requires a mature marine aquarium with stable parameters.

  • Live rock is essential for hiding, grazing, and natural behavior.

  • Plenty of caves, overhangs, and crevices help reduce stress.

  • Moderate water flow is ideal—strong enough to maintain oxygenation but not overwhelming.

• Water Conditions (Marine Parameters)

  • Temperature: 24–27 °C

  • Salinity: 1.023–1.025 SG

  • pH: 8.1–8.4

  • Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

  • Nitrate: Low to moderate (<20 ppm preferred)

  • Very sensitive to ammonia, nitrite, and sudden parameter changes.

  • Regular water changes (10–20% weekly or bi-weekly) are highly recommended.

  • Stable salinity is critical, especially during molting periods.

• Feeding Habit & Diet

  • Omnivorous scavenger that readily accepts a wide range of foods.

  • Will feed on leftover fish food, detritus, and organic matter in the tank.

  • Recommended supplemental diet includes:

    • Sinking marine pellets or flakes

    • Frozen foods (mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped seafood)

    • Algae-based foods

  • Feed small amounts once daily or every other day.

  • Adequate feeding helps reduce the likelihood of coral-nipping behavior.

• Reef Compatibility (Important Note)

  • Not fully reef-safe.

  • Known to occasionally nip at soft corals, zoanthids, LPS corals, and anemones.

  • Best suited for fish-only (FO) or fish-only with live rock (FOWLR) systems.

  • Can be kept in reef tanks with caution and close observation.

  • Individual behavior may vary—some specimens are more reef-safe than others.

• Tank Mates & Compatibility

  • Compatible with:

    • Peaceful marine fish (clownfish, gobies, blennies, wrasses)

    • Snails and some hardy invertebrates

  • Avoid housing with:

    • Aggressive fish (triggers, puffers, large wrasses)

    • Predatory crustaceans

  • Multiple camel shrimp can be kept together in larger tanks with sufficient hiding spots.

• Molting & Growth

  • Like all shrimp, Camel Shrimp molt regularly as they grow.

  • During molting, they may hide and appear inactive—this is normal.

  • Leave molted shells in the tank temporarily, as shrimp may consume them to reclaim minerals.

  • Stable calcium and alkalinity levels support healthy molting.

• Care Level & Suitability

  • Care level: Easy to intermediate

  • Suitable for marine hobbyists with basic saltwater experience.

  • Not recommended for newly set-up tanks due to sensitivity to water instability.

  • Proper acclimation (slow drip method) is essential to prevent shock.

• Why Choose Camel Shrimp Marine (1–3 cm)?

  • Eye-catching red and white coloration

  • Active and entertaining behavior

  • Excellent scavenger for marine tanks

  • Hardy when kept in stable conditions

  • Adds movement and character to saltwater aquariums

The Camel Shrimp Marine (1–3 cm) is a bold and fascinating addition to marine aquariums, especially fish-only and FOWLR setups. With proper acclimation, stable water conditions, and appropriate feeding, this shrimp will thrive and become a lively feature in your saltwater tank.