Do Sexy Shrimp need an anemone to survive?

While they do not strictly require an anemone to survive in an aquarium, providing a host (such as a Mini-Maxi anemone or a soft coral like Ricordea) significantly reduces their stress and encourages their natural swaying behaviours.

Why is my Sexy Shrimp shaking its tail?

The rhythmic swaying or 'dancing' of the abdomen is a natural behaviour. It is believed to help them blend in with the movement of their host anemone's tentacles, providing camouflage from predators.

Are Sexy Shrimp safe to keep with corals?

Yes, they are generally considered reef safe. However, if they are underfed, they may occasionally pick at the fleshy polyps of their host coral or anemone, which can cause minor irritation.

How many Sexy Shrimp should I keep together?

They are highly social invertebrates and should be kept in groups of at least three, though groups of five or more are ideal. They are much bolder and more active when kept in a colony.

Will my fish eat my Sexy Shrimp?

Because they max out at around 2 cm, they are highly vulnerable to predation. Most standard marine fish, including wrasses, hawkfish, and even some damsels, will view them as food. They should only be kept with very small, peaceful nano fish.

MarineMarineIntermediate

Sexy Shrimp

Thor amboinensis

The Sexy Shrimp is a charismatic, tiny marine crustacean beloved for its unique swaying dance and fascinating symbiotic relationships with anemones.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 23 – 28 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 14 – 21 dGH
Salinity: 1.023 – 1.026 SG
Adult size: 1.5 – 2 cm
Nano reef minimum: 15 litres+
Lifespan: 1 – 3 years
Diet: Carnivore
Water flow: Low to moderate
Preferred setup: Reef environment with anemones or soft corals for hosting

About the Sexy Shrimp

Thor amboinensis is arguably one of the most entertaining additions to a marine nano tank. Reaching just under two centimetres in length, these diminutive crustaceans are instantly recognisable by their arched posture and rhythmic, swaying abdominal movements—the very behaviour that earned them the moniker 'Sexy Shrimp'. They are entirely peaceful and rely heavily on their environment and tankmates to feel secure, making them a fantastic centrepiece for dedicated miniature reef systems.

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Is it right for your tank?

Check Sexy Shrimp against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Sexy Shrimp comes from

Native range

Indo-Pacific, Red Sea, Caribbean Sea

Countries / regions

Indonesia, Philippines, Australia, Maldives

Habitat

Coastal shallow reefs and lagoons, invariably living in close association with anemones and some corals.

A highly successful, circumtropical species found in warm reef environments globally.

Similar species

Anemone Shrimp
Periclimenes spp.
Harlequin Shrimp
Hymenocera picta
Bumblebee Shrimp
Gnathophyllum americanum

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Neon Goby
Elacatinus oceanops
A tiny, peaceful fish that poses no predation risk to small invertebrates.
Great
Mini-Maxi Carpet Anemone
Stichodactyla tapetum
Provides the perfect natural host for the shrimp, offering them protection and a place to display.
Great
Pom Pom Crab
Lybia tessellata
Another peaceful nano invertebrate that shares the same gentle tank requirements without competing.
Great
Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
While they often share anemones in the wild, large or aggressive clownfish may bully or even eat tiny shrimp in confined spaces.
Compatible with caution
Sixline Wrasse
Pseudocheilinus hexataenia
Active, inquisitive predators of small crustaceans; will actively hunt and consume Sexy Shrimp.
Not recommended
Longnose Hawkfish
Oxycirrhites typus
Hawkfish are specialized ambush predators that will view tiny shrimp strictly as live food.
Not recommended

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