Lysmata wurdemanni (M) Lysmata wurdemanni is the least reliable when it comes to actually exhibiting cleaning behavior in aquariums, but it's still a worthy choice for aquariums. This western Atlantic resident is among the many commonly called peppermint shrimp, due to its intricate red and white stripe. I've included it on this list not only for its attractive appearance and relative ease of care, but also because it can sometimes be used to eradicate pesky, invasive aiptasia. However, if you're introducing this species to remove aiptasia, keep in mind that not all specimens are created equal in this regard. Some will prey directly on them, while others may not bother with them. Make sure the shrimp you purchase is a wurdemanni if your goal is to control aiptasia. Compatibility with other fish: Cleaner shrimp can be kept with any fish that isn't prone to munching or swallowing small crustaceans. This means that triggerfish, pufferfish, larger hawkfish, lionfish, and the like are not ideal companions. While these fish benefit from the cleaning services of shrimp in the wild, there's always the possibility that their predatory instincts will kick in when the two are permanently confined together in a closed system. As for their inclusion in reef systems, the amboinensis and debelius hawksbills can generally be trusted to leave corals and other sessile invertebrates alone. The wurdemanni hawksbill, however, may be less reliable in reef aquariums.
