Camelback Shrimp (Hinge Beak Shrimp): Species Profile

Camelback shrimp are easily identified by their namesake "hump." Often confused with the similarly colored peppermint shrimp, they feature ornate markings and large, reflective eyes, which indicate their ability to maneuver in low-light conditions. Despite their beauty, they can wreak havoc in reef aquariums.

Learn about the habitat, diet, and care needs of camelback shrimp to determine if they’re right for your tank.

Characteristics

Origin and Distribution

Camelback shrimp originate from the tropical waters of the East Indian Ocean, Australia, Indonesia, and the East and central/west Pacific. They are found in small groups within rock crevices, overhangs, coral rubble, and rock caves.

Colors and Markings

Species coloration and markings can vary; however, they are typically vibrant cherry-red with various patterns of bright white dots or stripes. The characteristic hump sets them apart from peppermint shrimp. Additionally, they have a pronounced foldable rostrum or beak, earning them the alternate name of hinge beak shrimp, with the beak usually turned upward.

Tankmates

These shrimp are effective tank cleaners; however, they eat corals and other polyps, making them unsuitable for reef tanks. Avoid housing them with zoanthids or soft corals like colonial anemones, disc anemones, mushroom corals, and soft leather corals, as they generally avoid bubble coral and stinging anemones. Even a few shrimp can quickly decimate a healthy colony of star polyps.

Camelback shrimp are typically peaceful towards fish and other invertebrates but can become targets for aggressive tankmates. Ideal fish tankmates include peaceful species such as tangs or clownfish.

Camelback shrimp are social with each other and should be maintained in colonies of at least six. Avoid keeping them with fish that prey on crustaceans.

Camelback Shrimp Habitat and Care

Like most shrimp species, camelback shrimp are a nocturnal crustacean, typically hiding during the day and coming out to feed at night. When the light is dim or turned off, they may emerge from hiding. It is common to see them picking debris from rocks and other hard surfaces in the aquarium. Camelback shrimp thrive in tanks with abundant live rock.

Supplemental iodine should be added to support proper molting in camelback shrimp, but moderation is key. Too much iodine can cause premature molting and shorten life expectancy. Regular water changes with a high-quality salt mix typically provide sufficient supplementation. However, additional supplements might be required in reef tanks or those with heavy invertebrate loads, as these can deplete iodine and other minerals rapidly. Without regular water changes, mineral depletion can occur, and ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates can accumulate, harming crustaceans and invertebrates. Camelback shrimp, like other crustaceans, cannot tolerate exposure to copper sulfate.

Shrimp may molt under stress, such as during water changes, rapid environmental shifts, or shipping. Always acclimate shrimp gradually to prevent sudden environmental changes.

Camelback Shrimp Diet

Camelback shrimp can be valuable tank members, as they proficiently sift sand, feed on waste, and help keep the tank clean. In the wild, they are carnivorous, but in captivity, they behave more like omnivores. They scavenge at the aquarium bottom, filter through sand, and pick debris from rocks and surfaces.

They will accept a varied diet of prepared fresh and frozen foods suitable for carnivores, vitamin-enriched flakes, fine sinking pellets, freeze-dried krill, frozen or freeze-dried plankton, live adult brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, finely chopped prawn, mussels, clams, cockle meat, or nauplii (crustacean larvae). Feeding at least once per day is recommended.

Camelback shrimp will eat corals and various types of polyps.

Sexual Differences

Male camelback shrimp generally have larger pincer claws than females. They are gonochoristic, meaning they have distinct male and female sexes that do not change. Females often carry eggs.

Breeding the Camelback Shrimp

Camelback shrimp can breed in home aquariums, although raising the young is challenging. Mating occurs shortly after a molt, with the male aligning at a right angle to the female, transferring sperm to a receptacle on her abdomen. Six to 20 hours later, the female produces many eggs, which she carries under her abdomen. Once developed, the eggs are released and eventually hatch into larvae.

Camelback shrimp must undergo molting to grow. Molting is when (Rhynchocinetes uritai) sheds its exoskeleton to replace it with a new one. They molt at night, lying on their backs to shed the old exoskeleton. The new exoskeleton secretes from their body, forming and hardening within a few hours. They likely feel vulnerable without their shell, so they usually hide in rock crevices or caves during molting to allow the new exoskeleton to form and harden fully.