Fire Shrimp, Blood Shrimp – Lysmata debelius

, Fire Shrimp, Blood Shrimp, Lysmata debelius
Depth: 1 - 30 m

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Amvrakikos Gulf, Andaman Sea, Arabian Sea, Aral Sea, Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Baltic Sea, Barents Sea, Bay of Bengal, Bay of Biscay, Beaufort Sea, Bering Sea, Black Sea, Bohai Sea, Cantabrian Sea, Celtic Sea, Chukchi Sea, Coral Sea, Dead Sea, English Channel, German Bight, Great Barrier Reef, Greenland Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Fonseca, Gulf of Maine, Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Halmahera Sea, Iberian Sea, Indian Ocean, Java Sea, Korinthiakos Gulf, Labrador Sea, Levantine Sea, Lingayan Gulf, Mediterranean Sea, Moro Gulf, Okhotsk Sea, Pacific Ocean, Pagassitikos Gulf, Salish Sea, Saronikos Gulf, Scotia Sea, Sea of Azov, Sea of Marmara, Siberian Sea, South China Sea, Southern Ocean, Thermaikos Gulf, Yellow Sea

The Fire Shrimp, also known as the Blood Shrimp, is a captivating crustacean scientifically classified as Lysmata debelius. This species exhibits a vibrant, fiery red coloration, hence its common names. It is a popular addition to saltwater aquariums due to its striking appearance and relatively peaceful temperament.

Description & Characteristics

The Lysmata debelius is characterized by its bright red body and translucent, nearly colorless appendages. It can grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length. The shrimp’s body is slender and elongated, with prominent antennae and a pair of prominent, laterally flattened claws. The overall appearance of the Lysmata debelius is reminiscent of a miniature lobster with its bright red color and segmented body.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Fire Shrimp, Lysmata debelius, is found in a variety of marine habitats throughout the Indo-Pacific region. It typically inhabits shallow coral reefs and rocky crevices, often in areas with strong currents. This species is known to occur in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and the Red Sea. These areas generally fall within the Neritic Zone, which encompasses the waters extending from the coastline to the edge of the continental shelf. It is common to find Lysmata debelius in the reef slopes and lagoon environments within these zones.

Taxonomy

The species Lysmata debelius belongs to the Class: Malacostraca, Order: Decapoda, and Family: Lysmatidae. This classification places it within the group of crustaceans that includes lobsters, crabs, and shrimp. The Family Lysmatidae specifically encompasses a diverse range of shrimp species known for their bright colors and often symbiotic relationships with other marine organisms.

Feeding

The Fire Shrimp, Lysmata debelius, is an omnivorous feeder. Its diet consists of a wide range of food items including: amphipods, brine shrimp nauplii, brine shrimps, copepods, Daphnia salina, fish eggs, flakes, frozen food (small sorts), invertebrates, isopods, krill, lobster eggs, mysis, pellets, sponges, and zooplankton. This varied diet contributes to their vibrant colors and ensures their health and well-being in their natural environments.

Associated Species

Image References

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