Peacock-tail Anemone Shrimp

The peacock-tail anemone shrimp is recognized by the large white spots on its glass-clear body and the white eyespots with orange-black rings lined up on its tail fan; this is why the name "peacock-tail" is also used in English. For many years it was known as Periclimenes brevicarpalis and in 2017 it was moved to the re-established genus Ancylocaris. In the wild it lives among the tentacles of large anemones, above all carpet anemones, mostly as one female and a small male. Females reach 2.5 cm, males are noticeably smaller. Specimens in the trade are wild-collected.

• At least 60 liters, a mature reef and preferably a host anemone; in the aquarium it may also accept a bubble tip anemone.
• Salinity 1.023–1.026 specific gravity, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 24–27°C.
• Reef-safe; it does not harm corals.
• It should be acclimated by the drip method for at least 1 hour; copper-based medications are lethal.

Omnivorous; it picks up the anemone's leftover food, plankton and detritus. Finely chopped mysis and small granules should be given a few times a week; it also takes a share of the food given to the anemone.

Peaceful and sedentary; it rarely leaves its anemone. Clownfish sharing the anemone sometimes chase it away.

Good companions: carpet and bubble tip anemones, gobies, cardinalfish, calm clownfish; porcelain crab.

Avoid: hawkfish, wrasses and other shrimp predators; large crabs and boxer shrimp.