
Camel Shrimp
Rhynchocinetes durbanensis
Reef Safe
With Caution
Care Summary
The Camel Shrimp, sometimes sold as the Hump-backed or Camelback Shrimp, is a distinctive-looking invertebrate with a pronounced arched body and mottled coloration that blends well into rockwork. It is generally considered a poor reef choice because it has a documented tendency to nip at and consume soft coral polyps, zoanthids, and mushrooms, causing real damage over time. The only setting where it is reliably safe is a fish-only or FOWLR system with no soft corals present; even then, monitor it with ornamental shrimp since some individuals are aggressive toward smaller tankmates. Feed meaty foods like mysis and chopped seafood a few times per week, and keep it well-fed to reduce the likelihood of opportunistic coral grazing behavior.
