Coleman Shrimp

Care Summary

The Coleman Shrimp is a striking commensal species found exclusively on fire urchins, where pairs of them live among the venomous spines in a remarkable example of host-specific symbiosis. Keeping this shrimp successfully means keeping a healthy fire urchin in the same tank, as it will not accept any substitute host and will deteriorate quickly without one. Handling the fire urchin host requires care because its spines deliver a painful sting, so acclimating the urchin and shrimp together and then leaving them undisturbed is the best approach. The shrimp feeds on detritus and food particles it gleans from the urchin and surrounding water, so broadcasting fine particulate foods like reef roids near the urchin a few times a week supports both animals.