Common name
White-spotted anemone shrimp
Scientific name
Ancylocaris brevicarpalis
Category
Marine shrimp
Group
Host-associated anemone shrimp
Environment
Mature tropical marine aquarium
Origin
Indo-West Pacific reefs, where it associates with large sea anemones and other cnidarian hosts
Care level
Intermediate to advanced
Adult size
Approximately 4–5 cm total length
Expected lifespan
Commonly several years when host, feeding and water-stability needs are met
Minimum housing
At least 100 L in a mature, predator-controlled reef system; the selected host may require a substantially larger aquarium and always sets the true minimum
Temperature
24–28 °C, also appropriate to the verified host
pH
8.0–8.4 with minimal daily variation
Hardness / minerals
Stable marine alkalinity, calcium, magnesium and major-ion balance
Salinity
1.024–1.026 specific gravity, matched carefully during transfer
Lighting
Set by the host animal; provide a shaded retreat and gradual light acclimation
Placement / zone
On or immediately beside a compatible host, with protected pump and overflow intakes
Filtration
Mature reef filtration sized for the host and feeding plan; use intake guards fine enough to retain the shrimp
Aeration
Strong surface exchange with moderate host-appropriate flow and no exposed impellers
Maintenance
Daily feeding observation, host-health checks, intake inspection and moult tracking

Identity and search names

Species-level profile for accepted Ancylocaris brevicarpalis. Periclimenes brevicarpalis is retained as a former combination, not a second species.

Search names: White-spotted anemone shrimp, Anemone shrimp, Peacock-tail anemone shrimp, Periclimenes brevicarpalis, Periclimenes (Ancylocaris) brevicarpalis

Environment and housing

Mature reef rockwork, a verified host or species-appropriate sheltered substitute, gentle feeding flow, guarded intakes and crevices for moulting

Social structure: Usually keep one individual or a compatible pair per adequately sized host; do not crowd a small host

Feeding and nutrition

Feeding ecology: Tiny marine meaty foods, suspended planktonic particles and material obtained around the host; host association does not replace direct feeding

Feeding routine: Target-feed a tiny portion once daily or at least five days each week and verify capture before pumps disperse it

Breeding, reproduction or spread

Females carry eggs beneath the abdomen; larvae are planktonic and require a separate specialist larval system, microscopic live foods and controlled flow

Detailed care and app-ready planning

Identity scope
Species-level profile for accepted Ancylocaris brevicarpalis. Periclimenes brevicarpalis is retained as a former combination, not a second species.
Adult size and space
Adult scale: Approximately 4–5 cm total length. Permanent housing: At least 100 L in a mature, predator-controlled reef system; the selected host may require a substantially larger aquarium and always sets the true minimum. Plan for full appendage span, burrow or host area, moult refuge, feeding access and adult territorial behaviour rather than sale size.
Social structure
Usually keep one individual or a compatible pair per adequately sized host; do not crowd a small host
Swimming zone or placement
Primary occupied zone: Host surface, tentacle margin and adjacent rockwork. Preserve safe access between feeding area, refuge, host or burrow without exposed pump intakes.
Feeding ecology
Tiny marine meaty foods, suspended planktonic particles and material obtained around the host; host association does not replace direct feeding
Feeding plan
Target-feed a tiny portion once daily or at least five days each week and verify capture before pumps disperse it
Water stability
Maintain 24–28 °C, also appropriate to the verified host, pH 8.0–8.4 with minimal daily variation, Stable marine alkalinity, calcium, magnesium and major-ion balance and 1.024–1.026 specific gravity, matched carefully during transfer. Match temperature and salinity carefully during transfer and correct measured drift gradually.
Habitat structure
Mature reef rockwork, a verified host or species-appropriate sheltered substitute, gentle feeding flow, guarded intakes and crevices for moulting
Compatibility plan
Use only with peaceful fish that cannot swallow shrimp and with a genuinely suitable host. Do not purchase an anemone solely for this shrimp unless the aquarium already meets the anemone’s far greater needs.
Breeding or reproduction plan
Females carry eggs beneath the abdomen; larvae are planktonic and require a separate specialist larval system, microscopic live foods and controlled flow
Quarantine
Use a separate fully cycled marine invertebrate observation system with shrimp-safe intake guards, secure refuge or substrate, dedicated equipment and no copper. Observe direct feeding, complete moults, intact limbs and absence of disease or hitchhikers before transfer.
Welfare checks
Confirm direct feeding, intact limbs and antennae, normal host use, complete moults and rapid retreat. Persistent roaming, failed moults, shrinking abdomen or loss of host access requires immediate correction.
Biosecurity and release
Never release a marine shrimp, eggs, larvae, aquarium water, live rock, substrate, food remains or equipment rinse-water into waterways, stormwater or the sea. Australia does not provide an ordinary pet-import pathway for aquatic invertebrates: live invertebrate imports require permits and current approved pathways are restricted, including research or zoological purposes under specified conditions. Obtain only documented lawful Australian stock, verify current BICON and federal requirements, and check South Australian protected, pest and movement rules. Retail availability is not proof of lawful origin or release permission.
Main risk
The accepted name is Ancylocaris brevicarpalis; Periclimenes brevicarpalis is a former combination. Host presence must never be used to excuse missed feeding, predatory tankmates or unsafe pump intakes.
Adult projected load
Low individual waste, but the host animal may create a much larger total load
Filtration
Mature reef filtration sized for the host and feeding plan; use intake guards fine enough to retain the shrimp
Aeration
Strong surface exchange with moderate host-appropriate flow and no exposed impellers
Maintenance
Daily feeding observation, host-health checks, intake inspection and moult tracking
Overridable warnings
Do not override host suitability, direct feeding, predator exclusion or pump protection because the shrimp remains visible.
Identity
Accepted name Ancylocaris brevicarpalis. Periclimenes brevicarpalis is an important superseded combination used in aquarium literature.
Environment
Use a mature marine aquarium with stable salinity, guarded intakes, secure rockwork and a compatible host or sheltered substitute refuge.
Feeding
Offer tiny marine pellets, finely chopped frozen foods or planktonic feeds near the shrimp. Confirm it receives food rather than relying on host scraps.
Breeding
Females brood eggs beneath the abdomen; larvae are planktonic and require specialist separate rearing with very small live foods.
Adult size and space
Exact dependable maximum size is unknown here. Housing must be based on the host’s space and stability needs, not shrimp body length alone.
Biosecurity and release
Never release marine shrimp, larvae, host animals or aquarium water. Australian live-invertebrate imports are restricted and require exact approval.
Welfare Risk
A shrimp may slowly starve while appearing sheltered; feeding must be observed directly.
Moulting Refuge
Provide a complete predator-free refuge where the shrimp can remain hidden throughout pre-moult, shedding and shell hardening. Never pull a hiding shrimp out to check it.
Copper Sensitivity
Do not expose marine shrimp to copper-based fish medication or unverified invertebrate treatments. Use dedicated tools and a separate cycled observation system.
Predation Risk
Shrimps are vulnerable to hawkfishes, many wrasses, triggers, puffers, larger crustaceans and any fish able to swallow them; species-specific predation by the shrimp is described separately.
Social Management
Usually keep one individual or a compatible pair per adequately sized host; do not crowd a small host
Burrowing Or Host Need
On or immediately beside a compatible host, with protected pump and overflow intakes
Coral And Invertebrate Risk
Use only with peaceful fish that cannot swallow shrimp and with a genuinely suitable host. Do not purchase an anemone solely for this shrimp unless the aquarium already meets the anemone’s far greater needs.
Larval Development
Females carry eggs beneath the abdomen; larvae are planktonic and require a separate specialist larval system, microscopic live foods and controlled flow
Symbiosis
Host association is beneficial but does not replace direct feeding

Compatibility, welfare and risk

Compatibility: Use only with peaceful fish that cannot swallow shrimp and with a genuinely suitable host. Do not purchase an anemone solely for this shrimp unless the aquarium already meets the anemone’s far greater needs.

Welfare: Confirm direct feeding, intact limbs and antennae, normal host use, complete moults and rapid retreat. Persistent roaming, failed moults, shrinking abdomen or loss of host access requires immediate correction.

Main warning: The accepted name is Ancylocaris brevicarpalis; Periclimenes brevicarpalis is a former combination. Host presence must never be used to excuse missed feeding, predatory tankmates or unsafe pump intakes.

Biosecurity and release

Never release a marine shrimp, eggs, larvae, aquarium water, live rock, substrate, food remains or equipment rinse-water into waterways, stormwater or the sea. Australia does not provide an ordinary pet-import pathway for aquatic invertebrates: live invertebrate imports require permits and current approved pathways are restricted, including research or zoological purposes under specified conditions. Obtain only documented lawful Australian stock, verify current BICON and federal requirements, and check South Australian protected, pest and movement rules. Retail availability is not proof of lawful origin or release permission.

Sources