The Camel Shrimp, also known as the Hingebeak prawn, is a type of shrimp. Its scientific name is Rhynchocinetes durbanensis.
Camel Shrimp is part of the Rhynchocinetidae family. It lives in the Indo-Pacific region, which includes the western part of the Pacific Ocean.
The Camel Shrimp is small, only growing to be about 1.6 inches in length.
What Does a Camel Shrimp Look Like?
The Camel Shrimp is an interesting creature to look at. It has big, black eyes and its body is see-through, or translucent.
Camel Shrimp is covered in red and white lines, which makes it look striped. On the upper front part of its shell, called the carapace, there is a white mark shaped like a Y.
Where Does the Camel Shrimp Live?
Camel Shrimp like to live in hollows and crevices in the sea. They are found from 5 to 35 meters deep.
The Camel Shrimp often live in groups with dozens of other shrimp. Their natural habitat is in rocky areas near the shore.
Camel Shrimp are often found hiding in caves, crevices, or under overhangs in coastal reef structures.
How Does the Camel Shrimp Behave?
Camel Shrimp are more active at night. During the day, they hide under rocks and come out to look for food when it’s dark. They are not usually seen during daylight hours.
Camel Shrimp are peaceful creatures and are safe to be around fish and other invertebrates.
What Does the Camel Shrimp Eat?
Camel Shrimp are carnivores, which means they eat meat. They like to feed on coral polyps and scavenge for other food.
Sometimes, Camel Shrimp eat shrimp pellets or other meaty foods like frozen brine, fish flesh, and some dried foods.
Can the Camel Shrimp Live in An Aquarium?
Yes, the Camel Shrimp can live in an aquarium. However, they are not a good choice for a reef aquarium because they eat coral polyps. They are better suited for a fish-only aquarium.
Camel Shrimp are moderately hardy creatures and can adapt to living in a tank.
How to Care for A Camel Shrimp in An Aquarium?
If you want to keep a Camel Shrimp in an aquarium, there are some things you need to know.
First, make sure the aquarium tank is at least 30 gallons.
The water should have a specific gravity between 1.023 and 1.025. The pH should be between 8.0 and 8.4. The temperature of the water should be between 68 and 79°F.
Here are some important elements that should be present in the aquarium water:
- Calcium (Ca): 380 – 430 mg/l,
- Alkalinity: 2.5 – 3.0 meq/l,
- Phosphate (PO4): <0.05 mg/l,
- Magnesium (Mg): approx. 1350 mg/l,
- Strontium (Sr) 8 – 10 mg/l, and
- Iodine (I): Trace amounts.
These elements help the Camel Shrimp molt or shed its old shell and grow a new one.
Camel Shrimp are very sensitive to changes in the water. When adding the shrimp to the tank, be sure to slowly adjust the water in the bag to match the water in the tank. This process should take at least 15 minutes.
How to Identify a Camel Shrimp?
You can tell a Camel Shrimp apart from other shrimp by looking for its unique features.
It has a white ‘Y-shaped’ mark on the top of its body. Also, it has many white spots on its body.
How Do Male and Female Camel Shrimp Differ?
Male Camel Shrimp are usually larger than females. Females carry between 267 to 1764 eggs.
The eggs take about 9 to 18 days to hatch, depending on the temperature of the water.
Rhynchocinetes durbanensis Characteristics
| Reef Safe? | Yes |
| Care Level: | Somewhat Easy |
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Malacostraca |
| Order: | Decapoda |
| Family: | Rhynchocinetidae |
| Genus: | Rhynchocinetes |
| Scientific Name: | Rhynchocinetes durbanensis |
| Also Known As: | Camel Shrimp, Hingebeak Prawn |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |