Donald Duck Shrimp
Donald Duck Shrimp. Available for local pickup only.
Known for their unique, beak-like rostrum that resembles a duck’s bill, Donald Duck Shrimp are a fun and eye-catching addition for aquarists who want something different. With their vivid red and white markings and quirky appearance, they bring personality and movement to shaded areas and rockwork in your tank.
These shrimp are nocturnal scavengers — they’ll help tidy up uneaten food and detritus while putting on an entertaining show during evening hours.
Description
Specifications
Video Links
User Manual
Donald Duck Shrimp
Available for local pickup only
Common Names:
-
Donald Duck Shrimp
-
Camel Shrimp (sometimes overlaps)
-
Hinge-Beak Shrimp
-
Hingebeak Shrimp
📌 Identification
The “Donald Duck Shrimp” nickname comes from its distinct elongated rostrum (the beak-like extension on its head) that resembles a cartoon duck’s bill. These shrimp are typically bright red with white markings or stripes, giving them a striking look under reef lights.
Size:
-
Usually grows to about 1.5–2 inches (3–5 cm) long.
🌊 Behavior & Role in a Reef Tank
-
Temperament: Generally peaceful but semi-shy.
-
Habitat: Nocturnal — more active at night or in dimly lit areas. They love hiding in rock crevices or caves during the day.
-
Diet: Omnivorous scavengers — will pick at detritus, leftover food, and sometimes very fine algae.
⚠️ Compatibility & Caution
While beautiful, Donald Duck Shrimp are not always fully reef-safe:
-
They may pick at some soft corals or polyps, especially if underfed.
-
They can sometimes nip at small polyp stony corals (SPS) or zoanthids — this is hit-or-miss and varies shrimp by shrimp.
-
They’re best kept in fish-only tanks or mixed reef tanks where coral picking is not a concern — or with less valuable coral colonies.
✅ Care Level
-
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
-
Water Conditions: Stable reef parameters — temp 72–78 °F, SG 1.023–1.025, pH 8.1–8.4.
-
Diet: Offer a varied diet — sinking pellets, frozen mysis or brine shrimp, and occasional meaty treats to prevent them from picking at corals out of hunger.
Tank Mates
-
Compatible with other peaceful shrimp, inverts, and non-aggressive fish.
-
Avoid housing with predatory fish that may eat shrimp (e.g., larger wrasses, hawkfish, triggers).
Fun Fact
They’re related to the more common Camel Shrimp or Hinge-Beak Shrimp species, which share the same unique “hinged” rostrum. The playful name “Donald Duck Shrimp” just highlights their cartoonish, duck-bill look — a fun conversation piece for curious reefers!