Family: Alpheidae
Distribution: The Purple Zebra Shrimp has its origins in Asia, but its exact distribution is unknown. It was introduced into the hobby in 2006; almost all Potamalpheops in the hobby have been caught in the wild and exported by locals.
PH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 23 – 28°C (73 – 82°F)
Hardness: 5 – 15 dH
Description: The Purple Zebra Shrimp is an extremely small species, measuring less than 1 cm. Despite its diminutive size, this species is quite adaptable to different conditions. It has a purple colouration; both sexes look the same which can make it difficult to tell them apart. Females can be sexed thanks to their green saddle or green eggs; this the only way of telling the sexes apart.
Diet: This species will eat anything. It will accept vegetables – zucchini and spinach are both good choices – along with algae wafers, shrimp pellets, flake, bloodworms and other live foods.
Breeding: So far there is no evidence this species has been bred in captivity. It requires salt water conditions so it can hatch as larvae and develop properly. Purple Zebra Shrimp will start out as floating – almost transparent – larvae. The female will carry the bright green eggs for about three weeks before they hatch into the larvae – a feat that has not yet been accomplished by hobbyists. Given that no evidence of captive breeding has been recorded, you should not feel bad if you cannot breed this species.
Comments: Ensure you keep levels of organic waste to a bare minimum, as high levels will affect the diminutive Purple Zebra Shrimp. This shrimp will spend a lot of time hiding, so it may not be the best bet for beginners.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: Purple Zebra Shrimp are incredibly small and therefore an easy target for predators. They are best kept in a one-species tank.
