how do you ID a true peppermint shrimp?

[viodea]

I want to buy a pair of peppermint shrimps to take care of aiptasia because they got out of control. I've heard only true peppermint shrimp (Lysmata wurdemanni) eats aiptasia. The problem is they look so much like Lysmata Californica, which doesn't eat aiptasia at all.

Is there a easy way to tell the different between the 2?

thanks

[demonsp]

Either way its no garauntee. If you can remove the rock then a fresh water dip and wire brush cleanoff and another dip is the best. Or lime juice injected in its mouth.
i think the differance would be tank breeding or ocean caught.Tank breeding tends to take natural instict away.

[Aquarist007]

I like to use Joe's Juice for aptasia control

[SuperNerd]

kalk paste. :D

[viodea]

I tried lemon juice. Didn't work well. I want to have a pair of shrimps, so, it's a bonus if they can control my aipasia also.
I had better luck when using boiled water but that kills other life near it too.

[Aquarist007]

like lance said--there is no guarantee--but if you want the shrimp anyways that's a differenct situation

[viodea]

yep... I want some shrimps for sure. I just got a couple of peppermints (not sure if they are true peppermints). I'll get a couple of cleaners when I feel more comfortable with keeping my water parameters stable.

[DougBushBC]

I bought a set of peppermints from my LFS, didnt even ask if they were true or not, and my aiptasia was gone in about 32 seconds. Give them a shot

[block head]

dont know if it is true or not but, i was told atlantic pep shrimp are much more likley to eat aiptasia

[viodea]

at least one of my peppermints is true because I saw him eating aiptasia. I still don't know how to tell though :(

anyway, my peppermints are fun to watch.