Coral Reef
Shrimp
More details
Hingebeak Shrimp (Rhynchocinetes durbanensis / uritai)
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Description
The Hingebeak Shrimp is a striking, active reef shrimp known for its red-and-white banded body and upward-jutting rostrum ("hinge"). Often called the Camel Shrimp or Dancing Shrimp, it's both ornamental and agile, with curious, erratic movements.
Difficulty Level
Intermediate Care
Region
Hingebeak Shrimp (Rhynchocinetes durbanensis / uritai)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Hardy in mature reef tanks but sensitive to sudden parameter changes or copper-based meds.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Primarily wild-caught, but low-impact collection and growing captive interest reduce long-term strain.
Origin
Common in the Indo-Pacific region, including coastal reef flats and rocky shallows near East Africa, the Red Sea, Japan, and northern Australia.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Its vivid candy-cane coloration, bulging eyes, and constantly twitching legs give it an animated, alien-like charm. Its namesake "hinge" rostrum adds visual intrigue to motion.
Purpose
Primarily ornamental but also helps scavenge uneaten food and clean detritus in crevices. Adds dynamic energy to reef displays, especially at night.
Importance
Popular among invertebrate enthusiasts for nano reefs and invert-only tanks. Provides enrichment for aquarists and balances tank ecosystems as a micro-cleaner.
Included Resources
Requires stable salinity, rockwork with hiding spots, and peaceful tankmates. No special filtration, but benefits from moderate flow and nutrient control.
Best Use Cases
Invert-only reef tanks, nano aquascapes, and peaceful coral systems. Often included in mixed ornamental setups for color and activity.
Conservation Context
Most are wild-collected, especially from the Philippines and Indonesia. Captive breeding is uncommon but increasingly researched. Avoid overstocking or buying from unverified exporters.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Sexy shrimp and cleaner shrimp
• Peaceful gobies, blennies, and jawfish
• Soft corals and polyps
• Feather dusters and non-aggressive crabs
Avoid housing with predatory fish (e.g., lionfish, hawkfish, large wrasses).
Region (A)
• Latitude: -1.9200° S
• Longitude: 136.2300° E
(Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 25.2048° N
• Longitude: 55.2708° E
(Dubai coastal waters, near Red Sea entrance)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Hingebeak Shrimp (Rhynchocinetes durbanensis / uritai)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Hardy in mature reef tanks but sensitive to sudden parameter changes or copper-based meds.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Primarily wild-caught, but low-impact collection and growing captive interest reduce long-term strain.
Origin
Common in the Indo-Pacific region, including coastal reef flats and rocky shallows near East Africa, the Red Sea, Japan, and northern Australia.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Its vivid candy-cane coloration, bulging eyes, and constantly twitching legs give it an animated, alien-like charm. Its namesake "hinge" rostrum adds visual intrigue to motion.
Purpose
Primarily ornamental but also helps scavenge uneaten food and clean detritus in crevices. Adds dynamic energy to reef displays, especially at night.
Importance
Popular among invertebrate enthusiasts for nano reefs and invert-only tanks. Provides enrichment for aquarists and balances tank ecosystems as a micro-cleaner.
Included Resources
Requires stable salinity, rockwork with hiding spots, and peaceful tankmates. No special filtration, but benefits from moderate flow and nutrient control.
Best Use Cases
Invert-only reef tanks, nano aquascapes, and peaceful coral systems. Often included in mixed ornamental setups for color and activity.
Conservation Context
Most are wild-collected, especially from the Philippines and Indonesia. Captive breeding is uncommon but increasingly researched. Avoid overstocking or buying from unverified exporters.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Sexy shrimp and cleaner shrimp
• Peaceful gobies, blennies, and jawfish
• Soft corals and polyps
• Feather dusters and non-aggressive crabs
Avoid housing with predatory fish (e.g., lionfish, hawkfish, large wrasses).
Region (A)
• Latitude: -1.9200° S
• Longitude: 136.2300° E
(Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 25.2048° N
• Longitude: 55.2708° E
(Dubai coastal waters, near Red Sea entrance)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Hingebeak Shrimp (Rhynchocinetes durbanensis / uritai)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Hardy in mature reef tanks but sensitive to sudden parameter changes or copper-based meds.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Primarily wild-caught, but low-impact collection and growing captive interest reduce long-term strain.
Origin
Common in the Indo-Pacific region, including coastal reef flats and rocky shallows near East Africa, the Red Sea, Japan, and northern Australia.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Its vivid candy-cane coloration, bulging eyes, and constantly twitching legs give it an animated, alien-like charm. Its namesake "hinge" rostrum adds visual intrigue to motion.
Purpose
Primarily ornamental but also helps scavenge uneaten food and clean detritus in crevices. Adds dynamic energy to reef displays, especially at night.
Importance
Popular among invertebrate enthusiasts for nano reefs and invert-only tanks. Provides enrichment for aquarists and balances tank ecosystems as a micro-cleaner.
Included Resources
Requires stable salinity, rockwork with hiding spots, and peaceful tankmates. No special filtration, but benefits from moderate flow and nutrient control.
Best Use Cases
Invert-only reef tanks, nano aquascapes, and peaceful coral systems. Often included in mixed ornamental setups for color and activity.
Conservation Context
Most are wild-collected, especially from the Philippines and Indonesia. Captive breeding is uncommon but increasingly researched. Avoid overstocking or buying from unverified exporters.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Sexy shrimp and cleaner shrimp
• Peaceful gobies, blennies, and jawfish
• Soft corals and polyps
• Feather dusters and non-aggressive crabs
Avoid housing with predatory fish (e.g., lionfish, hawkfish, large wrasses).
Region (A)
• Latitude: -1.9200° S
• Longitude: 136.2300° E
(Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 25.2048° N
• Longitude: 55.2708° E
(Dubai coastal waters, near Red Sea entrance)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Hingebeak Shrimp (Rhynchocinetes durbanensis / uritai)
Region
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