
The peppermint shrimp (Lysmata vittata) is native to the Indo-West Pacific and Northwest Pacific. Non-native populations occur in New Zealand and the Northwest Atlantic, where the first observations were in Chesapeake Bay in 2013. The species is a recent introduction to New York, and its impacts are currently unknown.
Description
How to identify peppermint shrimp:
Semi-transparent body with fine longitudinal reddish-brown stripes
Rostrum had 6–8 dorsal teeth
Habitat and Distribution
The peppermint shrimp is native to the Indo-West Pacific and Northwest Pacific. Non-native populations occur in New Zealand and the Northwest Atlantic, where the first observations were in Chesapeake Bay in 2013. The species occurs in various habitats, including tidepools and shallow subtidal habitats with hard or soft substrates. In New York, peppermint shrimp have been reported in Long Island Sound, the Hudson River, and the Peconic Bay.
Impacts

The species is a recent introduction to New York, and its impacts are currently unknown.
Spread
Peppermint shrimp were likely introduced through ballast water. However, shrimp marketed as peppermint shrimp are also common in the aquarium trade.
How You Can Help
Clean, drain, and dry your watercraft and equipment thoroughly before visiting other waterbodies.
Inspect and remove debris and mud from boats, trailers, and equipment.
Dispose of all debris and bait in trash cans or at disposal stations.
Drain all water-holding compartments including live wells, bait wells, and bilge areas. If possible, visit a decontamination station and disinfect compartments with hot water (140°F) for at least 30 seconds.
Dry boats, trailers, and all equipment before use in another water body. A minimum of 5–7 days of drying time in dry, warm conditions is recommended.
Do not dump aquarium contents in any waterbodies, drainage ditches, or sewers.
Use certified bait that is non-invasive and disease free.

Learn how to identify peppermint shrimp and report any encounters.
If you think you have found a peppermint shrimp:
DO NOT RELEASE IT ALIVE.
Take several photos of it from different angles and dispose of the specimen
Email the photos, noting where it was caught (coordinates preferred), to [email protected], OR
Submit a report through iMapInvasives
Additional Resources
National Estuarine and Marine Exotic Species Information System - information on marine and estuarine invertebrates and algae introduced to the United States – species profile on peppermint shrimp