Peppermint Shrimp (IMAGE) University of Texas at Austin Caption The peppermint shrimp is one of seven marine ornamental species that Joan Holt has successfully bred in captivity. It’s popular in saltwater tanks because it consumes parasites and dead or diseased tissue from other animals. Credit Paul J. Thompson. Some rights reserved. Creative Commons. Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.