Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
Lysmata amboinensis
Also known as: Cleaner Shrimp, Pacific cleaner shrimp, scarlet cleaner shrimp, scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp
The reef's tiny cleaning crew, grooming fish who line up for the service.
About
Cleaner shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis) are one of the most behaviorally interesting invertebrates you can add to a reef tank. Native to the Indo-Pacific, they're found across a wide range of tropical waters from shallow coastal reefs down to considerable depths, making their living as parasite removers for reef fish. In the wild they establish cleaning stations on the reef, and fish actively seek them out, hovering motionless while the shrimp picks away dead tissue, parasites, and debris. That same behavior carries right into captivity, and it's genuinely entertaining to watch a tang or wrasse hold still and let a shrimp clamber over it. Appearance-wise, these shrimp are easy to recognize: a bold white stripe runs the length of the back flanked by red, with white antennae that wave constantly to advertise their services. They're peaceful with just about everything and typically ignore corals and other invertebrates, which makes them a solid choice for community reef setups. Like all shrimp, they're sensitive to sudden shifts in water chemistry and to copper-based medications, so proper acclimation and a stable, well-maintained system matter. Keep them singly or in pairs, as they are simultaneous hermaphrodites and a bonded pair will breed readily in captivity.
Similar species
Other invertebrate you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Skunk Cleaner Shrimp get?
- The Skunk Cleaner Shrimp reaches about 1–2" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Skunk Cleaner Shrimp need?
- A minimum of 15 gallons is recommended for the Skunk Cleaner Shrimp.
- What water parameters does the Skunk Cleaner Shrimp need?
- The Skunk Cleaner Shrimp does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8–8.4.
- Is the Skunk Cleaner Shrimp aggressive?
- The Skunk Cleaner Shrimp is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the Skunk Cleaner Shrimp eat?
- The Skunk Cleaner Shrimp is a carnivore. It needs a meaty, protein-rich diet of frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Skunk Cleaner Shrimp live?
- With good care, the Skunk Cleaner Shrimp typically lives 3-5 years.
- Is the Skunk Cleaner Shrimp reef safe?
- The Skunk Cleaner Shrimp is generally considered reef safe.