Description
The Cleaner Shrimp is one of the most iconic and useful invertebrates for marine aquariums. Recognizable by its red-and-white body and long white antennae, it provides natural cleaning services by removing parasites and dead tissue from fish. Peaceful, hardy, and fully reef-safe, making it ideal for most community reef tanks. Key Features • Removes parasites and cleans fish naturally • Hardy and easy to care for • Safe with corals, fish, and other invertebrates • Active and visible both day and night • Often sets up a “cleaning station” where fish voluntarily visit Scientific Name Lysmata amboinensis Common Names Cleaner Shrimp, Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp, Skunk Cleaner Shrimp Care Requirements Minimum tank size: 60 L Temperature: 24–26 °C Salinity: 1.024–1.026 pH: 8.0–8.4 Diet: Primarily scavenger; eats leftover food, detritus, and parasites. Can be supplemented with small meaty foods (mysis, brine, pellets). Reef-safe: Yes Temperament: Peaceful Compatibility: Excellent with most fish; may be territorial with other cleaner shrimps in small tanks. Behaviour Cleaner Shrimps are social and often interact with fish. They climb onto fish to remove parasites and dead skin, a behaviour known as cleaning symbiosis. They also scavenge leftover food, helping maintain good overall tank hygiene. Tips • Keep 1–2 individuals; pairs are possible in larger tanks • Provide rockwork and small caves for shelter • Avoid aggressive fish that may prey on shrimp (e.g., certain wrasses, triggers, hawkfish) Estimated Size At purchase: 3–4 cm Adult size: Up to 5–6 cm
