Blood Shrimp
Blood Red Shrimp (Lysmata debelius)
Available for local pickup only
The Blood Red Shrimp — also known as the Fire Shrimp — is one of the most stunning ornamental shrimp in the reef hobby. With its deep crimson body, long white antennae, and graceful movements, it brings both elegance and natural function to your aquarium.
Though a bit more shy than other shrimp, it’s a peaceful scavenger that will hide under ledges or in rock crevices during the day and become more active at feeding time or under dim lighting.
Key Care Information
✅ Size: Up to 2 inches long (excluding antennae)
✅ Temperament: Peaceful — may be shy at first, but very docile; can be territorial toward other shrimp in smaller tanks
✅ Reef Safe: 100% reef safe — safe with all corals, clams, and peaceful fish
✅ Diet: Omnivorous scavenger — enjoys leftover fish food, frozen mysis and brine shrimp, and other meaty bits. Target feeding helps it thrive and encourages it to come out more often.
✅ Behavior: Semi-nocturnal — prefers to hide in caves or shaded areas during the day. Becomes more active under low light or once well-acclimated.
Description
Specifications
Video Links
User Manual
Blood Red Shrimp (Fire Shrimp / Lysmata debelius)
Available for local pickup only
Identification
The Blood Red Shrimp, also known as the Fire Shrimp, is a stunning deep-red cleaner shrimp that brings both elegance and function to your reef aquarium. Its intense coloration and graceful movements make it a showstopper under reef lighting.
Appearance:
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Vibrant, deep blood-red body with white spots on the carapace and legs
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Long, white sweeping antennae
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Smooth, glossy texture without the stripes seen in other cleaner shrimp
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Grows up to 2 inches in length
Behavior & Personality
Blood Red Shrimp are shy but active at night or in low-light conditions. They may hide in rock crevices during the day, but will venture out more with time and tank maturity. Like Skunk Cleaner Shrimp, they exhibit cleaning behavior and may pick parasites or dead skin from fish.
✅ Semi-nocturnal — often more visible in the evening or during feeding
✅ Peaceful and beneficial — helps maintain fish health
✅ May set up cleaning stations like other cleaner shrimp
✅ Reef Safety
✔️ 100% reef safe — does not harm corals, clams, or other invertebrates
✔️ Compatible with most peaceful fish and inverts
❗ Can show territorial behavior toward other shrimp in smaller tanks — best kept singly or as a pair in larger setups
Care Level
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Difficulty: Easy – suitable for beginners with stable reef conditions
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Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
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Diet: Omnivore — eats leftover food, frozen mysis/brine shrimp, pellets, and detritus. Will scavenge regularly but benefits from targeted feeding
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Behavior: Shy but peaceful — prefers caves or overhangs to feel secure
Water Conditions
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Temperature: 72–78°F
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Salinity: 1.023–1.025 SG
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pH: 8.1–8.4
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Requires good water quality and stability. Avoid copper-based treatments. Provide rockwork for hiding and molting security
Tank Mates
✅ Great with peaceful reef fish, snails, hermits, and corals
❌ Avoid aggressive shrimp or large predatory fish like triggers and puffers
❌ May compete with other cleaner shrimp species in small tanks
Fun Fact
Despite their shy nature, Blood Red Shrimp become more confident over time — especially in peaceful, mature reef tanks. Under actinic or reef lighting, their deep red coloration glows intensely, making them a standout addition to your display tank. Hobbyists love them not just for their beauty, but also for their gentle, beneficial presence.