Cleaner Shrimp
Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis)
Available for local pickup only
The Cleaner Shrimp is a reef-safe favorite, known for its bright red-and-white coloration and fascinating cleaning behavior. These shrimp form “cleaning stations” where fish line up to have parasites and dead skin gently removed, making them both a functional and entertaining addition to your reef tank.
With their peaceful nature and active daytime personality, Cleaner Shrimp are a top choice for hobbyists seeking beauty and biological balance in their aquariums.
Cleaner Shrimp – Quick Care Guide
Species: Lysmata amboinensis
Size: 2–2.5 in (5–6 cm)
Coloration: Bright red body with long white stripe; long white antennae
Temperament: Peaceful, reef safe
Tank Size: 20+ gallons
Placement: Rockwork, caves, open perches
Lighting: Standard reef lighting
Flow: Moderate
Diet: Omnivore – eats leftover food, detritus; will take pellets, frozen mysis, brine
Feeding: Supplement 1–2x weekly if needed
Reef Safe: Yes
Care Level: Easy
Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis)
Available for local pickup only
Overview
The Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis), also called the Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp, is one of the most recognizable and beneficial shrimp in the marine aquarium hobby. With its vivid red body, bright white stripe running from head to tail, and long white antennae, this shrimp is both beautiful and functional. Famous for its “cleaning station” behavior, it will happily remove parasites and dead tissue from fish, often hopping right inside their mouths or gills to perform its service.
Key Care Information
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Species: Lysmata amboinensis
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Common Names: Cleaner Shrimp, Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
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Size: 2–2.5 in (5–6 cm)
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Temperament: Peaceful and social; safe with reef fish, corals, and invertebrates
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Reef Safe: ✅ Yes – does not harm corals or other sessile inverts
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Tank Size: 20+ gallons recommended
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Placement: Often perches on rockwork, overhangs, or caves, where it sets up its cleaning station
Tank Requirements
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Lighting: Standard reef lighting; not picky
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Water Flow: Moderate; ensure areas of calm water where shrimp can perch
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Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
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Salinity: 1.023–1.025
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pH: 8.1–8.4
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dKH: 8–12
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Diet & Feeding
Cleaner Shrimp are omnivorous scavengers. While they primarily survive on leftover food, fish mucus, and parasites in the wild, in captivity they will readily eat:
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Frozen mysis and brine shrimp
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High-quality pellets or flakes
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Chopped seafood
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Occasional algae-based foods
👉 It’s recommended to supplement feeding 1–2 times per week, especially in smaller aquariums where leftover food is limited.
Behavior & Compatibility
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Very peaceful and makes an excellent community invertebrate.
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Will form symbiotic relationships with fish by offering cleaning services.
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Can be kept in groups, though in smaller tanks a pair is usually best.
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Safe with all corals, clams, and most other inverts.
Breeding Notes
Cleaner Shrimp are hermaphroditic – all individuals can produce eggs once paired. In aquariums, pairs often release planktonic larvae, though raising them to adulthood is very challenging without specialized setups.
✅ Fun Facts
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Cleaner Shrimp wave their long antennae to advertise their cleaning services to passing fish.
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Brave fish like groupers or tangs will open their mouths wide to allow the shrimp to climb inside and pick out parasites!
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In nature, divers can spot “cleaning stations” where multiple shrimp service fish traffic like a car wash. 🚗🐟