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.
Key Care Information
✅ Size: Up to 2 inches long (excluding antennae)
✅ Temperament: Peaceful — great with fish, corals, and most inverts; may show minor territorial behavior toward other cleaner shrimp in small tanks
✅ Reef Safe: 100% reef safe — won’t harm corals, clams, or healthy livestock
✅ Diet: Omnivorous — eats leftover food, detritus, and accepts frozen mysis, brine shrimp, pellets, and flakes. Will clean fish if they approach willingly.
✅ Behavior: Active during the day — often visible on rocks or open sand. May hop onto your hand or clean your fingers during maintenance!
Description
Specifications
Video Links
User Manual
Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis)
Available for local pickup only
Identification
The Cleaner Shrimp, also known as the Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp, is one of the most recognizable and beloved invertebrates in the reefing hobby. Its vibrant red and white coloration, paired with its fascinating cleaning behavior, make it a functional and visually striking addition to any reef tank.
Appearance:
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Distinct red body with a bold white stripe running from head to tail
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Long, elegant white antennae
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Grows up to 2 inches in body length (antennae not included)
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Transparent legs with yellowish tones on the lower portion
Behavior & Personality
Cleaner Shrimp are famous for their symbiotic relationship with reef fish — they set up “cleaning stations” where fish line up to have parasites and dead skin removed.
✅ Social and interactive — may even hop onto your hand during tank maintenance
✅ Often seen perched on rock ledges or under overhangs
✅ Active during the day and not shy once acclimated
Reef Safety
✔️ 100% reef safe — will not harm corals, clams, or fish
✔️ Compatible with most peaceful invertebrates
❗ Can be territorial toward other shrimp of the same species in smaller tanks — best kept singly or as a peaceful pair unless space allows
Care Level
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Difficulty: Easy – beginner-friendly and hardy in stable reef tanks
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Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
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Diet: Omnivore – feeds on parasites, leftover food, and accepts a wide range of prepared frozen and pellet foods
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Behavior: Peaceful – plays a beneficial role in the tank by naturally cleaning fish and scavenging
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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Needs stable reef conditions; avoid copper treatments; provide hiding spots for molting
Tank Mates
✅ Excellent with peaceful reef fish, corals, snails, and hermits
❌ Avoid housing with aggressive fish (e.g., large wrasses, triggers, puffers) that may prey on shrimp
Fun Fact
Cleaner Shrimp have been observed forming mutualistic cleaning stations not only in aquariums but also in the wild — fish will pause and even open their mouths to allow the shrimp to clean inside! This unique behavior makes them a favorite both for function and entertainment in reef tanks.