Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis) Care Guide

A quintessential reef cleanup crew member with a red and white striped body and long white antennae. Actively sets up cleaning stations where fish line up to have parasites removed.

Overview

Lysmata amboinensis is a species in the family Lysmatidae. A quintessential reef cleanup crew member with a red and white striped body and long white antennae. Actively sets up cleaning stations where fish line up to have parasites removed. One of the hardiest and most beneficial marine invertebrates.

Taxonomy

Family: Lysmatidae
Genus: Lysmata
Scientific name: Lysmata amboinensis
Other names: Skunk Cleaner Shrimp, Scarlet Skunk Cleaner
Origin: Indo-Pacific

Habitat

Lysmata amboinensis, the Pacific cleaner shrimp, occurs on Indo-Pacific coral reefs where it sets up cleaning stations and removes parasites and dead skin from visiting fish. It is reef-safe and lives among rockwork and crevices.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 80 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
KH: 8-12 dKH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 4-7 cm
Lifespan: 3-6 years
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 1x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Position in tank: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Clownfish, Blue Chromis, Firefish Goby, Fire Shrimp
Avoid with: Triggerfish, Large Wrasses, Hawkfish

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.