Cleaner Shrimp

Skunk Cleaner Shrimp

Scientific Name: Lysmata amboinensis
Common Names: Skunk Cleaner Shrimp, Cleaner Shrimp, Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐ Easy–Moderate
Type: Marine invertebrate

The Skunk Cleaner Shrimp is one of the most popular cleaner shrimp in marine aquariums. Its striking white body with a red stripe makes it very attractive, while its natural cleaning behaviour makes it a useful and fascinating addition to a reef tank. It will often set up a “cleaning station” where fish approach and allow the shrimp to remove parasites, dead skin and debris.

Size & Appearance

• Adult size: approximately 5–6 cm
• White body with a broad red stripe running along its back.
• Long white antennae and red-and-white legs.
• Peaceful and active, particularly once established.
• Often lives around rockwork and caves.

Aquarium Requirements

• Minimum aquarium: Around 75 litres for a single shrimp, with larger tanks preferable.
• Mature, stable marine aquarium recommended.
• Provide plenty of live rock, caves and hiding places.
• Keep a secure lid where possible as shrimp can occasionally climb or jump.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22–26°C
• Specific Gravity: 1.023–1.026
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Ammonia: 0
• Nitrite: 0
• Keep nitrate low and avoid sudden changes in salinity or temperature.

Diet

Although it obtains food through its cleaning behaviour, it should not rely entirely on fish for food.

Offer:

• Marine flakes or pellets
• Mysis shrimp
• Brine shrimp
• Small pieces of seafood
• Other suitable frozen marine foods

It may actively approach feeding fish and take small pieces of food from them.

Tank Mates

Generally very peaceful and suitable for most community marine aquariums.

Good companions include:

• Reef-safe fish
• Clownfish
• Tangs
• Gobies
• Blennies
• Other peaceful invertebrates

⚠️ Avoid keeping with large predatory fish, triggerfish, hawkfish, groupers and other shrimp-eating species, which may see the cleaner shrimp as food.

Cleaner Behaviour

One of the most interesting things about Lysmata amboinensis is its cleaning behaviour.

It may:

• Remove dead skin and parasites from fish.
• Pick debris from around fish's mouths and gills.
• Establish a regular cleaning station.
• Wave its long white antennae to attract fish.

Not every fish will use its services, and the shrimp should still be provided with supplementary food.

Shedding

Like other shrimp, the Skunk Cleaner Shrimp must moult as it grows.

During and immediately after moulting it may hide and appear missing. This is normal. Do not remove an apparently empty shell, as the shrimp may simply be hiding nearby and the discarded exoskeleton can be eaten.

Reef Compatibility

Generally reef safe.
It does not normally damage corals and can be an excellent addition to a reef aquarium.

Important Notes

• Never add a shrimp to an immature or cycling aquarium.
• Acclimate carefully, particularly because shrimp are sensitive to sudden changes in salinity.
• Copper-based medications can be extremely dangerous to shrimp.
• Stable salinity and good water quality are particularly important.
• Provide plenty of hiding places so the shrimp can retreat after moulting.
• Can be kept singly, in pairs or groups in appropriately sized aquariums.