Blood Red Shrimp (Lysmata Debelius)

The Blood Red Shrimp, also known as the Fire Shrimp or Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp, is a stunning and sought-after marine invertebrate prized for its deep red coloration and vibrant white spots. Its peaceful temperament and symbiotic cleaning behavior make it a valuable addition to reef tanks, where it will remove parasites and debris from other tank inhabitants. This shy yet captivating shrimp prefers dimly lit areas and thrives in a stable, mature aquarium with plenty of rockwork and hiding spots.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 2 inches.
• Tank Size: 20 gallons minimum; best in tanks with live rock for shelter and feeding opportunities.
• Diet: Omnivorous; feeds on detritus, leftover food, and small meaty items such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and high-quality sinking pellets. Supplemental feedings can enhance its health and coloration.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Peaceful; does well with other reef-safe tankmates but may be territorial toward other shrimp of the same species.
• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate; hardy and easy to care for, making it suitable for aquarists of all experience levels.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe; does not harm corals or invertebrates, making it an excellent addition to reef tanks.

Special Feature - Cleaning Behavior
The Blood Red Shrimp is known for its symbiotic relationship with fish, where it removes parasites and dead tissue. This behavior contributes to the overall health of tank inhabitants and provides a fascinating interaction for aquarists to observe.

Compatibility
This shrimp is peaceful and highly compatible with most reef-safe fish and invertebrates. Avoid housing it with predatory species like large wrasses or triggers, which may prey on it.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: The Blood Red Shrimp displays a rich, deep red body with bright white spots on its carapace and legs, creating a striking contrast. Its long white antennae add to its graceful and elegant appearance​.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Native to the Indo-Pacific, particularly in reef environments with rocky crevices and coral heads where it can establish cleaning stations. In aquariums, it thrives in setups with stable water parameters and adequate shelter​.