Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata Amboinensis)

The Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp is one of the most popular and beneficial invertebrates in the marine aquarium hobby. Known for its bright red and white coloration and its symbiotic cleaning behavior, this shrimp is often seen setting up "cleaning stations" where it removes parasites and dead tissue from fish. Not only is it visually striking, but it also plays a vital role in maintaining the health of other tank inhabitants.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 2 inches.
• Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum; larger tanks with plenty of rockwork for hiding and setting up cleaning stations are recommended.
• Diet: Omnivorous; while they primarily act as cleaners, they also consume detritus and will accept a variety of foods including sinking pellets, frozen foods like mysis shrimp, and flakes. Offering supplemental feedings ensures their nutritional needs are met.
• Water Temp: 74-80°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Peaceful; gets along well with other invertebrates and fish. It is often kept in pairs or small groups in larger tanks.
• Skill Level: Beginner; hardy and easy to care for, making it a great choice for aquarists of all experience levels.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe; does not harm corals or invertebrates, and is a beneficial addition to any reef tank due to its cleaning behavior.

Special Feature - Cleaning Behavior
The Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp is famous for its symbiotic relationship with fish. It sets up "cleaning stations," where fish will approach and allow the shrimp to clean off parasites and dead tissue. This behavior not only helps the fish stay healthy but also provides the shrimp with a steady source of food. Fish often actively seek out the shrimp for cleaning, making this interaction a fascinating aspect of reef tank life.

Compatibility
The Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp is peaceful and can coexist with a wide variety of tankmates, including fish, corals, and other invertebrates. It is often kept in pairs or small groups, and its cleaning services are highly beneficial in community and reef tanks.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: The Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp has a striking red body with white stripes running down its back, and long white antennae that it uses to signal fish to come to its cleaning station. Its vibrant coloration and peaceful nature make it a standout in any tank​.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: The Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp is found in the Indo-Pacific region, where it inhabits coral reefs and rocky crevices. In the wild, it sets up cleaning stations in coral heads or rocks, where fish come to be cleaned.