The Cleaner Shrimp is one of the most iconic and useful invertebrates for marine aquariums. Recognizable by its red-and-white body and long white antennae, it provides natural cleaning services by removing parasites and dead tissue from fish. Peaceful, hardy, and fully reef-safe, making it ideal for most community reef tanks.

Key Features

• Removes parasites and cleans fish naturally

• Hardy and easy to care for

• Safe with corals, fish, and other invertebrates

• Active and visible both day and night

• Often sets up a “cleaning station” where fish voluntarily visit

Scientific Name

Lysmata amboinensis

Common Names

Cleaner Shrimp, Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp, Skunk Cleaner Shrimp

Care Requirements

Minimum tank size: 60 L

Temperature: 24–26 °C

Salinity: 1.024–1.026

pH: 8.0–8.4

Diet: Primarily scavenger; eats leftover food, detritus, and parasites. Can be supplemented with small meaty foods (mysis, brine, pellets).

Reef-safe: Yes

Temperament: Peaceful

Compatibility: Excellent with most fish; may be territorial with other cleaner shrimps in small tanks.

Behaviour

Cleaner Shrimps are social and often interact with fish. They climb onto fish to remove parasites and dead skin, a behaviour known as cleaning symbiosis. They also scavenge leftover food, helping maintain good overall tank hygiene.

Tips

• Keep 1–2 individuals; pairs are possible in larger tanks

• Provide rockwork and small caves for shelter

• Avoid aggressive fish that may prey on shrimp (e.g., certain wrasses, triggers, hawkfish)

Estimated Size

At purchase: 3–4 cm

Adult size: Up to 5–6 cm