Cleaner Shrimp

(2 customer reviews)

£20.00

2.5-4cm

Cleaner Shrimp, Lysmata amboinensis

  • Common Name: Cleaner Shrimp
  • Latin Name: Lysmata amboinensis
  • Distribution: Indo-Pacific region, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Northern Australia.
  • Max Size: Around 2 inches.
  • Temperature Range: 75-80°F (24-27°C).
  • pH Range: 8.1-8.4.
  • Care Level: Easy to Moderate
  • Lighting Preference: Moderate
  • Preferred Food: Varied marine foods, including flakes, pellets, live, and frozen options.
  • Behaviour: Sociable, scavenges detritus, and engages in cleaning behaviours.
  • Suitable for Reef Tanks: Generally yes
  • Interesting Facts: Cleaner Shrimp establish mutualistic relationships with fish, providing cleaning services in exchange for relief from parasites.

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The Cleaner Shrimp, sometimes called: Ambon, Skunk or Scarlet cleaner shrimp, Lysmata amboinensis, is a very helpful marine critter to have around. These shrimp boast a vibrant yellow body, adorned with a distinctive red back split by a bright white stripe. Cleaner Shrimp typically reach a maximum size of around 2 inches (5 centimetres) and as the name suggests, are helpful tank mates thanks to their scavenging and cleaning behaviours.

Taxonomy:

Belonging to the family Hippolytidae, Lysmata amboinensis exhibits defining characteristics such as elongated bodies and prominent claws. Its genus, Lysmata, comprises various cleaner shrimp species. Etymologically, “amboinensis” refers to the species’ association with Ambon Island in Indonesia.

Natural Habitat:

Lysmata amboinensis originates from the Indo-Pacific region, such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and Northern Australia.

In their native habitat, Cleaner Shrimp inhabit intricate reef environments characterized by crevices and coral formations. They seek refuge in nooks and crannies, providing a secure retreat from potential predators.

Keeping Cleaner Shrimp Healthy:

Maintaining Lysmata amboinensis is generally straightforward, making them suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists. Regular water changes, a stable temperature of 75-80°F (24-27°C), and a pH range of 8.1-8.4 contribute to their well-being.

Special Requirements and Feeding:

Cleaner Shrimp require a well-established aquarium with hiding places. They will feed on a large variety of marine foods. Including flake, pellet, live and frozen food. Including calcium supplements in their diet can be very helpful for crustaceans when it comes to shedding their exoskeleton. Moulting allows the shrimp to discard the old, restrictive exoskeleton and replace it with a larger, more flexible one to accommodate their increasing size.

Cleaner shrimp will scavenge detritus and remove parasites and dead skin from fish, promoting a healthier aquarium ecosystem. this makes them a very helpful addition to marine tanks.

How Many Should I Keep:

Considering their sociable nature, it’s advisable to keep Cleaner Shrimp in groups of two or more. This mimics their natural social structure and enhances their well-being.

Lighting Preference:

Provide moderate to high-intensity lighting, replicating the conditions of their native reef habitats. This ensures the shrimp’s comfort and encourages their natural behaviours.

Suitable Tank Mates:

Cleaner Shrimp are generally peaceful and make excellent tank mates for a variety of reef-safe fish. Compatible species include clownfish, gobies, and other non-aggressive marine inhabitants. Some larger, predatory fish maybe risky with cleaner shrimp. Please call for advice if you have any questions.

Symbiotic Relationships:

Cleaner shrimp establish mutualistic relationships with fish, where both parties benefit. Fish visit cleaner shrimp at designated cleaning stations, allowing the shrimp to perform their cleaning services. In return, the fish gain relief from parasites and enjoy improved health and hygiene.

Lysmata amboinensis often display distinctive behaviours, such as waving their antennae, to attract potential clients. Fish recognize these signals and actively seek the marine critter out to engage in cleaning interactions. This behaviour creates a dynamic and interactive ecosystem within coral reefs.

Sexual Dimorphism:

Sexual dimorphism in Cleaner Shrimp is challenging to discern visually. While males may exhibit slightly larger and more elongated second abdominal segments, distinguishing between sexes is often best achieved through observing courtship and mating behaviours, or if they are carrying eggs.

Summary:

The Cleaner Shrimp, Lysmata amboinensis, is a vibrant and helpful addition to marine aquariums. Native to the Indo-Pacific, these shrimp showcase distinctive colouration and reach a size of about 2 inches. Their taxonomy places them in the family Hippolytidae, with notable behaviours like scavenging and cleaning. To ensure their well-being, maintain stable water conditions, offer diverse marine foods, and consider keeping them in groups. These critters foster symbiotic relationships with fish, providing cleaning services in exchange for relief from parasites. Their unique behaviours, such as waving antennae, create a dynamic and interactive aquarium environment.