Cleaner Skunk Shrimp
Cleaner Skunk Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis)
The Cleaner Skunk Shrimp is a popular and beneficial reef invertebrate, instantly recognizable by its bright red body, long white dorsal stripe, and white antennae. Known for its fascinating cleaning behavior, this shrimp will set up “cleaning stations” where it removes parasites and dead tissue from fish, all while adding color and activity to the aquarium.
Hardy and reef safe, the Cleaner Skunk Shrimp is active during the day and can be kept singly, in pairs, or in small groups. It’s peaceful toward tankmates and safe with corals, making it an excellent addition to any reef or peaceful community setup.
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Scientific Name: Lysmata amboinensis
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Temperament: Peaceful
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Reef Safe: Yes
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Diet: Omnivore — scavenges leftover food and accepts frozen mysis, brine shrimp, and high-quality pellets
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Care Level: Easy
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Max Size: ~2 inches
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Tank Size: 10+ gallons
Note: Best kept in stable reef environments with low aggression. Will molt periodically — provide hiding spots during this time for protection.
