Crevette Nettoyeuse

The Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis) is a popular marine invertebrate known for its symbiotic relationship with fish, providing cleaning services by removing parasites and dead tissue. Its striking appearance and beneficial behavior make it a favored choice among aquarists.

Essential Information

• Common Names: Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp, Skunk Cleaner Shrimp, Indo-Pacific White-Banded Cleaner Shrimp
• Scientific Name: Lysmata amboinensis
• Family: Hippolytidae
• Origin/Habitat: Native to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, typically found in coral reefs and rocky areas.
• Maximum Size: Up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length.
• Lifespan: Approximately 3 years in captivity.
• Level of Difficulty: Easy; suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists.
• Reef Safe: Yes; they are peaceful and do not harm corals or other reef inhabitants.

Appearance & Physical Traits

• Coloration & Pattern: Characterized by a translucent body with a prominent red stripe bordered by white lines running along its back, resembling a skunk's stripe.
• Body Shape & Structure: Elongated body with long, white antennae used for sensing the environment.

Habitat & Environmental Needs

• Minimum Tank Size: A well-established aquarium of at least 20 gallons (75 liters) is recommended to provide adequate space and stable water conditions.
• Water Temperature: Maintain between 75°F and 82°F (24°C to 28°C).
• pH Level: Keep within 8.1 to 8.4.
• Specific Gravity: Optimal range is 1.023 to 1.025.
• Aquascape: Provide ample live rock with crevices and hiding spots to mimic their natural habitat and offer shelter.

Diet & Feeding

• Diet Type: Omnivorous; primarily consumes parasites from fish, detritus, and accepts various prepared foods.
• Preferred Foods: In addition to cleaning parasites from fish, they consume detritus, leftover food, and accept various prepared foods such as flakes, pellets, and frozen offerings.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed once daily, supplementing their cleaning activities.

Behavior & Compatibility

• Temperament: Peaceful and beneficial; known for setting up cleaning stations where fish come to be cleaned.
• Social Behavior: Generally compatible with a wide range of reef-safe fish and invertebrates.
• Tank Mate Compatibility: Avoid housing with aggressive predators that may prey on shrimp.
• Activity Level: Active during both day and night, often seen engaging in cleaning behaviors.

Care Considerations & Additional Notes

• Ease of Care: Easy; they are hardy and adaptable.
• Special Requirements: Maintain stable water parameters and provide hiding spots to reduce stress.
• Breeding Info: While breeding in captivity is possible, raising the larvae is challenging due to their specific dietary and environmental needs.
• Additional Notes: Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp are hermaphrodites, possessing both male and female reproductive organs. They play a vital role in the aquarium ecosystem by promoting fish health through their cleaning activities.

Incorporating Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp into your marine aquarium can enhance both the health of your fish and the overall dynamics of your tank. Their engaging behaviors and symbiotic relationships make them a valuable addition to reef setups.