Skunk Cleaner Shrimp

Skunk Cleaner Shrimp The Skunk Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis)—also known as the Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp or Pacific Cleaner Shrimp—is one of the most recognizable and beneficial invertebrates in both coral reefs and home saltwater aquariums. Famous for its striking looks and its role as a marine "doctor," this little crustacean spends its days running a literal cleaning station for reef fish. Key Characteristics & Behavior The "Skunk" Stripe: They earn their common name from the distinct, brilliant white stripe running down their bright red backs, flanked by two lower golden-yellow stripes. Their long, stark-white antennae are hard to miss. The Cleaning Mutualism: These shrimp are famous for a symbiotic (mutually beneficial) relationship with fish. They set up "cleaning stations" on rock ledges. When a fish approaches, the shrimp waves its long antennae to signal availability. It then hops onto the fish—sometimes even climbing inside its mouth or gill cavities—to eat dead tissue, mucus, and external parasites like marine ich. The fish gets a health check, and the shrimp gets a free meal. Diet: While they love scavenging for parasites, they are omnivorous. In an aquarium, they happily accept standard fish flakes, pellets, and frozen foods like mysis shrimp. Hermaphroditism: Skunk Cleaner Shrimp are simultaneous hermaphrodites. This means every adult possesses both male and female reproductive organs. While they cannot self-fertilize, any two mature shrimp can successfully mate with each other. Quick Profile Feature Details Scientific Name Lysmata amboinensis Origin Indo-Pacific region and the Red Sea Size Up to 2 to 3 inches (5 –7.5 cm) Lifespan 2 to 3 years Temperament Peaceful; safe for reef setups A Quick Warning for Aquarists: Like all invertebrates, these shrimp are highly sensitive to copper-based medications and rapid shifts in water parameters. They also require proper calcium and iodine levels in the water to successfully molt (shed their old exoskeleton) as they grow.