Skunk Cleaner Shrimp

Lysmata amboinensis

The Skunk Cleaner Shrimp acts like the medic of any saltwater aquarium. In fact, this active cleaner will set up shop on live rock or coral outcroppings and wait for fish to come and be cleaned of ectoparasites or dead tissue. Many fish value its services so highly that they even allow the Skunk Cleaner Shrimp to clean inside of their mouths without harming the shrimp. No matter how your fish use the Skunk Cleaner Shrimp’s services, it is easy to see why this peaceful creature is so popular amongst home aquarists.

The Skunk Cleaner Shrimp is also known as the Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp because of the distinct pair of bright red stripes that outline the single white stripe running down its back. The Skunk Cleaner Shrimp is often found in groups amongst live rock or coral. In the home aquarium, the Skunk Cleaner Shrimp requires a similar habitat and peaceful tankmates. Some fish, such as Hawkfish and Lionfish or predatory shrimp or crabs may see this member of the Hippolytidae family as food.

Like other invertebrates, the Skunk Cleaner Shrimp is intolerant of copper-based medications, high nitrate levels, and fluctuating water parameters. The Skunk Cleaner Shrimp needs to be drip acclimated prior to introducing to your main system. Also, proper iodine supplementation is necessary to promote molting and growth. To supplement their diet, feed Skunk Cleaner Shrimp freeze dried, frozen, and flake foods.

The Skunk Cleaner ShrimpL. amboinensisis also called the Indo-Pacific White-Banded Cleaner Shrimp, Indo-Pacific White-Striped Cleaner Shrimp, Skunk Cleaner Shrimp or the Cleaner Shrimp.