Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis)

The Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp are the acting medics of any saltwater aquarium. They wait for fish to visit them on their live rock or coral outcroppings, and they clean the ectoparasites or dead tissue off of these visiting fish. Some fish have cleaner shrimp clean the insides of their mouths without harming the shrimp.

 

This type of shrimp is lined with red and white stripes that run down their backs, and like other invertebrates, they are intolerant to copper-based medicines, high nitrate levels, and fluctuating water parameters.

 

The Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp would do well in aquariums with live rock and coral. They should be kept with peaceful tank mates, unlike the Hawkfish or Lionfish whom may see these cleaner shrimp as food.