Invertebrate guide
Cleaner Shrimp
Lysmata amboinensis
Cleaner Shrimp in this Guide refers to Lysmata amboinensis, a colorful reef shrimp known for setting up cleaning stations where willing fish allow it to remove mucus, dead tissue, and some external material. In aquariums it is also an active scavenger and a highly visible display animal.
Quick Reference
- Care difficulty
- Easy to moderate
- Adult size
- About 2-2.5 inches (5-6 cm) body length; antennae extend much farther
- Lifespan
- Typically 2-3 years in aquariums; occasionally longer
- Minimum tank
- 20 gallons recommended
- Temperature
- 72-78°F (22-26°C)
- Salinity
- 1.023-1.026 specific gravity (about 32-35 ppt)
- pH
- 8.1-8.4
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Diet
- Omnivorous scavenger; meaty marine foods and prepared foods
- Reef safe
- Yes
- Coral safe
- Generally yes
- Fish safe
- Generally yes; predatory fish may eat it
- Beginner-friendly
- Yes, once the aquarium is mature and stable
Key Takeaways
- Difficulty: A mature, stable, copper-free marine aquarium is required.
- Minimum tank size: Cleaning behavior does not replace quarantine, disease treatment, or routine maintenance.
- Beginner friendly: Provide secure caves and protect the shrimp during molts.
Identity and habitat
Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis) is native to the Red Sea and tropical Indo-Pacific, excluding the tropical Atlantic where the similar Lysmata grabhami occurs. It inhabits coral reefs, caves, ledges, and sheltered crevices, often at cleaning stations.
The shrimp is translucent pale with scarlet-red bands and a narrow white stripe. Adults are commonly encountered alone or in pairs.
Aquarium setup and parameters
Provide mature live rock with ledges and shaded retreats, an accessible perch where fish can approach, and at least one secure cave or overhang for molting. Use a tight intake guard and stable rockwork; acclimate slowly and never expose the shrimp to copper-based medication.
Supplied parameters are 72-78°F (22-26°C), 1.023-1.026 specific gravity (about 32-35 ppt), pH 8.1-8.4, alkalinity 8-12 dKH, calcium 400-450 ppm, and magnesium 1250-1400 ppm. Ammonia and nitrite should be 0 ppm.
Behavior and compatibility
Cleaner Shrimp are peaceful and inquisitive. They may solicit fish from a preferred station, defend a favored cave from other shrimp, steal food, and become bold at feeding time. One or a compatible pair is safest; multiple adults may fight in limited space.
They are generally compatible with peaceful reef fish, snails, hermit crabs, and peaceful shrimp. Avoid hawkfish, lionfish, groupers, triggers, puffers, larger wrasses, moray eels, and other crustacean-eating fish.
Diet and feeding
Cleaning behavior does not provide a complete diet. Offer varied marine foods such as Mysis shrimp, finely chopped marine flesh, quality sinking pellets or flakes, enriched brine shrimp, and small pieces of frozen reef food.
Offer a small amount once daily or at least several times per week, adjusting for food obtained during normal fish feedings. Target-feed near its retreat if fish take all the food.
Molting, breeding, and safety
Before a molt the shrimp may hide and eat less. A clear, hollow molt is normal. Incomplete molts can follow salinity instability, poor nutrition, injury, or unsuitable water chemistry; do not pull on retained shell.
Cleaner Shrimp are extremely sensitive to copper. Avoid medications unless explicitly labeled safe for marine crustaceans. Their cleaning behavior cannot eradicate parasites; use quarantine and an evidence-based treatment plan in a separate system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a Cleaner Shrimp cure marine ich or other fish parasites?
No. It may remove some accessible external material from cooperative fish, but it cannot eradicate parasites with stages in the skin, gills, substrate, or water. Use quarantine and an evidence-based treatment plan in a separate system.
Sources and Further Reading
- DecaNet: Lysmata amboinensis (De Man, 1888) DecaNet editors via World Register of Marine Species