Invert Spotlight: Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis)

[revhtree]

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Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 2"
Color Form: Red, White
Diet: Carnivore
Supplements: Calcium, Magnesium, Iodine, Trace Elements
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia, Sri Lanka
Family: Hippolytidae

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The Scarlet 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 Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp to clean inside of their mouths without harming the shrimp. No matter how your fish use the Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp's services, it is easy to see why this peaceful creature is so popular amongst home aquarists.

The Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp is also known as the Red Skunk Cleaner Shrimp because of the distinct pair of bright red stripes that outline the single white stripe running down its back. The Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp is often found in groups amongst live rock or coral. In the home aquarium, the Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp requires similar habitats 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 Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp is intolerant of copper-based medications, high nitrate levels, and fluctuating water parameters. It also requires the drip-acclimation process when first introduced to your system. Also, proper iodine supplementation is necessary to promote molting and growth. To supplement their diet, feed Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp freeze dried, frozen, and flake foods.

The Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp or is also called the Indo-Pacific White-Banded Cleaner Shrimp, Indo-Pacific White-Striped Cleaner Shrimp, Skunk Cleaner Shrimp or the Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp. Info via LiveAquaria

 

[revhtree]

Please share your Scarlet Shrimp Photos with us!

 

[Cl0ne1]

You say they are found in groups? How many do you suppose I could have in a 55 gallon? The only other larger shrimp I have is a blood fire shrimp. I love my inverts and would trade fish for more inverts everyday of the week.

Tank you for your time,

Kevin

 

[gmoney243]

You could have several really I don't think they fight. My lfs has like 5+ In a jbj 12 nano

Sent from my Vortex using Tapatalk 2

 

[revhtree]

Bump!

 

[Paul C.]

They ok with corals?

 

[Jeppun21]

They ok with corals?

yup would be perfectly fine with corals.. only thing is they may steal food from them lol.. thats about it.. they're very greedy lol

 

[Paul C.]

How about star fish?

 

[kmaintl]

Anyone keep a lot of cleaner shrimps in their tanks for a very long period of time? When I've tried, I seem to alwasy end up with just one or two at the end.

 

[revsgirl]

Love the little guys!! "Oui, he is clean!"

 

[illdoya]

here's a pic of my Skunk

Name's "Doc"

 

[bige]

I love them. So much character.

 

[wysiwyg]

i have 2 in my tank no pictures though