🦐 Skunk Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis)
🦐 Skunk Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis)
Marine Cleaner Shrimp • Algae & Parasite Remover • Reef Safe Invertebrate • Community Tank Service
📋 The Skunk Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis) is a popular marine invertebrate known for its distinctive white dorsal “skunk” stripe and its valuable role as a cleaner organism. In the wild and aquarium, it sets up cleaning stations where fish pause for parasite removal.
Highly reef safe, it thrives among rockwork with plenty of hiding spaces and moderate flow. When introduced to a community tank with stable water conditions, it quickly settles into its role and adds both utility and color.
This species is ideal for reef tanks, nano marine systems, and mixed saltwater aquaria where algae control and parasite cleaning are desired.
💡 Highlights
✨ Visual & Functional: Bright red and white coloration plus cleaning behavior
⚪ Reef-Safe Utility: Cleans host fish and contributes to aquarium health
📏 Small Yet Impactful: Compact size suits smaller setups
✅ Hardy & Popular: Widely available and beginner-friendly
🦐 Community Friendly: Adds motion and purpose to reef aquariums
🧾 A Quick Look at the Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
📛 Common Name: Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
🔬 Scientific Name: Lysmata amboinensis
👨👩👧 Family: Hippolytidae
🌍 Origin: Indo-Pacific
📏 Max Size: 6 cm (≈ 2.4″)
💧 pH Range: 8.1–8.4
🌡️ Temperature Range: 24–27 °C (≈ 75–81 °F)
🧠 Care Level: Easy
💖 Temperament: Peaceful, helpful
🪸 Reef Safe: ✅ Yes
🏠 Min Tank Size: 90 L (≈ 24 US gallons)
📌 Tank Level: Bottom to midwater, near rockwork
🧬 Captive Bred: ❌ No
🌿 Wild Caught: ✅ Yes
⏳ Lifespan: 2–5 years (varies by conditions)
🍽️ Diet: Omnivore (parasites/algae detritus + prepared foods)
🐣 Reproduction: Protandric hermaphrodite; eggs attached under tail

















