Blood red fire shrimp

Lysmata debelius · Lysmatidae

Also known as Scarlet skunk shrimp, Fire shrimp

Beginner

Deep red and more reclusive than the skunk cleaner; still cleans, mostly at night.

In short: A blood red fire shrimp needs at least 75 L (20 US gal), water at 24–27 °C (75–81 °F) and pH 8.1–8.4. It is peaceful, usually kept singly, and rated beginner to keep.

Updated 6 October 2026

Minimum tank: 75 L (20 US gal)
Temperature: 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Adult size: 5 cm (2 in)
Group size: 1+

Reef & marine husbandry

Specific gravity: 1.024–1.026
Reef safety: Reef safe
With corals: Reef safe.
With inverts: Territorial towards its own kind in small tanks.
Minimum in a mixed reef: 75 L (20 US gal)
Minimum fish-only (FOWLR): 75 L (20 US gal)
Aggression: None.
Feeding: Scavenges; supplement twice weekly.

Care requirements

Minimum tank volume: 75 L (20 US gal)
Temperature: 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Hardness: 8–12 dGH
Lifespan: 2–5 years
Diet: Omnivore/scavenger — mysis, pellets, detritus.
Care level: Beginner

Origin & habitat

Native region: Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka and Maldives
Water type: Saltwater
Biotope: Deep reef caves
Natural conditions: Stable salinity, shaded caves, no copper.

Behaviour & stocking

Temperament: Peaceful
Minimum group: 1 fish
Swims: Bottom
Good tank mates: Clownfish
Cardinalfish
Gobies
Avoid: Hawkfish
Puffers
Predatory wrasses

Breeding & difficulty

Breeding difficulty: Advanced
Sexing: Not sexable.
Notes: Hermaphrodite; larvae very difficult.
Common ailments: Moult failure
Copper poisoning

Will it fit your tank?

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