Skunk cleaner shrimp

Lysmata amboinensis · Lysmatidae

Also known as Pacific cleaner shrimp, Scarlet cleaner shrimp

Beginner

Sets up a cleaning station and picks parasites off fish; the single most useful reef invert.

In short: A skunk cleaner 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, kept in pairs or more, 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: 6 cm (2.4 in)
Group size: 2+

Reef & marine husbandry

Specific gravity: 1.024–1.026
Reef safety: Reef safe
With corals: Reef safe.
With inverts: Peaceful with other shrimp.
Minimum in a mixed reef: 75 L (20 US gal)
Minimum fish-only (FOWLR): 75 L (20 US gal)
Aggression: None.
Feeding: Feeds on scraps; offer mysis 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, fish parasites and leftovers.
Care level: Beginner

Origin & habitat

Native region: Indo-Pacific
Water type: Saltwater
Biotope: Reef caves used as cleaning stations
Natural conditions: Stable salinity; no copper ever.

Behaviour & stocking

Temperament: Peaceful
Minimum group: 2 fish
Swims: Bottom
Good tank mates: Clownfish
Tangs
Gobies
Avoid: Hawkfish
Lionfish
Puffers
Wrasses that hunt shrimp

Breeding & difficulty

Breeding difficulty: Advanced
Sexing: All individuals function as both sexes.
Notes: Simultaneous hermaphrodite; larvae need weeks of live food.
Common ailments: Failed moults from unstable salinity
Copper poisoning

Will it fit your tank?

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