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Pacific Cleaner Shrimp

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description Pacific Cleaner Shrimp Overview

The Pacific cleaner shrimp, Lysmata amboinensis, is a marine shrimp distributed across tropical parts of the Indo-Pacific. It advertises at reef cleaning stations with conspicuous red and white coloration and long white antennae, then removes ectoparasites, dead tissue, and debris from visiting fishes. The species is also kept in marine aquariums, where it requires saltwater conditions, shelter, compatible tank inhabitants, and appropriate food beyond material obtained through cleaning behavior.

help Pacific Cleaner Shrimp FAQ

Why do Pacific cleaner shrimp wave their long white antennae?

The antennae and conspicuous red-and-white body help advertise a cleaning station to reef fish. A fish may adopt a cooperative posture while Lysmata amboinensis removes ectoparasites, damaged tissue, and debris.

What should a Pacific cleaner shrimp eat in an aquarium?

It will scavenge meaty remains and may accept foods such as mysis shrimp, small pellets, or finely chopped marine food. Cleaning fish alone may not provide enough nutrition in a lightly stocked aquarium.

Why is a Pacific cleaner shrimp sensitive during acclimation?

Marine shrimp can react badly to rapid changes in salinity and other water conditions, particularly around molting. Slow acclimation and stable reef-level salinity reduce stress, while copper-based medications must be avoided because copper is toxic to crustaceans.

Is Lysmata amboinensis only found in the Pacific Ocean?

Despite the common name Pacific cleaner shrimp, the species is broadly associated with tropical Indo-Pacific reefs. Common names such as skunk cleaner shrimp and scarlet-striped cleaner shrimp may refer to the same species.

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