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Home > Marine Inverts & Plants > Shrimp > Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis)
Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
Please Note: Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen.
Please Note: Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen.
Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis)
Additional locales and sizes may be available!
Additional locales and sizes may be available!

Quick Stats

Care Level Easy
Temperament Peaceful
Color Form Red, White
Diet Carnivore
Reef Compatible Yes
Water Conditions 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size 4"
Family Hippolytidae
Supplements Calcium, Magnesium, Iodine, Trace Elements
Compatibility View Chart
What do these Quick Stats mean? Click here for more information
Care Level Easy
Temperament Peaceful
Color Form Red, White
Diet Carnivore
Reef Compatible Yes
Water Conditions 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size 4"
Family Hippolytidae
Supplements Calcium, Magnesium, Iodine, Trace Elements
Compatibility View Chart
What do these Quick Stats mean? Click here for more information

Overview

The Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis) 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 a similar habitat 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. The Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp needs to be drip acclimated prior to introducing to your main 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 L. amboinensis is also called the Indo-Pacific White-Banded Cleaner Shrimp, Indo-Pacific White-Striped Cleaner Shrimp, Skunk Cleaner Shrimp or the Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1/2" to 1-1/4"; Medium: 1-1/4" to 1-3/4"; Large: 1-3/4" to 2-1/2"; XLarge: 2-1/2" to 3-1/4"

Customer Testimonials

Christopher E Dover Plains , NY
This is the healthiest cleaner shrimp I've ever seen. As my first online order EVER, I was very skeptical. When it arrived, it was apparent that this specimen was healthy and handled with love and care by the staff at LiveAquaria.com. This species is very hard to get where I live, and I am very grateful to everyone who helped me acquire this fine animal.
Tyler H Knoxville , TN
These are a must for any marine aquarium. Mine has been thriving for almost two years now. The fish constantly harass it for its cleaning services. It seems to have a love affair with my Yellow Tang and can often be seen riding around the tank on her back. These shrimp aren't shy at all and will even begin picking bits of dead skin from my hands and arms as I clean the tank.
Shawn H Hampton , TN
Get one! Get one! Get one! It will amaze you, and your fish will love you for it. They clean, clean, clean. They'll even clean your hands and arm if you let them. They're a great experience to own.
Robert M Roseland , NJ
Very hardy shrimp. It seems to be happy with a mate though. A must-have for a tank with peaceful fish.
John O Polo , IL
These Shrimp are great! I have 2 in my reef tank and they have even begun to mate. The larger of the 2 is carrying a large mass of lime-green eggs on its tail. My yellow tang absolutely loves being cleaned and will spend about half his time trying to get cleaned. These shrimp are very active and bring more life into a reef tank than other shrimp.
Scott T Durham , NC
These shrimp have excellent personalities. Every one I've been around has been very friendly to his tankmates, and even human company as well. Mine would even sit in the palm of my hand if I put it in the tank. Sometimes he'd clean my cuticles, sometimes he'd just sit there. Very interesting creatures, indeed!
Dave S Long Beach , NY
It's obvious this shrimp didn't read the acclimation procedure...he went to town on his tankmates, cleaning, preening, and running around the tank right away. He stays near the front on a vertical column all day and runs around the sand whenever it's feeding time. He's very friendly and likes to show off!
Ann W Dearborn , MI
These shrimp are an absolute necessity for any tank! They are comical to watch, are excellent scavengers, and are hardy! They were eating within five hours of arrival and haven't stopped. They've set up cleaning stations on the artificial plants, waiting for candidates to clean. It's a joy to watch them "clean" a fish. Truly fascinating. They even try to clean me when I'm doing maintenance and also eat right out of my hand!
David C. Lake Como , NJ
I threw in a cleaner shrimp against all odds at curing my large Sleek Unicorn Tang of Tangs Disease and Ich. He would not allow my small Cleaner Wrasse to touch him, and I know this is not the norm, but it worked. The shrimp went to town and hangs on the Tang and has stripped him of almost all parasites a few days later. At first the shrimp is set back by the fish immediately coming over asking for help, but then it gets hungry and does that voodoo that it does!
Nicolas L Las Vegas , NV
This is the best Shrimp I've ever had and right now she has eggs. I recommend this Shrimp to anyone with a well established reef.
Susan L Naugatuck , CT
A great shrimp; nice size, color and markings, I couldn't be happier that is why I continue to order from Live Aquaria! This is my 6th purchase; consistent quality, accuracy of order, packing and delivery!! AAA+++++++
Sadiq A Pullman , WA
The best cleaner shrimp you can find. I bought two and they go all over the aquarium cleaning and looking for food. They also like to clean my Clownfish. A must have in your marine tank. This is the healthiest cleaner shrimp I have ever seen.
Eric P Kempner , TX
Great personalities. They quickly run out from their cave during feeding time. Fish enjoy the service they provide. Just a great specimen to add to any marine set-up.
Chandler G Rio Rancho , NM
wow! this is the the coolest shrimp ever! its super easy to take care of, and with fish like tangs ect., it helps prevent decease because it jumps on them and cleans them. its so cool to watch, and if your not scared you can stick your hand in the tank and it will clime right up on you. not only that but these guys sell them cheep and the best color i have ever seen!!!! and wonderful service
Ariana S East Quoque , NY
This is a wonderful little shrimp. I have two in my 10 gallon fowlr. They are very active and funny little creatures. They often hang out in the overhang in the rocks, but I often spy them running around and jumping from rock to rock. They are aggressive during feeding time. As soon as they spot the food, they go nuts, jumping around trying to gather up everything and bringing it back with them. Even when they can no longer swallow, they still hold onto it for later. They love their job and often times chased around my firefish to try and clean her, especially when she first arrived. They can be intimidating because they are extremely outgoing. But I wouldn't sell them for a million dollars. I adore those two shrimp with all my heart. I'd recommend them for anyone with a saltwater tank, but beware, as they will steal food from corals.
Denver , CO
Love him! Arrived in great condition, and is awesome! He is now about two inches, tries to clean my snowflake clown, damsels, and fire fish. He has also met the anemone several times. Whenever I try to feed my anemone, he hops on my arm. Lately, I have been sticking my hand in there and he has been picking at me! Gets along with everything, polyps, sponge, fish, corals. Mine only stays in about half of my 55 gallon (2-2 1/2 feet) tank.
Jason Pace Seattle , WA
These guys are the puppies of the reef. They're social and interactive, they jump up and down when they see me each morning and they'll eat right out of my hand (as well as clean it). It's easy to forget that their brains are just a tiny cluster of cells. They're so much fun! Easily my favorite reef critter of all time.
Timothy M Brackney , PA
I have three peppermint shrimp and three skunk cleaner shrimp in my tank. They are all doing well. They are extremely useful for scavenging uneaten fish food off the bottom, and they are fun to watch. The skunks are somewhat bigger than the peppermints, and much more active and visible. The peppermints spent most of their time hiding, and come out only when I feed the fish. The skunks are usually visible, often scampering around the live rock, chasing one another. So if you are looking for activity, the skunks are the way to go. On the other hand, the smaller and more secretive peppermints are probably better at scavenging food in small corners.
Josh C Gurley , AL
This shrimp is so fun to watch-- doing anything. He has an affinaty for my Yellow Tang, and has set-up a cleaning station on the underside of my live rock.
Denver , CO
Love him! Arrived in great condition, and is awesome! He is now about two inches, tries to clean my snowflake clown, damsels, and fire fish. He has also met the anemone several times. Whenever I try to feed my anemone, he hops on my arm. Lately, I have been sticking my hand in there and he has been picking at me! Gets along with everything, polyps, sponge, fish, corals. Mine only stays in about half of my 55 gallon (2-2 1/2 feet) tank.
Anders Schmich Lafayette , CO
Definitely one of my favorite aquarium invertebrate. So much personality, they're always out during the day, and will even try to clean my hand during water changes and cleanings. I highly recommend for any reef tank.
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