Skunk Cleaner Shrimp

Lysmata amboinensis

Skunk Cleaner Shrimp is one of the most recognizable and useful ornamental shrimp in the reef hobby. Known for its bright white dorsal stripe, red body markings, and long white antennae, this peaceful marine invert often becomes one of the most visible and interactive animals in the aquarium.

In established saltwater systems, Skunk Cleaner Shrimp will often set up a cleaning station on rockwork or a coral ledge and pick at loose tissue, debris, and external parasites from willing fish. That natural behavior makes it a popular choice for reef keepers looking for an active, reef-safe invertebrate with both visual appeal and interesting behavior.

Why Hobbyists Keep Skunk Cleaner Shrimp

• Peaceful and generally well suited to reef aquariums
• Bold red-and-white coloration that stands out in the aquascape
• Active daytime behavior with a habit of perching in visible areas
• Known for cleaning behavior with cooperative tankmates
• Helpful as part of a varied clean-up and feeding routine

Care Notes

Skunk Cleaner Shrimp do best in stable marine aquariums with plenty of rock structure, secure hiding places, and peaceful tankmates. Like other ornamental shrimp, they are sensitive to sudden swings in salinity and other water parameters, so slow acclimation is important when introducing them to a new system.

They should not be housed with predators that may view shrimp as food, including many hawkfish, lionfish, larger predatory crabs, and other aggressive tankmates. Copper-based medications should also be avoided in systems housing ornamental shrimp and other sensitive invertebrates.

Feeding

Although they are famous for their cleaning behavior, Skunk Cleaner Shrimp should still be fed as part of the aquarium’s normal feeding schedule. They will scavenge readily and accept a range of appropriately sized marine foods in a healthy reef system.

Good Fit For

• Peaceful reef tanks
• Aquarists looking for an active ornamental shrimp
• Mixed marine systems with compatible fish and invertebrates
• Reef keepers who want useful behavior as well as color and movement

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Looking for other reef-safe invertebrates? Browse our Inverts collection.