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Lysmata amboinensis
Large cleaner shrimp with red body and white dorsal stripe. Famous for cleaning parasites off fish. Excellent tank cleaner. Hermaphroditic — breeding possible.
The scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis) is a large cleaner shrimp of the family Lysmatidae widely distributed across the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Its semi-translucent red body marked with a white dorsal stripe and long antennae makes it a perennial aquarium favorite. It is renowned for cleaning behavior, eating parasites and dead tissue from the bodies and mouths of fish, and in the aquarium fish can be seen approaching it to be cleaned. It is a simultaneous hermaphrodite, and breeding behavior can occur when several are kept together. Because it molts repeatedly, stable water quality with adequate iodine and careful, gradual acclimation to avoid sudden salinity changes are essential.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp lives 3-5 years.
The Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp grows to 5-8cm.
The ideal temperature for the Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp is 24〜27℃.
Origin
Coral reefs of the Indian and Pacific Oceans
Lifespan
3-5 years
Size
Sources: LiveAquaria
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / Ministry of the Environment Specified Animal List / Ministry of the Environment: List of Designated Invasive Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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5-8cm
Temperature
24〜27℃
Omnivore (leftover food, parasites, frozen food, flakes)
Drip acclimate for 2+ hours
Compatible with most fish. Copper medications are lethal
Molts periodically. Will eat own molt — leave it
Keep the water at 24–27°C and avoid sudden salinity changes. Because it molts repeatedly, maintaining iodine levels is key.
An omnivore that eats parasites off fish and leftover food. It also takes frozen food and flakes, so feed it directly rather than relying on scraps.
It is a simultaneous hermaphrodite, so no sexing is needed; keeping several together lets you observe breeding behavior.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp is 24〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp typically reaches 5-8cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp feeds on: Omnivore (leftover food, parasites, frozen food, flakes). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 23, 2026