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Lysmata debelius
A prized cleaner shrimp with a deep blood-red body, white-socked legs, and long white antennae. It cleans parasites off fish, is hardy and reef-safe, and is stunning to look at.
The fire shrimp (Lysmata debelius), also called the blood-red fire shrimp or white-socks shrimp, is a beautiful cleaner shrimp of Indo-Pacific coral reefs. Its deep blood-red body, walking legs tipped in white like little socks, and long white antennae make it one of the most prized invertebrates in the marine hobby. Like the skunk cleaner shrimp, it eats parasites and dead tissue from fish, which approach to be cleaned. Somewhat shy, it prefers shade, so provide crevices and cave-like hiding spots in the live rock. Hardy and reef-safe, it does no harm to corals or fish. Because it molts regularly, stable water quality with adequate iodine and careful drip acclimation are key. Copper-based fish medications are lethal and must never be used. It can be kept in groups or as a size-matched pair.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Fire Shrimp lives 3-5 years.
The Fire Shrimp grows to 5-7cm.
The ideal temperature for the Fire Shrimp is 24〜27℃.
Origin
Coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific
Lifespan
3-5 years
Size
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.
Accepted name: Lysmata debelius Bruce, 1983
Authority databases: Wikipedia
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Invertebrate (marine shrimp, Hippolytidae). Not covered by CITES, and not designated as a specified invasive species. Copper-based medications are fatal.
Sources: CITES Appendices (not listed) / Ministry of the Environment: List of Designated Invasive Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
5-7cm
Temperature
24〜27℃
Humidity
—
Omnivore (leftovers, parasites, frozen food, flakes)
Compatible with most fish; performs cleaning
A bit shy; provide caves and overhangs
Molts periodically; keep iodine and stable water
Drip acclimate over 2+ hours
Copper meds are lethal; avoid salinity swings
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 Fire Shrimp is 24〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Fire Shrimp is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Fire Shrimp typically reaches 5-7cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Fire Shrimp feeds on: Omnivore (leftovers, parasites, frozen food, flakes). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Fire Shrimp varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 26, 2026