cleaner(skunk) shrimp

Scientific Name : Lysmata amboinensis

Common Names : Skunk Cleaner Shrimp

Care Level : Easy, needs to be slowly acclimated to the tank. Take an hour or longer and use a slow drip acclimation.

Size : Up to 2 inches (5 cm)

Life span : 3 years or longer

pH : 8.1 - 8.4

Temperature : 75°F - 82°F (25°C - 28°C)

Specific Gravity : 1.023 - 1.025

Carbonate Hardness (dKH) : 8 - 12°

Origin / Habitat : Indo-Pacific

Temperament / Behavior : This is a very peaceful little shrimp that should make a great addition to nearly any peaceful tank. Watch them closely in reef tanks because they may sometimes pick at corals and may even take food from your corals. They may also chase away other shrimps that invade its territory.

Breeding / Mating / Reproduction : This invertebrate has been bred in the home aquarium.

Tank Size : 30 gallon (114 liters) minimum

Compatible Tank Mates : Use caution when selecting tank mates. Don't keep them with more aggressive fish species such as Triggers, Hawkfish and Lionfish that may munch on them. You should be able to keep multiple skunk cleaner shrimps in the same tank. They seem to tolerate each other well.

Diet / Fish Food : Omnivorous, try to give them a variety of marine foods. They should accept most meaty types of frozen and live foods.

Tank Region : Usually stays close to its chosen territory in the live rock or any other tank decor that can provide shelter. They should come out when food hits the water.

Gender : Hermaphrodites - has both male and female reproductive organs.