Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
Skunk Cleaner Shrimp "Lysmata amboinensis"
Skunk Cleaner Shrimp "Lysmata amboinensis", the northern cleaner shrimp, scarlet cleaner shrimp, or Pacific cleaner shrimp, is an omnivorous shrimp species, which will generally scavenge and eat parasites and dead tissue. L. amboinensis is naturally part of the reef ecosystem, and is widespread in the Red Sea and tropical Indo-Pacific.[1]
Lysmata amboinesis hatches from eggs and goes through an incomplete metamorphosis at 5–6 months of age.[2] After their metamorphosis they will moult every 3–8 weeks. Each shrimp starts out as a male, but after a few moults will become a hermaphrodite and will function as both male and female.[3] They will lay from 200–500 eggs in one spawning. Eggs appear on the female's pleopods and are greenish in colour; they swell and lighten in colour before hatching and a few will turn silver on the day of hatching. The eggs tend to hatch around dusk.[4]
It has been observed that fish with parasites may come to "cleaning stations" in the reef. Certain species of fish and several types of cleaner shrimp may assist the fish in large numbers and even go inside the mouth (and then to the gill cavity) without being eaten.
Many species of Lysmata, including L. amboinesis, are safe and beneficial in salt water tanks since they will (as indicated by their common name) clean both the tank and occasionally other fish within the tank.
Lysmata amboinesis hatches from eggs and goes through an incomplete metamorphosis at 5–6 months of age.[2] After their metamorphosis they will moult every 3–8 weeks. Each shrimp starts out as a male, but after a few moults will become a hermaphrodite and will function as both male and female.[3] They will lay from 200–500 eggs in one spawning. Eggs appear on the female's pleopods and are greenish in colour; they swell and lighten in colour before hatching and a few will turn silver on the day of hatching. The eggs tend to hatch around dusk.[4]
It has been observed that fish with parasites may come to "cleaning stations" in the reef. Certain species of fish and several types of cleaner shrimp may assist the fish in large numbers and even go inside the mouth (and then to the gill cavity) without being eaten.
Many species of Lysmata, including L. amboinesis, are safe and beneficial in salt water tanks since they will (as indicated by their common name) clean both the tank and occasionally other fish within the tank.
Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
"Lysmata amboinensis"
Approx. 1 Inch Juvenile
$18
In Stock
*Please note: We do not ship. This is available for local pickup or delivery.
"Lysmata amboinensis"
Approx. 1 Inch Juvenile
$18
In Stock
*Please note: We do not ship. This is available for local pickup or delivery.
*The picture(s) or video(s) in the cart are usually taken from our store. They look similar in size and appearance to what we are offering. Due to quantities and variations, your fish will most likely look slightly different than the picture(s).
Quick Details:
Scientific Name: Lysmata amboinensis
Aquarium Adaptivity Level: Moderate - acclimation is critical
Care Level: Moderate
Aggression Level: Peaceful
Water Conditions:
Reef Compatible: Yes
Family: Hippolytidae
Food: We feed a mixture of approx. 85% algae, shrimp, garlic & mussels (approx. 3 times per day).
Life Span:
Acclimation Date: Feb. 13, 2014
Acclimation time: At least 3 hours (drip acclimation)
Aquarium Adaptivity Level: Moderate - acclimation is critical
Care Level: Moderate
Aggression Level: Peaceful
Water Conditions:
Reef Compatible: Yes
Family: Hippolytidae
Food: We feed a mixture of approx. 85% algae, shrimp, garlic & mussels (approx. 3 times per day).
Life Span:
Acclimation Date: Feb. 13, 2014
Acclimation time: At least 3 hours (drip acclimation)
Additional Info.:
Care: Please note that because it is an invertebrate, acclimation is critical with this (and really all shrimp). Shrimp are intolerant to copper, high ammonia/nitrates, & low salinity.
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