Cleaner Shrimp
Lysmata sp.

The Pacific Cleaner Shrimp and the Scarlet Cleaner (aka Blood, Fire) Shrimp are the most sought after of a large family of cleaner shrimps (Hippolytidae family). While their brilliant red and white markings make them attractive additions to any aquarium, their real value is in removing parasites from their tankmates in much the same fashion as do cleaner wrasses. Experienced reefkeepers regularly use these fascinating invertebrates as their first line of defense against diseases, such as Ich.

A healthy shrimp routinely outgrows it carapace (external skeleton) and must molt from time to time. The old skelton is shed in one piece! When this happens, the shrimp is extremely vulnerable until the new exoskeleton hardens. It is very common for hobbyists, on finding the old skeleton standing somewhere in plain view, to think their shrimp has died. However, in a day or two, the shrimp will proudly reappear in its new attire.

These shrimp can be kept in pairs and even groups. Reproduction is very common (female carries the eggs) but newly hatched larvae quickly become a nourishing food source for other tank inhabitants.

These shrimp are excellent scavengers and will eat virtually everything offered. They enjoy being hand fed and love to give your arm a good cleaning! Adult sizes is about 2 inches for L. debenius and 3 inches for L. amboinensis.

courtesy ffexpress

Blue Cheek Goby getting a cleaning

another shot of cleaning

Coral Beauty get a cleaning before bed.

Images property of Jaime's Personal Ocean.