Cleaner Shrimp
Lysmata amboinensis
Identification: Yellowish carapace with red and white stripes down the back.
Maximum Length: The Cleaner Shrimp may grow to 2 inches.
Origin: Indian Ocean
Minimum tank size: 10 Gallon
Behavior: The Lysmata amboinensis is generally peaceful toward other tank mates. Reef-safe. Many consider the Lysmata amboinensis a low-maintenance specimen. Not venomous. Scavenger, eats parasites & dead tissue. Scavenger that likes to sift through sand. Requires iodine for proper molting. All Cleaner Shrimp species prefer subdued lighting, plenty of rocky cover, nooks and crannies, molt every 3-8 weeks normally, consume most all foods in addition to cleaning, and are sensitive to fast changes in water chemistry, particularly salinity.
Feeding and diet: Omnivore.
Reef Compatibility: Excellent addition to any reef. Will "clean" fish of parasites and actually help fight off the dreaded disease ick. Keep water quality high (SG 1.023 - 1.025, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Temp. 72 - 78° F).
Cautions: Be careful with copper-based medication and extreme nitrate levels..
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