Genus = Lysmata
Species = L. Amboinensis
Common name= Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp
Species = L. Amboinensis
Common name= Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp
Size and growth rate
L. Amboinensis can be found up to 2 inches long. They grow by shedding their shell. Excess iodine in the reef aquarium can expedite growth rates and shedding of the shell. This isn't a very good thing so don't try it.
Location and geographic range
Cleaner Shrimp are often found in groups, the Shrimp will set up a cleaning station on coral reefs or rubble, waiting for fish to come and be cleaned. It feeds on ectoparasites or dead tissue that it picks from the body and oral cavities/gills of these fish (e.g., Tangs or Groupers) in the wild or in the aquarium. It is very sociable and will live peacefully with almost all reef inhabitants.They range in all area's of the Indo Pacific.
Attachment to substrate
Cleaner Shrimpare very mobile, they are often found cleaning parasites from fish passing by.
Lighting and flow requirements
Lighting and water flow really don't affect shrimp much, just as long as they have some light and a nice gentile flow they should be fine.
Coloration
The Indo-Pacific White-Striped Cleaner Shrimp is also known as the Indo-Pacific White-Banded Cleaner Shrimp, Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp, and Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp. It may also be called the Red Skunk Cleaner Shrimp because of the very distinct two bright red stripes surrounding one white stripe running down its back. There are two species usually referred to as striped cleaner shrimp, the L. amboinensis with white spots at the end of the tail, and from the Atlantic, the L. grabhami that has no spots. The L. amboinensis is one of the most popular shrimp for the home aquarium.
Reef compatibility
Shrimp are for the most part very reef safe, even beneficial. There are however many types of fish that prey on shrimp. IE Hawk fish, Triggers, Lions, etc.
Conclusion and comments.
Cleaner shrimp are common to the aquarium industry. They are being farmed by many farms throughout the world and are easily obtained. They have been known to spawn successfully in the home aquarium but it is very rare.
It is my personal opinion that if you intend to keep a Cleaner Shrimp you should have an aquarium of 10 gallons or larger. They can be kept in smaller tanks but they rapidly outgrow them.