Cleaner Shrimp

The Cleaner Shrimp, also known as the Skunk Cleaner Shrimp or Pacific Cleaner Shrimp, is one of the most popular and beneficial invertebrates in the saltwater aquarium hobby. Recognizable by their striking red and white banded bodies with long white antennae, these shrimp provide a valuable cleaning service by removing parasites and dead tissue from fish. They are fascinating to watch as they set up "cleaning stations" where fish queue up to be serviced. Peaceful and reef-safe, Cleaner Shrimp add both beauty and functionality to marine aquariums.

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Cleaner Shrimp need a secure reef environment:

• Minimum 20 gallons (30+ recommended)
• Secure rockwork - they molt and need hiding spots
• Caves and crevices for shelter
• Peaceful tank mates
• Protein skimmer
• Moderate flow
• Heater to maintain 75-82°F
• Tight-fitting lid (they can climb and jump)

Important: Provide secure hiding spots for molting, when they are vulnerable.

Water Quality (Marine)

• Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <20 ppm
• Phosphate: <0.03 ppm
• Calcium: 380-450 ppm (important for shell development)
• Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
• Iodine: Maintain appropriate levels for molting

Maintenance:

• Weekly 10-15% water changes
• Maintain calcium and iodine levels for proper molting
• Top off with RO/DI water daily

Feeding

Cleaner Shrimp are omnivores and scavengers:

• Frozen foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp
• Marine pellets and flakes
• Fish food scraps
• Detritus and organic matter
• Natural diet: Fish parasites and dead tissue

Feeding Schedule: Daily feeding. They will come out when food is added and are not shy about eating.

Note: While they do eat parasites from fish, this is supplemental. They still need regular feeding.

Behavior & Compatibility

Cleaner Shrimp are peaceful and beneficial:

• Good Tank Mates:

  • All peaceful fish (clownfish, tangs, gobies, etc.)
  • Other invertebrates
  • Corals (completely reef-safe)
  • Other Cleaner Shrimp (can be kept in pairs)

• Avoid:

  • Large predatory fish (may eat them)
  • Triggers (most will eat shrimp)
  • Some puffers
  • Hawkfish (may prey on them)
  • Aggressive dottybacks

Cleaning Behavior: They wave their white antennae to attract fish and perform a dance to signal their cleaning services. Fish will open their mouths and gills to be cleaned.

Molting

Cleaner Shrimp molt regularly as they grow:

• Frequency: Every few weeks to months depending on age
• Behavior: Hide for 1-3 days after molting while new shell hardens
• Leave shed shell in tank - they will eat it for calcium
• Don’t disturb them during this vulnerable time

Health Considerations

Watch for these issues:

• Failed molts: Usually due to improper water chemistry (calcium/iodine)
• Predation: Most common cause of death
• Copper sensitivity: NEVER use copper-based medications with invertebrates

Prevention: Maintain proper calcium and iodine levels, house with peaceful fish only, and avoid copper medications.