Great addition to a Reef Tank: The Skunk Cleaner Shrimp

Lysmata amboinensis, the skunk cleaner shrimp or Pacific cleaner shrimp is widespread in the Red Sea and Indo-Pacific

The skunk cleaner shrimp is a great addition to any reef tank and for most fish only tanks as well. As long as the fish do not pose a predatory risk to the shrimp. They are omnivorous scavengers, eating almost anything, but are most well known for their symbiotic relationship with fish.

When a fish comes down with Ich or another parasite, it will sidle up next to the shrimp and patiently tread water while waiting for the shrimp to clean its body of parasites. This is a fascinating behavior to watch, not to mention practical in a reef tank where Ich outbreaks can threaten fish, but most Ich medications will kill off corals.

 The cleaner shrimps will be less shy if kept in 2-3 member groups; they will establish their own "cleaner station" on live rock and fish will know where to seek them when they require their services.