Reef dwelling crustacean
Pacific Cleaner Shrimp (Note: Decapod Crustacean, not a fish)
Lysmata amboinensis
Distinctive coloration featuring two bright red longitudinal stripes flanking a central white stripe on the back. It possesses long, white antennae used for signaling, a translucent yellowish body, and white spots on the red tail fin.
- Habitat
- Tropical coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea.…
- Size & weight
- Adults typically reach a length of 5 to 6 centimeters (a…
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Physical characteristics
Distinctive coloration featuring two bright red longitudinal stripes flanking a central white stripe on the back. It possesses long, white antennae used for signaling, a translucent yellowish body, and white spots on the red tail fin.
Habitat & distribution
Tropical coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea. They are typically found in 'cleaning stations' within reef crevices, caves, or under ledges at depths ranging from 5 to 40 meters.
Ecological role
Functions as a cleaner organism that removes parasites and dead tissue from reef fish. They have a symbiotic relationship with many fish species. Conservation status: Not Evaluated (NE) globally, but common in the aquarium trade.
Similar species
Lysmata grabhami (Atlantic Cleaner Shrimp), which is nearly identical but is found in the Atlantic Ocean and has stripes that continue all the way through the tail.