Skunk Cleaner Shrimp Care Guide

The skunk cleaner shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis) is one of the most popular marine invertebrates in the UK. Known for its bright red body, white stripe, and cleaning behaviour, it's a favourite addition to reef aquariums.

In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about skunk cleaner shrimp care, including tank size, water conditions, compatibility, feeding, and typical UK prices - plus how to buy or sell them locally.

Quick facts about Skunk Cleaner Shrimp

Skunk cleaner shrimp are marine invertebrates found on coral reefs, where they establish "cleaning stations" and remove parasites from fish.

They are peaceful, active, and often interactive with both fish and aquarists.

Scientific Name

Lysmata amboinensis

Average Size (when mature)

5-7 cm

Origin

Indo-Pacific

Tank Size

60L (15gal)

Lifespan

2-3 years

Behaviour

Peaceful

Temperature

24-26°C

Diet

Omnivore/scavenger (meaty foods, pellets, detritus)

pH

8.1-8.4

UK Price

£15-£30 per shrimp

How Many Skunk Cleaner Shrimp Should You Keep?

Skunk cleaner shrimp can be kept singly or in pairs.

  • A single shrimp is perfectly fine
  • Pairs can be kept and may form bonds
  • Multiple shrimp can coexist in larger tanks

Keeping them in suitable numbers can lead to:

  • More natural behaviour
  • Increased cleaning activity

They are not territorial and are generally very peaceful.

Ideal Tank Conditions for Skunk Cleaner Shrimp

Maintaining stable marine conditions is essential for their health.

  • Tank Setup: Reef or fish-only marine tank with stable parameters
  • Substrate: Sand or reef substrate
  • Live Rock: Essential for hiding places and natural grazing
  • Water Conditions: Stable salinity and high water quality
  • Filtration: Strong filtration with protein skimming recommended
  • Lighting: Moderate to reef-level lighting

Stability is key, as shrimp are sensitive to sudden changes.

Compatibility with Other Fish

Skunk cleaner shrimp are reef-safe and highly compatible with many species.

  • Good Tankmates: clownfish, tangs, gobies, wrasses (non-predatory), and most reef fish
  • Avoid: large predatory fish (e.g. lionfish, triggers, some wrasses) that may eat shrimp

They may actively clean fish, which is a fascinating behaviour to observe.

Are Skunk Cleaner Shrimp Easy to Care For?

Skunk cleaner shrimp are relatively easy to care for and suitable for beginners to marine aquariums.

They require:

  • Stable salinity and water parameters
  • Careful acclimation (drip acclimation recommended)
  • A mature tank environment
  • Protection from predators

They are hardy but sensitive to rapid changes.

Skunk Cleaner Shrimp Price in the UK

In the UK, skunk cleaner shrimp typically cost between £15-£30 per shrimp.

Prices vary depending on:

  • Size and condition
  • Availability
  • Shop vs hobbyist sellers

They are widely available in marine aquarium shops.

Where to Buy Skunk Cleaner Shrimp in the UK

Skunk cleaner shrimp are commonly available in UK marine aquarium shops and from hobbyists.

Sourcing locally can:

  • Reduce transport stress
  • Improve survival rates
  • Offer better value

TankMate UK helps connect aquarists who want to buy, sell, or rehome marine livestock safely - without shipping.

Find skunk cleaner shrimp for sale near you or list your own using TankMate UK.

Can You Sell Skunk Cleaner Shrimp?

Yes - skunk cleaner shrimp are often sold or rehomed by hobbyists.

Selling locally is often the best option, as it:

  • Minimises stress for the shrimp
  • Avoids the risks of shipping
  • Connects you with responsible aquarists

TankMate UK allows you to list livestock quickly and find local buyers.

Feeding Skunk Cleaner Shrimp

Skunk cleaner shrimp are opportunistic feeders and scavengers.

Key Tips:

  • Feed small meaty foods (mysis shrimp, brine shrimp)
  • Accept pellets and flakes
  • Will scavenge uneaten food in the tank
  • Do not rely solely on cleaning behaviour for nutrition
  • Regular feeding helps maintain health.

Common Problems with Skunk Cleaner Shrimp

Failed moulting, often caused by:

  • Poor water quality
  • Iodine deficiency
  • Stress

Sudden death after introduction, linked to:

  • Poor acclimation
  • Rapid salinity changes

Predation, caused by:

  • Incompatible tankmates

Why Skunk Cleaner Shrimp Are So Popular

  • Fascinating cleaning behaviour
  • Bright and attractive colouring
  • Peaceful and reef-safe
  • Easy to care for
  • Adds activity to marine tanks

When kept correctly, skunk cleaner shrimp are both functional and visually appealing additions to a reef aquarium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do skunk cleaner shrimp really clean fish?

Yes, they remove parasites and dead tissue from fish at cleaning stations.

Can you keep more than one cleaner shrimp?

Yes, especially in pairs or larger tanks.

Are skunk cleaner shrimp reef-safe?

Yes, they are safe with corals and most invertebrates.

What tank size do skunk cleaner shrimp need?

At least 60 litres, with stable marine conditions.

Looking to Buy or Sell Skunk Cleaner Shrimp Locally?

TankMate UK connects aquarists who want to buy, sell, or rehome marine livestock safely within their local area.

Whether you're stocking your reef tank or passing livestock on to a new home, you can:

  • Browse listings near you
  • List your own livestock in minutes
  • Avoid the risks of shipping

Explore local listings with TankMate UK and find the right additions for your aquarium.

Explore local listings with TankMate UK and find the right fish for your aquarium.