The scarlet cleaner shrimp is one of the most valued animals in the marine hobby, a vibrant red and white shrimp that operates a cleaning station just like the neon goby, picking parasites from passing fish. Watching a tang or wrasse hold still while a shrimp walks over its gills and inside its mouth is extraordinary. ⚠️ Never handle marine shrimp with wet hands after using sunscreen, soap, or insect repellent, trace chemicals are lethal. Acclimate very slowly (2+ hours drip acclimation) as they are sensitive to salinity and pH changes. Simultaneous hermaphrodites, any two individuals can breed.
| Max Size | 6 cm |
| Temperature | 22–26°C |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Min Tank Size | 100L |
| Care Level | Intermediate |
| Origin | Indo-Pacific Ocean, Red Sea, Caribbean |
Peaceful and reef safe. May be eaten by predatory fish like groupers or large wrasses.
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