Pacific cleaner shrimp
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| Lysmata amboinensis De Man, 1888 |
The Pacific cleaner shrimp, Lysmata amboinensis, is an omnivorous shrimp species, which will generally scavenge and eat parasites and dead tissue. The Pacific cleaner shrimp is naturally part of the reef ecosystem, and is widespread in the Red Sea and tropical Indo-Pacific [1].
It has been observed that fish with parasites may come to "cleaning stations" in the reef. Certain species of fish and several types of cleaner shrimp may assist the fish in large numbers and even go inside the mouth (and then to the gill cavity) without being eaten.
The character Jacques in the Pixar animated film Finding Nemo was a Pacific cleaner shrimp.
[edit] Aquaria
Many species of Lysmata, including L. amboinesis, are safe and beneficial in salt water tanks since they will (as indicated by their common name) clean both the tank and occasionally other fish within the tank [2].
L. amboinensis will normally moult every 3-8 weeks. Most, if not all, foods are suitable. L. amboinensis are sensitive to changes in environment, particularly salinity. New synthetic water should be made, stored for a week and matched to the system's specific gravity. Be careful with copper-based medication and extreme nitrate levels. L. amboinensis require trace levels of iodine for proper moulting.
[edit] Tank conditions
- Subdued lighting
- Rock cover and reefs
- High water quality
- Specific gravity: 1.023 - 1.025
- pH: 8.1 - 8.4
- Temperature: 72 - 78°F / 22 - 26°C
- Salinity: 32ppt - 34ppt
[edit] References
- ^ Cleaner Shrimps, Family Hippolytidae. Wetwebmedia. Retrieved on 2006-08-15.
- ^ Lysmata amboinensis. Age of Aquariums. Retrieved on 2006-08-15.
