Scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp reef compatibility check
Lysmata amboinensis
Scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis) is a beginner-level shrimp that needs at least 20 gallons. It is listed as reef safe; acclimate carefully; shrimp are sensitive to salinity swings. Temperament varies and adults reach about 2.5 inches. ReefCrafter schedules it as middle-stage livestock, with no tank-age gate beyond a finished cycle.
Popular reef-safe shrimp for stable tanks without shrimp-eating predators.
Who it is for
Good fit for
- ✓ Tanks of 20+ gallons at the animal's adult size.
- ✓ Beginners following a slow, planned stocking order.
- ✓ Newly cycled tanks with a compatible stocking list.
- ✓ Reef tanks with corals and invertebrates.
Not a fit for
- ✕ Tanks under 20 gallons, even while it is small.
- ✕ Acclimate carefully; shrimp are sensitive to salinity swings.
Compatibility warnings
- Acclimate carefully; shrimp are sensitive to salinity swings.
- Check adult size against the final tank, not the fish or coral at purchase size.
- Add livestock slowly so the bioload and nutrient export can keep up.
- Use the planner when this animal changes the tank-size, flow, lighting, or stocking plan.
Professional planning context
- Use the 20 gallon minimum as an adult-planning floor; display length, aquascape, and existing tankmates can raise that floor.
- This can be planned early after cycling, but only after quarantine/acclimation logistics and stocking order are settled.
- Invert plans should account for copper exposure, acclimation sensitivity, predation risk, and whether the tank can actually feed the animal.
Tank fit and maturity gate
ReefCrafter uses 20 gallons as the planning floor for adult size, swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin.
This species can be planned early when the tank is cycled and the rest of the stocking list is compatible.
Care notes
- Temperament
- Varied
- Reef safety
- Safe
- Adult size
- 2.5 in
- Placement
- Build dependent
- Diet
- Build dependent
- Flow
- Varied
- Light
- None
- Bioload
- 0.3
- Stocking stage
- Middle
Related species
- Coral banded shrimp
Same 20-gallon floor, reef caution.
- Fire shrimp
Same 20-gallon floor.
- Skunk cleaner shrimp
Same 20-gallon floor.
- Harlequin shrimp
10+ gallons, expert care.
Equipment that fits
- Innovative Marine NUVO Fusion 20 Gallon AIO Long Aquarium
20-gallon display, above this animal's 20-gallon floor.
- Red Sea MAX NANO G2 Cube Reef System (20 Gal)
20-gallon display, above this animal's 20-gallon floor.
- Waterbox Cube 20 Nano AIO Aquarium
20-gallon display, above this animal's 20-gallon floor.
Related reading
Questions
What size tank does the scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp need?
ReefCrafter plans for at least 20 gallons, based on an adult size of about 2.5 inches, plus room to forage and the stability a larger water volume gives. Use the adult size, not the size at purchase.
Is the scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp reef safe?
It is listed as reef safe in ReefCrafter's catalog. Watch for: Acclimate carefully; shrimp are sensitive to salinity swings.
Is the scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated beginner care.
When should I add the scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp to my tank?
ReefCrafter treats it as middle-stage livestock, with no tank-age gate beyond a finished cycle. Add livestock slowly so nutrient export keeps up.