Skunk cleaner shrimp reef compatibility check
Lysmata amboinensis
Skunk cleaner shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis) is a beginner-level shrimp that needs at least 20 gallons. It is listed as reef safe; sensitive to copper and salinity swings. Temperament is peaceful and adults reach about 2 inches. Add it as middle-stage livestock once the tank is at least 1 month old.
Popular reef-safe cleaner and scavenger for stable cycled tanks.
Who it is for
Good fit for
- ✓ Tanks of 20+ gallons at the animal's adult size.
- ✓ Beginners following a slow, planned stocking order.
- ✓ Reef tanks with corals and invertebrates.
Not a fit for
- ✕ Tanks under 20 gallons, even while it is small.
- ✕ New tanks; wait until the system is about 1+ month old.
- ✕ Sensitive to copper and salinity swings.
Compatibility warnings
- Sensitive to copper and 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.
- Hold this entry until the system has at least 1 month of maturity or equivalent stability evidence.
- 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 animal should wait until the tank has enough age, food web stability, or parameter history.
Care notes
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Reef safety
- Safe
- Adult size
- 2 in
- Placement
- rock ledges
- Diet
- Scavenges and accepts small meaty foods.
- 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.
- Scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp
Same 20-gallon floor.
- Harlequin shrimp
10+ gallons, expert care.
Equipment that fits
- Aqueon 20 Gallon Long Standard Glass Aquarium
20-gallon display, above this animal's 20-gallon floor.
- Innovative Marine 20 NUVO Fusion Peninsula PRO 2 AIO Aquarium with APS Pedestal
20-gallon display, above this animal's 20-gallon floor.
- Innovative Marine 20 NUVO Fusion PRO 2 AIO Aquarium with APS Pedestal
20-gallon display, above this animal's 20-gallon floor.
Related reading
Questions
What size tank does the skunk cleaner shrimp need?
ReefCrafter plans for at least 20 gallons, based on an adult size of about 2 inches, plus room to forage and the stability a larger water volume gives. Use the adult size, not the size at purchase.
Is the skunk cleaner shrimp reef safe?
It is listed as reef safe in ReefCrafter's catalog. Watch for: Sensitive to copper and salinity swings.
Is the skunk cleaner shrimp good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated beginner care, though it should wait until the tank is about 1+ month old.
When should I add the skunk cleaner shrimp to my tank?
ReefCrafter treats it as middle-stage livestock for a tank at least 1 month old. Add livestock slowly so nutrient export keeps up.