Cleaner Shrimp

The skunk cleaner shrimp, scientifically known as Lysmata amboinensis, is a vibrant marine crustacean easily recognized by its bright yellow body and the distinctive white stripe running down its red back. These striking creatures grow to an average size of 2 to 3 inches (5 to 6 centimeters) long, with exceptionally long, white antennae that extend from their heads to signal fish from a distance. They excel at acting as underwater medical stations. Cleaner shrimp set up dedicated "cleaning stations" on coral reefs where larger fish come specifically to be groomed. The shrimp perform a swaying dance to signal they are open for business, then pick off and eat dead skin, harmful ectoparasites, and leftover food directly from the gills, scales, and mouths of host fish. In home aquariums, they are prized for maintaining water quality and helping prevent parasite outbreaks like marine ich, often becoming tame enough to clean a human hand placed in the tank.