Coral Reef
Shrimp
More details
Cleaner Shrimp (Hippolytidae family)
Free
Free
Description
Cleaner shrimp are iconic marine invertebrates known for their symbiotic cleaning behaviors, removing parasites and dead tissue from fish. With their vibrant coloration and active personalities, they’re both functional and fascinating in reef aquariums.
Difficulty Level
Beginner Friendly
Region
Cleaner Shrimp (Hippolytidae family)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Hardy, peaceful, and reef-safe. Thrive in stable reef tanks with minimal upkeep.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild collection is common, but captive breeding is rising and should be prioritized for sustainability.
Origin
Found throughout the Indo-Pacific and Caribbean reef systems, especially in coral crevices and reef ledges.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Long white antennae, red-and-white striping (e.g., Lysmata amboinensis), or vivid red and yellow tones make them a visual standout. Their rhythmic swaying and bold interactions with fish make them lively centerpieces for invertebrate diversity.
Purpose
Actively remove parasites and clean debris off fish, contributing to the overall health of tankmates. Serve as natural pest control and bio-behavioral enrichment in reef ecosystems.
Importance
Perfect for beginner saltwater keepers and reef aquarists. They’re hardy, helpful, and constantly on the move—offering activity, color, and ecological value.
Included Resources
Reef tank with stable water parameters, mild to moderate flow, and rockwork or crevices for hiding. Peaceful community fish ensure safety. Ensure iodine and calcium are maintained for molting.
Best Use Cases
Community reef tanks, nano reef aquaria, and coral-centered setups. Often paired with gobies, clowns, tangs, or other docile fish species.
Conservation Context
Many cleaner shrimp are still wild-caught, especially from Indonesia and the Philippines. Opt for captive-bred options when available. Their ecological role in the wild is vital, and overcollection can disrupt local reef balance.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Clownfish
• Gobies and firefish
• Tangs and wrasses
• Peaceful blennies
• Coral polyps and other reef inverts
Region (A)
• Latitude: 6.1164° S
• Longitude: 106.8456° E
(Jakarta Bay, Indonesia – reef flats and rubble zones)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 17.9784° N
• Longitude: -66.8896° W
(South coast of Puerto Rico – Caribbean reef slopes)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Cleaner Shrimp (Hippolytidae family)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Hardy, peaceful, and reef-safe. Thrive in stable reef tanks with minimal upkeep.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild collection is common, but captive breeding is rising and should be prioritized for sustainability.
Origin
Found throughout the Indo-Pacific and Caribbean reef systems, especially in coral crevices and reef ledges.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Long white antennae, red-and-white striping (e.g., Lysmata amboinensis), or vivid red and yellow tones make them a visual standout. Their rhythmic swaying and bold interactions with fish make them lively centerpieces for invertebrate diversity.
Purpose
Actively remove parasites and clean debris off fish, contributing to the overall health of tankmates. Serve as natural pest control and bio-behavioral enrichment in reef ecosystems.
Importance
Perfect for beginner saltwater keepers and reef aquarists. They’re hardy, helpful, and constantly on the move—offering activity, color, and ecological value.
Included Resources
Reef tank with stable water parameters, mild to moderate flow, and rockwork or crevices for hiding. Peaceful community fish ensure safety. Ensure iodine and calcium are maintained for molting.
Best Use Cases
Community reef tanks, nano reef aquaria, and coral-centered setups. Often paired with gobies, clowns, tangs, or other docile fish species.
Conservation Context
Many cleaner shrimp are still wild-caught, especially from Indonesia and the Philippines. Opt for captive-bred options when available. Their ecological role in the wild is vital, and overcollection can disrupt local reef balance.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Clownfish
• Gobies and firefish
• Tangs and wrasses
• Peaceful blennies
• Coral polyps and other reef inverts
Region (A)
• Latitude: 6.1164° S
• Longitude: 106.8456° E
(Jakarta Bay, Indonesia – reef flats and rubble zones)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 17.9784° N
• Longitude: -66.8896° W
(South coast of Puerto Rico – Caribbean reef slopes)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Cleaner Shrimp (Hippolytidae family)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Hardy, peaceful, and reef-safe. Thrive in stable reef tanks with minimal upkeep.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Wild collection is common, but captive breeding is rising and should be prioritized for sustainability.
Origin
Found throughout the Indo-Pacific and Caribbean reef systems, especially in coral crevices and reef ledges.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Long white antennae, red-and-white striping (e.g., Lysmata amboinensis), or vivid red and yellow tones make them a visual standout. Their rhythmic swaying and bold interactions with fish make them lively centerpieces for invertebrate diversity.
Purpose
Actively remove parasites and clean debris off fish, contributing to the overall health of tankmates. Serve as natural pest control and bio-behavioral enrichment in reef ecosystems.
Importance
Perfect for beginner saltwater keepers and reef aquarists. They’re hardy, helpful, and constantly on the move—offering activity, color, and ecological value.
Included Resources
Reef tank with stable water parameters, mild to moderate flow, and rockwork or crevices for hiding. Peaceful community fish ensure safety. Ensure iodine and calcium are maintained for molting.
Best Use Cases
Community reef tanks, nano reef aquaria, and coral-centered setups. Often paired with gobies, clowns, tangs, or other docile fish species.
Conservation Context
Many cleaner shrimp are still wild-caught, especially from Indonesia and the Philippines. Opt for captive-bred options when available. Their ecological role in the wild is vital, and overcollection can disrupt local reef balance.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Clownfish
• Gobies and firefish
• Tangs and wrasses
• Peaceful blennies
• Coral polyps and other reef inverts
Region (A)
• Latitude: 6.1164° S
• Longitude: 106.8456° E
(Jakarta Bay, Indonesia – reef flats and rubble zones)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 17.9784° N
• Longitude: -66.8896° W
(South coast of Puerto Rico – Caribbean reef slopes)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Cleaner Shrimp (Hippolytidae family)
Region
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