Cleaner Shrimp 

 Scientific Name  
 Diet  Carnivore; scavenger, parasites
 Alt Common Name  Red Stripe Skunk Shrimp
 Family  Hippolytidae
 Origin  Bali
 Aquarist Level  Intermediate
 Reef Safe  Yes
 Coloration  Red with White markings
 Disposition  Territorial
 Hardiness  Very
 Mature Size  2 inches
 Reproduction Method  Female carries eggs on abdomen
 Sexual Dimorphism  
 Venomous  No

Notes:  Shrimp from the genus Lysmata are useful in the aquarium as all purpose cleaners.  They are an effective defense against parasites such as ich, because it is their nature to remove external parasites from tank mates.  Cleaner shrimp are also expert scavengers, keeping the aquarium free of detritus.  This species must molt in order to grow.  Generally at night, it will lay on its back and exit its exoskeleton.  A new exoskeleton is excreted and will harden over a period of several hours.  The animal is vulnerable at this time and should not be disturbed.  Proper iodine levels assist with successful molting.