Grabham's Cleaner Shrimp

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Found across the tropical and subtropical Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean, Azores, Madeira, and the Gulf of Mexico. Inhabits coral and rocky reefs up to 50 meters deep.

Taxonomy: Member of the family Lysmatidae. Characterized by extremely long white antennae used to signal fish and a slender body shape. Grows to approximately 5-6 cm in length.

Social Behavior: Peaceful and industrious. Establishes dedicated 'cleaning stations' on rocks where fish host species solicit parasite and dead tissue removal.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Bright red body split longitudinally by a single, continuous white stripe from head to tail, with yellow walking legs. Concurrent hermaphrodite: each adult has both male and female organs.

Tank Setup: Suitable for reef tanks of 15-20 gallons or larger. Provide plenty of live rock arranged to create overhangs and small caves where the shrimp can shelter and set up cleaning stations.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivore. In addition to parasites harvested from fish, it eagerly accepts frozen foods (mysis, brine shrimp), pellets, flakes, and small bits of seafood. Feed regularly.

Water Quality: Keep reef parameters stable: SG 1.023-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4, temperature 22-27°C. Highly sensitive to chemical fluctuations. Strictly zero copper levels.

Compatibility and Tankmates: 100% reef-safe, perfect for reef community aquariums. Compatible with almost all non-predatory fish and corals. Avoid large predatory fish (e.g. groupers, lionfish, large crabs).

Aquarium Breeding: Any two individuals can mate. Eggs turn green under the abdomen. Larvae spend a long, complex planktonic phase in open water, which is extremely difficult to rear in home systems.

Risks and Diseases: Molting issues due to lack of iodine in the water. Highly vulnerable during the molting process and sensitive to rapid salinity changes during acclimation.