Spotted Cleaner Shrimp
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
This shrimp needs a large host anemone to withstand its low-level but continual predation. Janine Cairns-Michael
[edit] Overview
Found on several anemones and originally considered a harmless commensal, it may, in fact, be ectoparasitic, feeding on the anemone’s tissues. Has the long, white antennae characteristic of cleaner shrimps and may be a cleaner as well. Its cryptic color and behavior of hiding on its host leaves no doubt that it gets protection from its host.
Family: Palaemonidae
Other common name(s):
- Spotted Commensal Shrimp
Native range:
Maximum length: 5 cm (2 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 38 L (10 gal)
Lighting: Immaterial.
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
[edit] Feeding
Symbiotic on various anemones. Some eat tentacles or other bits of anemone flesh; may also eat anemone mucus or scavenge carrion.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Generally only slightly damage host. May be fine if there is enough food to scavenge.
[edit] Special Care
The shrimp will do best under the same conditions that support its host. Should not be kept without its host as this will stress the shrimp and leave it prone to disease. May need its host for proper nutrition as well.
| Common name | Spotted Cleaner Shrimp +, and Spotted Commensal Shrimp + |
| Family | Palaemonidae + |
| Genus | Periclimenes + |
| Image credit | JCM + |
| Lighting | Immaterial. + |
| Maximum length | 2 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 10 gal + |
| Native range | Caribbean + |
| Reference | A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Invertebrates + |
| Specific name | yucatanicus + |
| Text credit | RLS + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |