Pacific Cleaning Shrimp

Lysmata amboinensis

Habitat & Distribution : At depths of 5–40 meters, Indo-Pacific and Atlantic

Diet: Marine worms, crustaceans, other invertebrates, zooplankton

Size: 5 - 6 cm

Lifespan: 2 - 3 years

Description

Lysmata amboinensis has long white antennae. Adult shrimps are pale in color with longitudinal stripes on their carapace a single white stripe down the middle, flanked by wider, brilliant red stripes on either side.

Behavior

Like other cleaner shrimps, Lysmata amboinensis shares a mutualistic symbiotic relationship with 'client' fish, benefiting both parties. The cleaner shrimp gains a food source by consuming parasites that live on the larger fish, while the client fish receives a 'cleaning' service to get rid of these parasites. Additionally, the cleaning service provided by the shrimp helps heal the client fish's wounds. L. amboinensis is also frequently found living inside caves alongside its client fish, such as moray eels, which in turn provide the shrimp with protection from predators. In fact, it remains unknown whether this behavior originated from the actions of the shrimp or the client fish. Outside of their natural habitat, this cleaning activity primarily occurs at night.

Reproduction

A fully mature pair of hermaphroditic shrimp will take turns moulting (shedding their shells). Mating occurs shortly after a moult, during which one shrimp acting as the male will pursue the other acting as the female (who will brood the fertilized eggs); when the next shrimp moults, the roles—and thus the apparent sexes—will reverse.

Communication & Perception

They use body language to communicate with their host/client fish. When preparing to offer its services, the cleaner shrimp performs a rocking motion from side to side upon noticing an approaching fish. In addition to advertising its services, this movement also prevents the shrimp from being eaten by the fish.

Predator(s)

Grouper, snapper, moray eel, and triggerfish