The Cleaner Shrimp can be found in the tropical waters of the Western Pacific Ocean. These are larger shrimps and can be easily identified by the single white stripe down the back from head to tail, and flanked by two red stripes that terminate at its posterior region. Apart from it, the remaining body is orange in color with two white dots at the top edge, along with six white antennae. The Cleaner Shrimp, as the name suggests, is mainly known for its cleaning property, as it can clean parasites from fish and eels, and even the mouth of a large Grouper. It is also known as skunk cleaner or scarlet cleaner for the aforementioned property. Not only this, the Cleaner Shrimp also provides cleaning services to most furious predators. They are typically found in small caves and in reefs (rocky and coral reefs). The Cleaner Shrimp is easy to keep and does not require any kind of special attention or care to maintain.Feeding the cleaner shrimp is relatively easy because it eats nearly any meaty type fish food in the tank. The Cleaner Shrimp sheds its exoskeleton and undergo molting process. It becomes very vulnerable and needs iodine supplement periodically which encourages them to shed their exoskeleton. They are very peaceful and can be kept with their own species - they don?t harm other inhabitants. The Cleaner Shrimp belongs to the class Crustacea and order Decapoda, which is characterized by two pair of antennae, three body parts, and five pairs of legs. The Cleaner Shrimp features long stiff antennae through which it feeds, catches, and tears apart with their pincers. It has extended eyes and highly developed abdomen which allows for quick movement.
Image Author: Lonnie Huffman
