Lysmata amboinensis

Lysmata amboinensis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Decapoda
Suborder: Pleocyemata
Infraorder: Caridea
Family: Lysmatidae
Genus: Lysmata
Species:
L. amboinensis
Binomial name
Lysmata amboinensis
(de Man, 1888) [1]
Synonyms[1]
  • Hippolysmata vittata var. amboinensis de Man, 1888

Lysmata amboinensis is an omnivorous shrimp species known by several common names including the Pacific cleaner shrimp. It is considered a cleaner shrimp as eating parasites and dead tissue from fish makes up a large part of its diet.[2][3] The species is a natural part of the coral reef ecosystem and is widespread across the tropics typically living at depths of 5–40 metres (16–131 ft).[3]

Lysmata amboinensis can reach a body length of 5–6 centimetres (2.0–2.4 in) and have long white antennae. Mature shrimp are pale in colour with longitudinal bands on their carapace; one central white band with wider scarlet red bands on either side. The shrimp has a long larval stage and unusual sexual maturation, initially being male but becoming a functional hermaphrodite once mature.[2]

Lysmata amboinensis is popular in home and public aquaria where it is commonly referred to as the skunk cleaner shrimp; this is due to its striking colours, peaceful nature, and useful symbiotic cleaning relationship which can also be witnessed in captivity.[2]

  1. ^ a b De Grave, S.; Fransen, C. H. J. M. (January 2011). "Carideorum catalogus: the recent species of the Dendrobranchiate, Stenopodidean, Procarididean and Caridean Shrimps (Crustacea: Decapoda)". Zoologische Mededelingen. 85 (9): 195–589. ISSN 1876-2174.
  2. ^ a b c "Pacific Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis)". World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Retrieved Dec 28, 2016.
  3. ^ a b "Lysmata amboinensis" at the Encyclopedia of Life