Lysmatidae

The Lysmatidae, commonly known as cleaner shrimps, are a family of small, brightly colored shrimp belonging to the order Decapoda. These shrimps are renowned for their symbiotic relationship with various fish species, acting as cleaners by removing parasites and dead tissue from their clients.

Fire Shrimp, Blood Shrimp – Lysmata debelius

Lysmata morelandi

Cleaner Shrimp, Anker’s Peppermint Shrimp – Lysmata ankeri

Monaco Shrimp – Lysmata seticaudata

Scarlet-Striped Cleaning Shrimp – Lysmata grabhami

Characteristics

Lysmatidae shrimps typically exhibit a slender body with a distinct rostrum (beak-like projection) on the head. They possess long, delicate antennae, which are used for sensing and communication. Most species showcase a striking color pattern, often featuring contrasting shades of red, white, yellow, and blue. Their size varies depending on the species, but they generally range from 1 to 5 centimeters in length.

Environment

Cleaner shrimps are found in tropical and subtropical marine environments worldwide. They are primarily found in coral reefs, seagrass beds, and rocky shores. Their distribution is influenced by the presence of their host fish, as they depend on these fish for food and shelter.

Behavior

Cleaner shrimps display a unique behavior known as cleaning symbiosis. They establish cleaning stations, often on coral or other stationary objects, where they attract fish clients by performing a distinctive wagging dance. This dance involves rapid movements of the antennae and the first pair of legs. Once the fish approaches, the shrimp will thoroughly inspect its body, removing parasites, dead tissue, and other debris. This cleaning service benefits both the fish, which gets rid of harmful organisms, and the shrimp, which gains a reliable source of food.

Species

The Lysmatidae family includes several genera and species, some of the most notable being:

  • Lysmata amboinensis (Yellow watchman shrimp)
  • Lysmata wurdemanni (Scarlet cleaner shrimp)
  • Thor amboinensis (Ambon cleaner shrimp)
  • Periclimenes pedersoni (Pederson's cleaner shrimp)

References

For further information on Lysmatidae, consult the following resources: