Blood Shrimp (Lysmata debelius) - (No Online Purchases)

The Blood Shrimp (scientific name: Lysmata debelius), also widely known in Australia as the Fire Shrimp or Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp, is arguably the most visually stunning crustacean available for the home aquarium. Its deep, blood-red body and brilliant white spots and "socks" make it a standout addition to any reef.

Care and Behaviour
The "Shy" Redhead: Unlike the more common Skunk Cleaner Shrimp, Blood Shrimp are notoriously reclusive. In a brightly lit tank, they will spend most of the day hiding in caves or under ledges. You will likely only see their long white antennae poking out until feeding time.

Cleaning Duties: They are members of the "cleaner" family and will occasionally set up a cleaning station to pick parasites and dead skin off fish. However, they are generally less "bold" about jumping onto a fish than their cousins.

Molting and Iodine: Like all crustaceans, they must shed their exoskeleton to grow. For a successful moult, they require stable levels of Iodine and Calcium in the water. If you see your shrimp hiding for several days, it is likely mid-moult—leave it alone, as its new shell is soft and vulnerable.

Diet and Feeding
These shrimp are scavengers and will eat almost anything that hits the bottom of the tank.

Food Types: They relish mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and high-quality sinking pellets.

Reef Warning: While "reef safe," a hungry Blood Shrimp may occasionally nip at polyps or soft corals (like Zoanthids) if it isn't being fed enough. Keep them well-fed to avoid any "snacking" on your corals.

Acclimatisation: They are extremely sensitive to changes in water chemistry. You must use the drip acclimatisation method over at least 60–90 minutes. A sudden jump in salinity or pH can be fatal to them.

Minimum Tank Size: 40 Litres
Temperature: 23°C – 27°C
Salinity: 1.023 – 1.025
pH Level: 8.1 – 8.4
Max Size: 6 cm - 8 cm
Reef Safe: Yes with a minor caveat