Blood Red Fire Shrimp - Lysmata debelius

 

The Blood Red Fire Shrimp (Lysmata debelius) is one of the most striking and popular species of cleaner shrimp in the marine aquarium hobby. Known for its vivid red coloration and white markings, this shrimp not only adds a splash of color to your reef tank but also plays a beneficial role by cleaning parasites from other fish. Its beauty and usefulness make it a favorite among reef keepers.

Description:

• Common Name: Blood Red Fire Shrimp, Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp

• Scientific Name: Lysmata debelius

• Family: Hippolytidae

• Size: Typically grows up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length.

• Coloration: This shrimp has brilliant red bodies with distinct white markings, usually around the antennae and legs. Its striking coloration makes it one of the most eye-catching shrimp species in the aquarium.

• Lifespan: Typically lives 2-3 years in captivity with proper care.

Native Region:

The Blood Red Fire Shrimp is native to the Indo-Pacific region, found in areas such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and parts of the Pacific Ocean. It typically inhabits rocky crevices and coral reefs where it can find food and shelter.

Aquarium Setup:

• Tank Size: A minimum of 30 gallons (114 liters) is recommended for a pair of Blood Red Fire Shrimp. Larger tanks are better to provide ample space and grazing areas.

• Substrate: Fine sand or a mix of sand and live rock is ideal, as this allows the shrimp to forage and find hiding spots.

• Live Rock: Live rock is essential for providing both shelter and natural food sources such as detritus, algae, and small invertebrates.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C)

• pH: 8.1-8.4

• Salinity: 1.022-1.025 specific gravity

• Hardness: 8-12 dKH

• Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH

Care Level:

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Blood Red Fire Shrimp are relatively hardy but require stable water conditions and a well-established reef tank. They are best suited for aquariums with a variety of live rock for foraging.

• Diet: Blood Red Fire Shrimp are omnivores and primarily scavengers, feeding on detritus, algae, and small invertebrates in the tank. They also thrive on leftover fish food and specialized shrimp pellets. In addition to their natural cleaning behavior, they may also pick parasites off fish in the aquarium.

• Behavior: The Blood Red Fire Shrimp is peaceful and non-aggressive. It may establish a territory within the tank but will generally avoid conflict with other tank inhabitants. This shrimp is often seen “cleaning” fish, picking parasites and dead skin off their bodies, which is highly beneficial for the fish.

Reef Compatibility:

• Reef-Safe: Yes, the Blood Red Fire Shrimp is completely reef-safe and does not pose a threat to corals or other invertebrates. In fact, it can be a valuable part of a reef ecosystem by helping to control parasites and detritus.

• Tank Mates: Blood Red Fire Shrimp get along well with most peaceful aquarium inhabitants, including other shrimp species, small fish, and invertebrates. However, they may be at risk of predation from larger, more aggressive fish.

Tank Mates:

• Suitable Companions: The Blood Red Fire Shrimp is compatible with most peaceful fish species, such as gobies, clownfish, wrasses, and other peaceful reef species. They can be kept with snails, small crabs, and other non-aggressive invertebrates.

• Avoid: Avoid keeping Blood Red Fire Shrimp with aggressive or predatory species, such as large wrasses, eels, or certain triggers, which may harm or eat the shrimp.

Additional Tips:

• Acclimation: It is important to acclimate the Blood Red Fire Shrimp slowly to ensure it adjusts to the new water conditions in your tank. A drip acclimation method is recommended for the best results.

• Molting: Like all shrimp, Blood Red Fire Shrimp will molt regularly. It’s important to provide hiding places in the tank so they can molt in peace. The discarded exoskeleton will be eaten as part of their natural behavior.

• Feeding: While the Blood Red Fire Shrimp can survive on leftovers in the tank, regular supplemental feeding with high-quality shrimp pellets, flakes, or frozen foods (such as brine shrimp or mysis shrimp) will help ensure they thrive and maintain their vibrant coloration.