Fire shrimp

Lysmata debelius

InvertebratesSaltwater

Care level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef safe: Yes
Minimum tank: 100 L
Maximum size: 5 cm
Temperature: 24–27 °C
pH: 8–8.4
Diet: Omnivore

Care at a glance

The fire shrimp is deep red with white spots and white antennae, making it one of the most colourful invertebrates you can put in a reef tank. Like the cleaner shrimp it services fish, though more hesitantly and more often from the shade.

Do not expect to see much of it at first: it is shy and most active at night, spending the day in a crevice with only its antennae showing. As it settles in it ventures further out. Two animals can form a pair, but individuals that do not accept each other will fight; in that case it is better not to introduce them together. Copper is lethal, even in traces.