FishProfiles.com Message Forums

I have 1 cleaner shrimp at the moment I dont know what is proper name is, its the type that is a yellowish white colour with 2 red stripes down its back.

I think these guys are really cool, I have been told that they are hamaphrodites (Dont think I spelt that right, you kown got both bits:%)) is this true? if so do they breed easily?

generally it's hard to breed shrimps in aquariums, the reason being is that the eggs layed by the shrimp will be destroyed by protein skimming

Sounds like you've got a Skunk Cleaner Shrimp, (Lysmata amboinensis)..

They are hermaphroditic, but you will still normally need at least two of them in your tank for them to breed.. They are not self fertilizing usually, but I have read that in rare occasions that it does occur.. They do have the ability to hold sperm for a short time though, so it's always possible to see eggs on a new purchase because of that..

I currently have 4 of them in my 100gal, and there's always at least one or two of them that are carrying eggs.. They are definately prolific at attempting to reproduce.. However, generally, the eggs that make it to hatching will end up becoming food for your fish and corals unless you decide to keep them in a specialized breeding tank..

You can always check the Breeder's Registry for more information, or WetWebMedia.com (which is a personal favorite of mine).. You'll find an incredible amount of information on the topic..

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/shrimpreprofaqs.htm

Last edited by Oleta at 28-Feb-2005 16:52

Oleta pretty much already mentioned it, but the Cleaner Shrimp eggs would become food for tank mates long before they would be "skimmed" up.

I was sort of interested in how they breed and wanted to make sure 2 would get on ok in my tank ( dont want them to fight), I dont care if the fish eat the eggs.

Skunk cleaners are social in nature, so two of them would actually get along quite well.. Usually, you'll actually see them out in the open alot more if you have more than one because they're less shy with company..

Good Luck with them, they're fun little shrimp..