Lysmata debelius
Due to
variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image
provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Color Form: Red, White
Diet: Carnivore
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78?
F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 2"
Origin: Indonesia, Sri
Lanka
Family: Hippolytidae
Supplements: Calcium,
Magnesium, Iodine, Trace Elements
The Blood Red Fire Shrimp (Lysmata debelius), also known
as Blood Shrimp, Fire Shrimp, or Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp, is one of the most
popular ornamental shrimp in the marine aquarium hobby. The Blood Red Fire
Shrimp boasts striking blood-red coloration with brilliant white spots and long
white antennae. Depending on which region of the Indo-Pacific from which it
originates, the Blood Red Fire Shrimp may have the white dots just on its
carapace or covering its entire body.
The Blood Red Fire Shrimp is most active at night and
prefers a habitat aquascaped with caves and overhangs where the lighting is not
too intense during the "day". While the Blood Red Fire Shrimp will
tolerate its mate, others of its own kind will be chased away or harassed
unless kep in a very spacious aquarium setup. It is generally peaceful with
most other organisms in the reef system unless they impinge on its territory.
As a "cleaner shrimp," the Blood Red Fire Shrimp will set up cleaning
stations and remove dead tissue and parasites from fish that present
themselves. The Blood Red Fire Shrimp will also scavenge for meaty bits along
the substrate bottom. Often, only its antennae will be visible. Similar to all
invertebrates, the Blood Red Fire Shrimp will not tolerate copper or high
levels of nitrates in the aquarium. The Blood Red Fire Shrimp will require
correct levels of iodine in the water to promote proper molting.
The diet of the Blood Red Fire Shrimp should include
freeze-dried, live or frozen foods, and flaked foods.