Cleaning Station Behavior
One of the most fascinating behaviors in the marine world. Cleaner shrimp establish a fixed spot in the tank (usually on a prominent rock) and advertise by waving their long white antennae. Fish voluntarily approach, open their gills, and allow the shrimp to pick off parasites and dead tissue. Even large, predatory fish that would normally eat shrimp will patiently queue up at a cleaning station.
They will also clean your hands if you put them in the tank — a ticklish but charming experience.
Tank Setup
- Tank size: 20 gallons minimum
- Rock work: Provide a prominent perch for their cleaning station
- Acclimation: Drip acclimate for 1–2 hours. Shrimp are extremely sensitive to rapid salinity and temperature changes.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 75–82°F
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
- Calcium: 350–450 ppm (essential for shell/molt health)
- Iodine: Supplement if not already present — supports healthy molting
Molting
Cleaner shrimp molt (shed their exoskeleton) every 3–6 weeks. After molting, they are soft and vulnerable for 24–48 hours. Don't remove the discarded shell — other tank inhabitants (including the shrimp itself) will eat it for calcium. If your shrimp is hiding and appears pale or soft, it has likely just molted.
Copper Warning
NEVER use copper-based medications in a tank with cleaner shrimp (or any invertebrate). Copper is lethal to shrimp even in tiny amounts. If treating fish with copper, use a separate hospital/quarantine tank.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cleaner shrimp can I keep?
2–3 in a typical reef tank (50–100 gallons). They are simultaneous hermaphrodites — any two can pair up and breed. They generally coexist peacefully.
Will cleaner shrimp eat coral?
No. They are completely reef safe. They may occasionally climb on corals, but they don't eat or damage them.