Cleaner Shrimp - Lifespan?

Discussion in 'Inverts' started by omard, Apr 19, 2007.

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  1. omard

    omard Gnarly Old Codfish

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    I have had my current Skunk Cleaner shrimp (named Sebastion, of course) for 4+ years now.

    Does his job and is as peppy and fun to watch as ever.

    Got to wondering how long I could expect him to be around?

    Never heard that shrimp are noted for long life spans.

    Any one here with a particulary long lifed Skunk Cleaner Shrimp: Lysmata amboinensis?

    Am thinking of getting him a new little buddy so he can train him up..;D

    OmarD
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Apr 28, 2007
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  3. inwall75

    inwall75 Giant Squid

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    hard to say Omard

    There's a tank in St. Louis that has a cleaner shrimp that darn-near looks like a lobster.......HUUUUUUUGE!!!

    That particular tank has more inches of fish than I would normally recommend to anyone but they've been reefing for longer than most and they are quite skilled.

    This shrimp is a lot older than 4 years but I don't know the number of years.
     
  4. Birchell

    Birchell Gigas Clam

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    Ive only had mine for alittle over 6 months so I have no idea how old they can get...
     
  5. coral reefer

    coral reefer Giant Squid

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    That is funny as I have no idea nor have I ever recollect hearing anything regarding Cleaner Shrimp lifespans!
    They have to have a longer lifespan than our common shrimp used for our shrimp cocktail appetizers!!!!!lol
     
  6. sssnake

    sssnake Montipora Digitata

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    Nothing definitive, but this is what I found. Might be a little "over-kill" but now we know pretty much everything about the animal .... errr, Sebastion:


    Scientific Name : Lysmata amboinensis

    Common Names : Skunk Cleaner Shrimp

    Skunk Cleaner Shrimp Care Level : Easy

    Size : Up to 2 inches (5 cm)

    Life span : 3 years or longer

    pH : 8.1 - 8.4

    Temperature : 75°F - 82°F (25°C - 28°C)

    Specific Gravity : 1.023 - 1.025

    Carbonate Hardness (dKH) : 8 - 12°

    Origin / Habitat : Indo-Pacific

    Temperament / Behavior : This is a very peaceful little shrimp that should make a great addition to nearly any peaceful tank. Watch them closely in reef tanks because they may sometimes pick at corals and may even take food from your corals. They may also chase away other shrimps that invade its territory.

    Breeding / Mating / Reproduction : This invertebrate has been bred in the home aquarium.

    Tank Size : 30 gallon (114 liters) minimum

    Compatible Tank Mates : Use caution when selecting tank mates. Don't keep them with more aggressive fish species such as Triggers, Hawkfish and Lionfish that may munch on them. You should be able to keep multiple skunk cleaner shrimps in the same tank. They seem to tolerate each other well.

    Fish Disease : Saltwater Fish Disease - Diagnose, Symptoms and Treatment

    Diet / Fish Food : Omnivorous, try to give them a variety of marine foods. They should accept most meaty types of frozen and live foods.

    Tank Region : Usually stays close to its chosen territory in the live rock or any other tank decor that can provide shelter. They should come out when food hits the water.

    Gender : Hermaphrodites - has both male and female reproductive organs.

    Similar Species : Marine Invertebrates



    ps: I also read that 4-6 years is a good estimate
     
  7. omard

    omard Gnarly Old Codfish

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    I guess that makes mine a "senior" as he is 4+ years old already.

    Thanks for info...

    OmarD
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Apr 28, 2007