Your Guide to Buying and Adding a Redline Cleaner Shrimp to Your Tank

The Redline Cleaner Shrimp, a fascinating and valuable addition to any marine aquarium, plays a distinct role in the health of the tank environment. Its symbiotic relationships with fish make it both a visual treat and a functional member of your aquatic community.

Choosing the Right Redline Cleaner Shrimp

When selecting a Redline Cleaner Shrimp:

• Opt for individuals that are active, with clear eyes and vibrant coloration.
• Ensure they move smoothly and have undamaged antennae and legs.

Physical Appearance

Characteristics of the Redline Cleaner Shrimp include:

• Transparent body adorned with bright red stripes that run longitudinally.
• Long, white antennae.
• Typically, they reach a length of about 2 inches.

Compatibility with Other Fish

For tankmate selections:

• Most fish recognize the shrimp's cleaning service and won't harm them.
• However, avoid keeping them with aggressive predatory fish or invertebrate eaters.
• Suitable with most reef fish, small to medium-sized peaceful community fish.

Reef Safe

For coral and reef setups:

• Redline Cleaner Shrimp are entirely reef safe.
• They do not harm corals or most other invertebrates, making them a safe addition to reef tanks.

Suitable Tank Size

For their comfort:

• A minimum of a 75 litre tank is adequate, but a larger tank with diverse marine life can be more beneficial for their cleaning behavior.

Water Conditions

To ensure their health:

• Temperature: 22-26°C.
• pH levels: 8.1-8.4.
• Specific gravity: 1.023-1.025.

Preparing Your Tank

For an ideal environment:

• Include plenty of hiding spots using live rock or caves.
• Maintain a stable water environment with high-quality filtration, as sudden changes can stress invertebrates.

Monitoring Behaviour

Observing them is crucial:

• They should regularly extend their long white antennae, signaling fish to come for cleaning.
• An inactive shrimp or one that hides continuously may be a sign of stress or poor water conditions.

Feeding Schedule

Meeting their dietary needs:

• While they will consume parasites and dead skin from fish, they also need additional food.
• Offer small pieces of fresh or frozen seafood, mysis shrimp, and specially formulated shrimp foods.
• Feed 2-3 times a week or as needed, based on their natural feeding behavior.

The Redline Cleaner Shrimp not only adds beauty and intrigue to your marine aquarium but also helps maintain the health of your fish. By understanding its needs and behaviors, you can ensure its longevity and enjoy the symbiotic relationships it forms with its tankmates.