Blood Red Fire Shrimp (Lysmata Debelius)

Species Name : Lysmata Debelius

Care Level : Easy

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : 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 : 2.3 inches

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. This shrimp is generally hardy and suitable for many aquariums. 

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 Lysmata debelius shrimp can grow up to 4 – 6 cm in length (between 1.5 and 2.3 inches).

Blood Red Fire Shrimp are most active at night and prefer an aquascape with caves and ledges where daylight is not too intense. The tank should have structures that offer caves and recesses for the shrimp to find refuge and establish a cleaning station. 

Fire Shrimp make good tank mates with most other community reef fish. However, it is not advisable to place them in tanks with fish that will prey on and eat them. It is generally peaceful with most other organisms in the reef system unless they impinge on its territory.

Blood Red Fire Shrimp are hermaphrodites and have both male and female reproductive organs. The male has a straighter belly, while the female has a curved underbelly. Males have long antennae, while females have shorter ones.

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.

Though the Blood Red Fire Shrimp is an active and thorough scavenger, it should be regularly provided a variety of target-fed foods. The diet of the Blood Red Fire Shrimp should include freeze-dried, live or frozen foods, and flaked foods.

Size: Small: 1", Medium: 1-1/2", Large: 2"