How big is the California cleaner shrimp?

California cleaner shrimp (Lysmata californica) reaches 4–7 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the California cleaner shrimp?

California cleaner shrimp is found between 1–60 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the California cleaner shrimp?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

California cleaner shrimp (Lysmata californica)

Key facts

Scientific name: Lysmata californica
Common name: California cleaner shrimp
Category: Crustaceans
Family: Lysmatidae
Genus: Lysmata
Size: 4–7 cm
Depth: 1–60 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: rocky-reef
Behaviours: benthic, nocturnal
Ocean zones: Eastern Pacific

Description

Lysmata californica reaches 7 cm. Small cleaner shrimp (Lysmatidae) East Pacific temperate to subtropical from California to Baja California with elongated red body with characteristic thin white longitudinal bands, long white antennae. Lives from 1 to 60 m on rocky reefs, often in groups in crevices. Offers cleaning services to fish (parasites, dead skin) especially to groupers and horn sharks. Active at night. Classic macro dive photo subject of California kelp forests, beautiful in dark atmospheres.

Photo of California cleaner shrimp

Frequently asked questions

How big is the California cleaner shrimp?: California cleaner shrimp (Lysmata californica) reaches 4–7 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the California cleaner shrimp?: California cleaner shrimp is found between 1–60 m deep.
Is the California cleaner shrimp dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the California cleaner shrimp?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the California cleaner shrimp?: Found in: Eastern Pacific.

Other species in the genus Lysmata

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 515363)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2226414)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia