Pederson Cleaner Anemone Shrimp

The Pederson Cleaner Anemone Shrimp is also sometimes called the Caribbean Anemone Shrimp.  It gets its name from the fact they have symbiotic cleaner relationships with both anemones and fish.   They are known for their translucent body with beautiful blue and purple markings.  Their claws are quite large relative to their size and have the same blue and purple markings.  They stay relatively small, reaching a maximum size of roughly 1.5”.

They are native only to the topical waters of the western Atlantic and Caribbean oceans.  They are found on reefs at depths between 1 and 15 meters.  In a home aquarium they require ample live rock with caves and overhangs.  They utilize the rockwork for both foraging and for hiding during the day.  They form a unique symbiotic relationship with many species of anemone and will live in the anemone, while helping to keep the anemone clean by removing food caught in the anemone’s mucus.   They will also often use the anemone as a “home base” for their fish cleaning services.

The Pederson Cleaner Anemone Shrimp also provides a valuable cleaning service to reef fish.  It will set up a cleaning station and remove parasites and dead skin from the fish.  This, in addition to their small size and unique appearance, makes them an interesting and useful addition to any tank.

These shrimp are true omnivores and will eat a wide variety of foods.  Their diet includes leftover over fish food as well as other meaty foods.  They also will feed on parasites from reef fish.