Pederson Cleaner Shrimp

Pederson Cleaner Shrimp are highly desirable additions to peaceful saltwater aquariums due to their delicate appearance, reef safe nature, and interesting cleaning behavior. These small Caribbean shrimp are known for their translucent bodies, blue to purple markings, and long white antennae, which they use to signal fish for cleaning. Pederson Cleaner Shrimp may remove parasites, dead tissue, and debris from willing fish, making them both functional and fascinating to observe. They are excellent choices for nano reefs, peaceful community aquariums, and mature reef tanks with plenty of live rock, hiding places, and calm tankmates.

Introduction to Pederson Cleaner Shrimp (Peaceful Caribbean Cleaner & Reef Aquarium Favorite)

Pederson Cleaner Shrimp (Ancylomenes pedersoni) are small ornamental shrimp found in Caribbean reef environments, where they are often associated with anemones and cleaning stations. In the aquarium, they may perch on rockwork, near coral structures, or around anemones while extending their antennae to attract fish. Their gentle behavior, attractive coloration, and ability to interact with tankmates make them a unique addition to reef aquariums.

Care Requirements

Care Level: Easy to Moderate – Hardy when kept in stable, peaceful reef aquariums
Minimum Tank Size: 10+ gallons
Aquarium Setup: Requires live rock, hiding places, and peaceful tankmates

Pederson Cleaner Shrimp do best in established aquariums with stable water quality and plenty of rockwork for shelter. While they may associate with anemones, an anemone is not required for their health or long-term care. Because they are small and delicate, they should not be kept with aggressive fish or invertebrates that may harass or eat shrimp.

Diet & Nutrition

Pederson Cleaner Shrimp are carnivorous scavengers and cleaners that feed on small meaty foods, leftover foods, and organic matter.

Diet: Carnivorous – Prefers small meaty foods and fish-based diets
Recommended Foods:
Frozen mysis shrimp
Brine shrimp
Finely chopped seafood
Small sinking carnivore foods
Leftover meaty foods from regular fish feedings

Although they may clean fish, Pederson Cleaner Shrimp still require regular feeding in the aquarium. Target feeding small portions near their preferred perch or hiding area can help ensure they receive enough food, especially in tanks with faster-feeding fish.

Lifespan & Growth Rate

Lifespan: 2-3+ years with proper care
Growth Rate: Moderate – Can grow up to about 1.5 inches

Pederson Cleaner Shrimp remain small, making them well suited for nano reefs and smaller peaceful aquariums. Like other shrimp, they molt as they grow and require stable salinity, alkalinity, and trace element levels to support healthy molting.

Temperament & Compatibility

Temperament: Peaceful – Safe with peaceful fish, corals, and most reef invertebrates
Reef Safe? Yes – Does not harm corals and is well suited for reef aquariums

Pederson Cleaner Shrimp are excellent for peaceful reef tanks and community aquariums. They should not be housed with predatory fish such as triggers, puffers, hawkfish, large wrasses, aggressive dottybacks, large crabs, or other animals that may eat small ornamental shrimp.

Common Challenges & Considerations

Small & Delicate: Pederson Cleaner Shrimp can be vulnerable to aggressive or predatory tankmates.
May Be Reclusive at First: They may hide until they become comfortable in the aquarium.
Anemone Association Is Optional: They may associate with anemones, but an anemone is not required for their care.
Needs Supplemental Feeding: Cleaning behavior alone is not enough to sustain them long term.
Sensitive to Copper: Like all marine shrimp, they should never be exposed to copper-based medications.
Molting Sensitivity: Sudden salinity or parameter swings can cause molting issues or stress.

To prevent issues, keep them in peaceful aquariums, acclimate them carefully, avoid copper exposure, and provide small meaty foods on a regular basis.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 72-78°F
dKH Alkalinity: 8-12
pH: 8.1-8.4
Specific Gravity: 1.023-1.025