Pederson Cleaner Shrimp

Also known as Pederson’s Cleaner Shrimp, Caribbean Cleaner Shrimp

The Pederson Cleaner Shrimp is a small, attractive, and beneficial Caribbean species known for its symbiotic cleaning behavior. Native to the tropical Western Atlantic, this peaceful shrimp is prized for its delicate appearance, interesting behavior with fish, and reef-safe nature, making it an excellent addition to Caribbean or mixed reef biotopes.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Ancylomenes pedersoni
• Common Names: Pederson Cleaner Shrimp, Pederson’s Cleaner Shrimp, Caribbean Cleaner Shrimp
• Adult Size: Up to 1 inch
• Lifespan: 2–3 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful and social – excellent community member
• Reef Compatibility: Completely reef safe – will not harm corals or other invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum; 20+ gallons for groups
• Experience Level: Easy to Moderate – hardy and adaptable

Habitat & Tank Requirements

• Tank Environment: Prefers to establish cleaning stations on or near anemones (especially Bartholomea annulata in nature) or coral heads. Provide live rock with hiding places and perching spots. Moderate lighting. Benefits from connection to host anemones but not required.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.023–1.025
  • pH: 8.1–8.4
  • Maintain stable water conditions with regular water changes
• Equipment Recommendations:
  • Standard filtration appropriate for tank size
  • Protein skimmer for larger systems
  • Moderate water flow
  • Avoid copper-based medications and treatments

Diet & Feeding

Pederson Cleaner Shrimp are opportunistic omnivores and scavengers:

• Natural Behavior: Clean parasites, dead tissue, and debris from fish at cleaning stations
• Supplemental Foods: High-quality pellets, flake foods, frozen mysis shrimp, frozen brine shrimp, chopped frozen seafood, leftover fish food
• Feeding Frequency: Daily; small amounts. Often obtains nutrition from scavenging and cleaning activities.
• Special Note: Will actively solicit cleaning opportunities from fish by “dancing” and waving antennae. This behavior provides supplemental nutrition.

Social Structure & Behavior

• Best Kept as: Single, pair, or small group
• Sexual Characteristics: Hermaphroditic; all individuals can potentially reproduce when paired
• Social Behavior: Peaceful with conspecifics and all other tank inhabitants
• Activity Level: Active during day and night; highly visible
• Cleaning Stations: Will establish territory near preferred host (anemone or coral) and advertise cleaning services
• Tank Mates: Compatible with all peaceful fish, invertebrates, and corals. Fish often learn to visit them for cleaning.

Notes & Considerations

• One of the smallest cleaner shrimp species, making them suitable for nano reef tanks.
• Often found in association with corkscrew anemones (Bartholomea annulata) in the wild, though not obligate symbionts.
• Excellent for Caribbean biotope aquariums.
• More delicate than larger cleaner shrimp species; provide adequate hiding spots.
• Will molt regularly; provide iodine supplementation to support healthy molting.
• Sensitive to copper and many medications – remove to quarantine tank if medicating display tank.
• May become food for predatory fish, large crabs, or mantis shrimp.
• Can be kept successfully in groups without aggression.
• Their small size means they’re less effective at cleaning larger fish compared to larger cleaner shrimp species.

Why Choose a Quarantined Pederson Cleaner Shrimp?

Purchasing a quarantined specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthy, acclimated shrimp that has been observed for normal behavior and feeding response. Our specimens are conditioned to accept a variety of prepared foods and are free from parasites and disease, giving you confidence in adding this charming Caribbean species to your aquarium.