Pederson's cleaner shrimp (Ancylomenes pedersoni) care guide
- Group
- Shrimp
- Other names
- Pederson cleaner shrimp, Pederson's anemone shrimp, Periclimenes pedersoni, Periclimenes anthophilus
- Family
- Palaemonidae
- Origin
- Caribbean Sea and Bermuda, 1–15 m, on reefs
- Water
- saltwater
- Temperature
- 22–26°C
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Hardness
- dKH 8–12, SG 1.023–1.025
- Care level
- intermediate
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Reef safe
- yes
Care
Pederson's cleaner shrimp is a small, nearly transparent Caribbean cleaner shrimp with blue to violet spots and stripes and long white antennae. It was formerly called Periclimenes pedersoni. Our sources give no body length; in the hobby it is known as a small shrimp of around 2–3 cm. On the reef it almost always lives with a sea anemone, usually the corkscrew anemone (Bartholomea annulata) or the giant Caribbean anemone (Condylactis gigantea), moving freely among the stinging tentacles. It has to get used to its host gradually by touching the tentacles bit by bit, and must repeat this if it has been away from its anemone for a few days. One or two shrimp per anemone is usual. Fish visit its anemone to be cleaned: the shrimp lashes its antennae, the fish holds still and the shrimp picks off parasites, including from the gill covers and mouth. In the aquarium it does best kept with one of its Caribbean host anemones in a mature reef tank, and kept singly or as a pair per anemone. Water figures here are standard reef conditions (general guidance); keep nitrate low and conditions stable, and acclimatise slowly. It is small and delicate, so avoid large or boisterous tankmates. Copper-based medicines and some plant fertilisers are toxic to shrimp, snails and most invertebrates. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancylomenespedersoni). Checked October 2026.
Diet
In the wild it feeds largely on parasites removed from fish. In the aquarium offer small meaty foods such as finely chopped mysis, brine shrimp, small pellets and flake, delivered close to its anemone.
Breeding
Our sources do not cover its breeding. Like other palaemonid shrimp, females carry eggs under the tail that hatch into planktonic larvae; these are very difficult to raise and are normally lost in a display tank.
Compatibility and tank mates
Reef safe and harmless to corals and fish. Best with small, peaceful fish and with a host anemone such as Bartholomea annulata or Condylactis gigantea. Larger shrimp, hawkfish, wrasses and other predators may eat it. Remember the host anemone may sting corals and needs its own care.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.