Can Yellow Tang Live With Skunk Cleaner Shrimp?
Yellow Tang and Skunk Cleaner Shrimp are compatible. Temperature overlap 75–82°F.
Conditions: Minimum 75 gallon tank.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Yellow Tang | Skunk Cleaner Shrimp | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 75–82°F | 75–82°F | 75–82°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 | 8.1–8.4 | 8.1–8.4 ✓ |
| Temperament | semi-aggressive | peaceful | Monitor ⚠ |
| Max Size | 8" | 3" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 75 gal | 20 gal | 75 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Herbivore | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | intermediate | beginner | — |
Tank Requirements for Yellow Tang + Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
To keep Yellow Tang and Skunk Cleaner Shrimp together, you need at minimum a 75 gallon tank. Provide adequate filtration, stable temperature with a heater, and hiding spots to reduce stress.
Species Profiles
Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
The yellow tang is the most iconic reef tank fish — a solid lemon-yellow disc that constantly grazes algae across the rock work. They are active, hardy, and excellent algae controllers for reef tanks. However, they need large tanks (75+ gallons minimum), can be aggressive toward similar-shaped fish, and have become significantly more expensive following collection bans in Hawaii.
Full care guide →Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
Lysmata amboinensis
Skunk cleaner shrimp are one of the most useful invertebrates in reef tanks. They operate a 'cleaning station' where fish line up to have parasites, dead skin, and debris removed from their bodies and gills. This natural cleaning service helps keep fish healthy and disease-free. They are also strikingly beautiful with their red-and-white striped body and long white antennae.
Full care guide →