How long do cleaner shrimp live?

[csababubbles]

I've had my pair of scarlet cleaner shrimp for a couple of years now and one died last night. How long do these shrimp live in the wild and in captivity? Do they live longer in the wild?

 

[matts125]

are you sure that it didnt molt?
i have no idea how long they live but atleast several years...

matt

 

[csababubbles]

yes, i have seen the pair molt about 6 times a year for almost 2 years now. i am looking at the dead body in front of me. it looks like he may have tried to molt but died half-way through. or it may just be his body is decomposing and it only looks like he was attempting to molt. either way its dead. i recall reading a few years ago that they typically live only about 2 years but I can't find this data anymore. how long have you guys had your cleaner shrimp alive in your tanks?

 

[Reeferdude]

Shrimp have never lasted for more than a few months in any system I've owned so I don't even think "shrimp" anymore.

 

[pitmam01]

I have a cleaner shrimp, a coral banded shrimp (creep) and a fire shrimp that I have had since I set my tank up (a little over a year now).

 

[Kurt_Nelson]

Coming up on 2 years for my scarlet cleaner. No idea though on a normal life span.

 

[jhentr]

Mines been with be for about a year and a half, and it was thru the worst of things (initial tank setup/cycling). My CBS has doubled in body size 2" by 1/2" at the thickest. My Cleaner is skinny but bigger than when I have him too. I get so paranoid when I see a molt. I always look for the two sets of antennaes coming out from the back of the rockwork to confirm it's just a molt and not a dead shrimp. They are so cool. I would be as bummed as you if I were to lose them too.

 

[edwing206]

Cleaner shrimp usually live about 2 years. It sucks. Mine died not too long ago. I'll get another one soon as they are fun to watch.

 

[pitmam01]

That's funny, that's exactly how I can tell if mine's still alive.

Mines been with be for about a year and a half, and it was thru the worst of things (initial tank setup/cycling). My CBS has doubled in body size 2" by 1/2" at the thickest. My Cleaner is skinny but bigger than when I have him too. I get so paranoid when I see a molt. I always look for the two sets of antennaes coming out from the back of the rockwork to confirm it's just a molt and not a dead shrimp. They are so cool. I would be as bummed as you if I were to lose them too.

 

[csababubbles]

2 years in the wild or two years in captivity?