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FAQs about Cleaner Shrimp Compatibility
Related Articles:
Cleaner Shrimp, A
Few Common Shrimps for the Marine Aquarium by James W.
Fatherree,
Related FAQs:
Cleaner Shrimp 1,
Cleaner Shrimp 2, Cleaner Shrimp
Identification, Cleaner Shrimp
Behavior, Cleaner Shrimp Selection,
Cleaner Shrimp Systems, Cleaner
Shrimp Feeding, Cleaner Shrimp
Disease, Cleaner Shrimp
Reproduction,
Coral Banded Shrimp, Dancing
Shrimp, Harlequin Shrimp,
Pistol Shrimp, Saron Shrimp,
Shrimp Identification, Shrimp
Selection, Shrimp Behavior,
Shrimp Compatibility, Shrimp Systems,
Shrimp Feeding, Shrimp
Reproduction, Shrimp Disease, Crustacean
Identification, Crustacean Selection,
Crustacean Behavior, Crustacean
Compatibility, Crustacean Systems,
Crustacean Feeding, Crustacean
Disease, Crustacean Reproduction, | Who ate the cleaner shrimp?
My cleaner shrimps keeps getting eaten by a/some fish. Who did it is
the mystery? Was it the clown trigger, purple tang, small moray eel
or the queen angel?
<<Could be most anyone of the above
characters. In order, I'd suspect Clowny the Butler, Mr. Eely, The
Queen of Decapods, and lastly, the not so vegetarian Yellow Tail
Tattler. Bob Fenner>> |
Brown Serpent Starfish
ate Cleaner Shrimp -- 11/17/2009
Hi, I've been reading your site for awhile now and I'm fascinated by all
the information. I browsed through and searched but couldn't find the
answer to my query.
<Lets see if we can't help!>
I came home from work yesterday to find my brown serpent starfish eating
one of my cleaner shrimp. The shrimp was still alive and I tried to stop
it but it wrapped it up in its arms and almost inhaled it.
<Yes, is always a possibility with these scavengers.>
I have a 38 gallon tank with a 3" regal tang and a 3" Foxface fish. I'm
already working on a bigger tank for these 2 as I know they will outgrow
this tank quickly.
<Indeed -- I'll spare you the typical rundown here then :)>
Anyways, I had 1 cleaner shrimp, 1 camel shrimp, 1 emerald crab and
various hermit crabs with the sea star for 4-5 months now and never had
any problems. Then this week I added the 2nd cleaner shrimp. Do you
think maybe
this shrimp was already sick or dying and the starfish took advantage or
should I be worried about my other shrimp and crabs at this point?
<I would be worried about anything the star could potentially wrap up
and consume, yes.>
My P.H. is 8.3, Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 0. Should I start target
feeding the starfish or take him back to the LFS?
<Target feeding may help some, but will not provide a guarantee that it
won't happen later... Best bet would likely be a return, in my humble
opinion.>
Thanks for any help you can provide.
Jeff Smith
<Glad to provide it! -JustinN>
Cleaner Shrimp Disappearance
6/1/09
I've been reading several of your articles and cannot quite get my
answer.
I've had a 120G tank for 3 years. It has
-pair of Clarkii Clowns
-a couple of Green Chromis
-2 Yellow Tail Damsels, 1 Sergeant Damsel, and 1 other damsel (don't
know name but it's white with yellow along the top, and blue petorial
<pectoral> fins)
- 1 each, Purple Tang, Yellow Tang, Kole Tang, and Vlamir Tang
<Yikes, all those tangs in a 120, problems ahead my friend.>
-1 Flame Angel
-1 Six Line Wrasse
-1 Molly Miller Blenny
I used to also have 2 cleaner shrimps. For a long time they kept
reproducing and my soft corals looked great. Then one disappeared, then
a month later the other. No dead bodies- I searched and moved rocks,
looked on the floor, just in case.
I just bought another cleaner shrimp and he's gone already. I was
wondering, since my current fish have grown, could their diet change to
include shrimps?
<The fish you have should be compatible with cleaner shrimp. Is possible
the shrimp were not getting enough food to survive.>
I didn't realize how large my fish have gotten over the years, and how
small fish and shrimps are at the store. The tangs and Flame Angel used
to be 'cleaned' here and there, and no fish showed aggression towards
then (that I know of). I really liked my shrimps feeding the corals.
Also, this time, a yellow tailed damsel is tending to eggs. The shrimp
did wonder <wander> close to her, and I shooed it away. The damsel kept
picking at it. I don't know if this was the problem this time.
<Likely, damsels are very defensive when tending to eggs.>
While I'm asking you questions, do damsels raise young,
<No.><<Actually, one species is known to. RMF>>
or do I need to add a special food to feed them? I have DT's and
phytoplankton, and my LFS now carries copepods. Or is it even worth
trying to raise fry.
<Copepods are too large for a first food, and trying to raise the fry in
a community tank would be fruitless as the newly hatched fry will be
quickly consumed.>
Thanks for any info, especially about the cleaners. I enjoyed having my
ams <arms> cleaned, and them getting in my way every time I cleaned the
glass and rocks.. I would like to replace them.
<Do read/learn more about cleaner shrimp here, Robin.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/arthropoda/shrimp/cleaner.htm
In future queries, please capitalize names of fish, saves me much time
if I do not have to do it for you.
James (Salty Dog)>
Robin
Re: Cleaner Shrimp Attacked
06/03/09
Thank you Josh. So far, the other shrimp has not been attacked, but it
has not ventured out of it's cave as of yet. I'll monitor them closely
and try to intervene if and when anything happens again. Luckily we have
two tanks to do some relocation when and if necessary.
Tom
<Excellent, that is good news.
Josh Solomon>
Lemon Peel Angel eating decorative shrimp 5/28/2009
Good afternoon WWM crew,
<Josh here.>
I was wondering if it was unusual for a lemon peel angel to kill a cleaner
shrimp?
<Not necessarily normal behavior, but not unbelievable either. Each fish
has it's own personality.>
My wife and I had just observed one of our cleaner shrimp with a clutch
of eggs when our recently added lemon peel attacked it by eating its' eyes
off, then returning later nonchalantly and eating the eggs. It was very
disappointing watching this as we were happy to see our cleaners were doing
so good. The lemon peel has been vigorously grazing on all the LR algae
growth in the last three days since he was introduced and has ignored the
daily feedings of frozen mysis and copepods.
<This fish likely should have been acclimated to prepared food prior to
addition to the display tank. He is likely hungry and more comfortable
with a live shrimp than with prepared foods. Give him time, and patiently
offer him prepared foods.>
We are afraid he's going to do the same to the remaining cleaner which is
in hiding right now as it has just molted.
<Quite possible, or even likely based on the behavior you just observed.>
Was this killing done to feed on the eggs only?
<It is possible, I hope so.>
Please help,
Tom
<Good Luck Tom.
Josh Solomon>
Banggai Cardinal Fish Comp. with Lysmata 12/17/08
Hello All,
<Mike.>
Long time reader, first time questioner.
<Welcome to WWM!>
I have a Banggai Cardinal in a 90Gal reef tank. I've had him for 4yrs
and he is doing well. Recently, I've added 3 skunk cleaner shrimp to the
tank.
Over the past 2 weeks, the numbers have seemed to dwindle.
Today, when I went to do a water change, I noticed the long white
antennae sticking out of the mouth of the Cardinal. From what I've read
on other websites, the Banggai should be reef safe.
<They are.>
What has been your experience on Cardinal fish kept with cleaner shrimp?
<No issues, the fish was likely taking advantage of a free meal, either
a dead shrimp or possibly even cleaning up after a shrimp molt.>
BR,
Mike Becker
<Scott V.>
BTA/Cleaner Shrimp symb. Question 4/13/08
Good morning WWM crew,
<Hi Mike, Mike I with you today>
I have been going through the FAQs
and various articles on your site looking for something that might help
me figure out what's going on
here, but haven't come across anything
regarding this situation, so I'm hoping you might be able to enlighten
me.
<We'll try!>
I recently (2 weeks ago) added a L. amboinensis
to my 36 gallon mixed reef tank. Within a day of putting the shrimp in
the tank it took
up residence in my BTA which has been in the tank
for 3 months now.
<OK>
The shrimp stays in the anemone (right in
the middle of the disc) for the whole time my lights are on and retreats
into the live rock once the
lights go off. Needless to say, my fish
are rather hesitant with regard to trying to take advantage of his
cleaning services in that location.
<I'm not surprised!>
I
haven't seen or read anything that would have lead me to believe that
this shrimp would choose to make an anemone his home.
<Not
*ordinarily*, but i have known this to happen in a few other examples>
I've been through some trials and tribulations with my BTA for the 1st
two months and I'm happy to say, it's looking like I've finally turned
the corner during the last month and have a happy anemone. (I know a
month isn't very long, just an observation of noticeable improvements
based on
what I've read and learned.)
<Good to hear, and long may
it last!?
So here are my questions....
1. Is this shrimp in
danger of being eaten by the anemone?
<Very possibly, but BTAs aren't
that voracious an anemone, so it's likely the shrimp would be able to
make a get away under good circumstances. A twist of fate may change
that though>
2. Is there any way you might suggest to get the shrimp
to relocate?
<Have always found shrimp to be creatures of habit, and
stubborn when you need them not to be. BUT, I would suggest that you
start target feeding this shrimp a little more than usual, and always
present the food in the same place (away from the anemone) - it may well
make the association and being greedy blighters that they are, it may
well decide to move>
3. Is there a possibility that the shrimp could
harm or stress out the anemone?
<Again, possibly - particularly at
meal times. If the animal starts stealing food form the anemone then
there's an obvious detrimental effect. If it starts doing it during
ingestion, then the shrimp could irritate the anemone to the extent it
stresses. Combat this by feeding the shrimp first, then the anemone. The
anemone may move it feels stressed or irritated, and i would let that be
my cue to perhaps think in more detail about allowing this relationship
to remain>
Any thoughts or ideas you may be able to share would be
greatly appreciated. Mike
<Hopefully give, and good luck! But
come back to us with any other queries you may have. Regards, Mike I>
Yellow Tang And Cleaner Shrimp 3/7/08
Just one quick
question...Why is my Yellow Tang picking the feelers of my cleaner
shrimp down to the nubs? Bored, something to graze on...is it needing
something nutritionally?
<Is probably wanting to be cleaned, may have
a parasitical disease.> Water parameters are good... nitrates 0,
Nitrites 0.0 Ammonia 0.0 pH 8.3-8.4 maintenance once every 5-6 days, 10%
H2O change. I bought 2 shrimps at the same time...now they look
pitiful.. Oh, the quilt! I have LR coming, but will not be cured for
several weeks I am hoping the tang will have other distractions and
leave the shrimp alone... geeze now the tang is leaning along side like
he'd like to be cleaned...the shrimp is not interested...not that I
blame him! Any info would be so appreciated!
<I'd keep a close eye on
the tang, may very well need to be moved to a quarantine tank and
treated.>
Thanks,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Kathy
Cleaner shrimp and anemone. 1/8/08
<<Hello, Andrew here>>
I have a long tentacle anemone and a cleaner shrimp that is purposely
touching it and climbing on it in some cases. It appears that the
anemone doesn't like it because he shrinks in that area. It looks like
the shrimp is then scraping the nematocysts (stinging cells) off of his
forward limbs and eating them. I have never seen this, the anemone seems
to be doing okay except he has not yet settled in one spot.
Do you
think there is cause for concern?
<<Had a similar experience, nothing
to be concerned about>>
Thanks, Nick
<<Thanks for the questions, A
Nixon>>
Pajama Cardinal and Cleaner Shrimp… Not In a 12 Gallon Tank.
9/2/07
Hello,
<Hi Amanda, Mich here.>
I have a 12g with
only one fire fish in it right now,
<And overstocked at that. Even
this fish should be in a bigger tank!>
and am looking to add a pajama
cardinal
<No, you shouldn't. There is not enough room.>
and a
cleaner shrimp (due to a recent ich outbreak that killed off my Chromis
and my false perc. clown fish).
<This would be a fine addition.>
However, I have read that cardinals tend to eat shrimp.
<Can.>
I
have also read that cleaner shrimp services are valuable to fish and
many won't eat them.
<Most times.>
Is the cardinal one of these
or should I a different fish?
<You should not add any more fish to
this system. It is too tiny for nearly all fish with the possible
exception of a Cleaner Goby (Gobiosoma spp.).
Thanks in advance!
<Welcome, Mich>
-Amanda
Question about Ornate Wrasse and cleaner shrimp
8/26/07
I have heard so many different stories about how the
Ornate Wrasse and cleaner shrimp either get along or don't. I have just
added 2 skunk cleaner shrimp to my 90g tank after being in their own
quarantine for 3 weeks. The other fish that I have are all still in
quarantine and all are peaceful fish that I KNOW won't attack cleaner
shrimp. Now, I purchased the Ornate wrasse a bit ago and he's been in
quarantine with the others and is getting along great.
But I've heard
from my own LFS that they either are fine with cleaners or might
"sample" them.
<This is a valid statement... re the genus Halichoeres
and Lysmata (and even some Stenopids) in general>
Is there a real
authoritative take on this?
<Mmm, well... would you define
"authoritative"? These species are found within the same geographical
range... in Hawai'i for instance... and generally do "get along"... but
if the labrid is large/r, hungry... it might go after an impugned
shrimp... particularly one that is undergoing ecdysis/molting>
I
would assume not simply because the information I've found everywhere
has pretty much said it's a toss-up. As always, you guys give me the
best info so I'm coming for help yet again!
<I'd toss more toward the
end of them getting along... particularly if there's room, decor to hide
amongst, good feeding/maintenance>
Also, if there really is an
"authoritative" view on this and the wrasse will eat my shrimp if not
fed well, is there a preventative measure for this or something I could
feed the wrasse to take his mind off the shrimp?
<This latter>
I
would assume he'd only go after the shrimp if he was a very hungry fish
at the time, but again -- I bring the questions to you guys.
Thanks a
ton -- you've made my relatively short venture into the hobby a much
easier time than I would have ever had otherwise.
- Jonathan
<Don't hold too long or dear for absolutes in this very relative
universe Jon... You'll only waste time and make yourself unhappy. Bob
Fenner>
Cleaner Shrimp killing my fish? Crypt, lack of
reading, understanding... 7/2/07
Hello All,
This is quite distressing. I've recently had a rash of
fish dying after they've been in contact with my cleaner shrimp. First
was my Coral Beauty.
It had what looked like Ich parasites all over
its body, and seemed very happy to see the addition of my a Cleaner
Shrimp.
<Mmm, what species?>
The shrimp set up shop and began to
pick at the Coral Beauty. I also had a Lawnmower Blenny who didn't show
any signs of infection
<Infestation... and the condition was/is
likely just sub-symptomatic>
that the Cleaner Shrimp liked to pick at
as well. The shrimp would like to dig up into the blenny's gills. I also
have a Clownfish that the cleaner can't seem to get it's hands on, and
it's the only one that is still alive. First the Coral Beauty went, it
was swimming straight up and down, and by the time I got back from my
LFS with a QT setup, it had stopped breathing. Two days later, I got
home in time to see the Blenny breathe its last breath. Freaked out, I
put the clown in the QT and dosed the water
<... Not a quarantine
tank... is a Treatment tank... and what did you dose this with?>
to
prevent any infection (it's not showing any signs of anything). I took
the Blenny and some water to the LFS to get checked out.
Needless to
say, my water quality
<What?
if perfect and the Blenny is going
under the scope tomorrow.
<How was this fish preserved?>
Long
story short, could my cleaner shrimp be doing something that is causing
my fish to die?
<Possibly...>
I won't know until tomorrow if the
Blenny had any kind of infection, but it just seems odd that the fish
that were "serviced" by the shrimp wound up dead. I appreciate any help
or
advice you can give me.
Thanks a lot,
Zach Kemp
<...
likely these deaths are unrelated to the shrimps presence, activity...
You can read on WWM re their Compatibility, use... and Cryptocaryon...
which I'm assuming is what you're dealing with here. Learn to/use the
indices, search tool. Bob Fenner>
Re: Cleaner Shrimp killing my fish? – 07/03/07
Thanks Bob for the
quick reply. The blenny I took to the LFS was in a bag with tank water,
and I suppose they refrigerated it overnight. I added a UV sterilizer to
my arsenal of battling this infection. Also overnight, my clownfish
because really lethargic, and I noticed a stringy substance hanging from
its pectoral fins.
<Mmm, can you send along a well-resolved close-up
pic?>
Immediately after I noticed this, I took it out of the tank,
and put it into my hospital tank. I called the LFS and they informed me
that the blenny died of a bacterial infection, likely the reason the
Coral Beauty died and why my clown is now sick. They gave me some of
their proprietary meds called Furazone-Green (methylene blue,
Nitrofurazone [monofuracin], and Furazolidone) and Neomycin (Neomycin
Sulfate). They also advised me to soak its food in garlic. At one point
I noticed the clown struggling to breathe so I gave it a pH buffered
fresh dip and it has been responding very well. It still is laying low
on the tank, but its breathing seems less labored and the stringy
substance appears to be gone.
I've learned my lesson and will not be
putting my clown back in the main tank for at least 2-3 weeks while the
sterilizer zaps the bacteria, and it gets back into good shape. And, I
will definitely utilize a Quarantine tank for all future additions. A
little over two months into the hobby, and many lessons learned. Thanks
again for your advice and quick response.
Regards,
Zach Kemp
<I
do hope your efforts pay off. Cheers, Bob Fenner>
Re: Cleaner Shrimp killing my fish? – 7/3/07
Hey Bob,
Well, I
guess I don't need to worry about saving my clown as it has died.
It
made it through the night, but took its last breath this morning. I have
attached some pictures,
<RMF decision not to post... not of use>
but they aren't very good (my camera isn't the greatest). What you can
see is the paleness of the coloring, and the erosion of its fins. Now
all I have left are my inverts. I suspect Brooklynella, but I am by no
means an expert.
<Hard to discern... need microscopic examination>
Upon a close inspection, I noticed little holes around the clown's eye
socket and on the top of its head. I assume those aren't supposed to be
there, but I've never inspected a dead fish up close like that. Probably
because I've never had an infection in my fresh tanks before. This being
my first salt tank, and the cost of the hobby, I'm a little more into
the details.
Thanks for the replies, I'm sure I will need you in the
future when I decide to repopulate my tank again.
<The holes may be
totally unrelated... Bob Fenner>
Small SW... Incompatible shrimp jamming – 06/14/07
Dear
Crew,
<Catherine>
I have had an established reef tank: 29gallon
BioCube with 3 small fish, many invertebrates and lots of coral. I do
weekly partial water changes (6 gallons)
I have had lots of shrimps.
At one point I had 2 skunk cleaner shrimps (1 inch), 2 fire/blood
shrimps (1 inch), 1 coral banded shrimp (3/4 inch).
<Wow... these are
tiny>
A month ago I added 2 peppermint shrimps (3/4 inch)
<These
are not mix-able... esp. in such a small volume>
to the tank and they
were fine for 3 days, the next day the two peppermint shrimps had gone
and so had one fire shrimp.
<... Was it/this the Stenopid? Mmmmm>
I waited for 3 days to see if anything reappeared but nothing
reappeared. I went and brought another fire shrimp and got replacements
for my peppermint shrimps.
<Food>
Once again they lasted a few day
then vanished without a trace along with one skunk cleaner shrimp. I
left it for 3 weeks then I bought a new cleaner shrimp and a Harlequin
shrimp
<A Gnathophyllid? You do know re their limited food
preferences?>
to add only the cleaner shrimp died in transport. I
added the harlequin and the next day my two fire shrimps appeared to be
gone with my harlequin. The harlequin has reappeared only the fire
shrimp haven't and it has been 4 days. They were always in the front of
my tank and always came for food. Now I have a small coral banded
shrimp, a medium skunk cleaner shrimp and a harlequin shrimp. Do you
know what could be causing all these deaths?
<Yes my friend... and
you would too had you searched... the CBS. Please read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marind5_5.htm
Scroll down to Crustaceans,
Shrimps... read re their Systems, Compatibility... Bob Fenner>
Thank
you,
Catherine T, NY Cleaner Shrimp Killer...Those Tangs
Are NOT “Reef Safe” Fishes After All! – 05/21/07
Hey!!!!
<<Hi Linda!>>
I've been wondering why I have not been able to keep
cleaner shrimp.
<<Oh?>>
Well - now I know....I'm not believing
this, but my Blue Hippo Tang (He's about 4" long) is a bad boy!
<<Ahh...not a surprise really>>
I never dreamed he is the cleaner
shrimp culprit! I am so mad...I had bought a beautiful and very large
cleaner shrimp to add to the tank but this time kept an eye out on it
for awhile to make sure he was doing ok in the tank and noticed right
off the bat my Blue Hippo Tang was really interested in it.
<<Cue
‘Jaws’ theme music>>
I kept thinking that he was just excited and
was nudging the shrimp for a cleaning.
<<A reasonable conclusion>>
I thought it was cute...walked out for an hour and came back in and the
shrimp was in half!
<<Yikes!>>
Just thought I would share this
surprise....guess I won't be able to put shrimp in this tank.
<<Tangs are far from being “reef safe” fishes. Aside from ornamental
crustaceans, I have known tangs to go after clams and stony corals...and
have seen them pluck the occasional Acropora polyp as well...though
these incidents are often related to lack of adequate
feeding/nutrition. I’m not saying this is the case in your
situation. There are some individuals/species more prone to what we as
aquarist may deem unacceptable “reef” behavior with Paracanthurus
hepatus being among those, in my opinion...especially as they mature/get
large>>
Hope all is well...Linda in GA
<<Mmm, suffered some
tragedy with my own system this past weekend. But otherwise, yes...am
doing well. Regards, EricR>> Whose eating the feelers?
<Cleaner Shrimp comp.>– 4/2/07
Hello!,
My name is Kathy
Swiger, originally born in Hawaii (Tripler, too) but am a native.
<Hi Kathy. Alex here, originally from Canada, now in Alabama.>
I
live in Kansas now, (please no jokes about Dorothy or Toto, okay maybe a
few) :) I've been reading your website for several weeks now. Thank
you, Thank you!
<You are very welcome.>
Anyway, have had tanks
in my life for as long as I can remember. My father is a great
enthusiast of fresh water, it's where I got my passion. Almost twenty
years ago I set up my saltwater tank (FO), started with damsels and went
more difficult. My local pet store was going out of business, so the
owner offered me a 55 gallon extra long and a powder blue tang for an
exceptional price. I have two powerheads at either end and two
bio-wheel systems (Emperor 280s) and a protein skimmer, crushed coral
for the substrate, about 50lbs of rock, very basic lighting ( 2 - 15
watt GE freshwater/saltwater bulbs). My powder blue (we called him
Capt. Jack) lived for about 12 years and then, alas, passed on. He had
a cleaner wrasse for quite a few years, then I lost him, tried to
replace several times with no success, kinda gave up on them (then when
I read your web site, I know I will not buy another, will boycott). I
had a tomato clown, yellow tailed damsels(3), and a Huma Huma (since
passed on). After the loss of the powder blue, I was bummed and kinda
let the tank go for awhile (like a year!) doing just bare minimum and I
am ashamed to say, neglected my tank. Since the beginning of the year
my enthusiasm has returned, I've done a major water change, purchased
new fish ( I really like going to LiveAquaria.com. My success rate is
great, even though shipping is a little harsh, but worth it.)
<Thanks for that info.>
I have added a Regal tang, a
yellow tang,
<These tangs are going to need a lot more space,
especially the Regal. Read here re Paracanthurus tang system
requirements:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/paracsysfaqs.htm >
a royal Gramma, a
coral beauty, and blue neon goby to my tomato clown and yellowtailed
damsel. All doing great (for about a month now).
<What
about your water parameters? After a month with several new fish, you
could have some water quality issues. You need to be testing and
sharing ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, salinity, pH, etc. What about water
change schedules?>
Have added a cleaner shrimp, he's okay, but
here's my question (finally)… Whose been eating the cleaner shrimp's
feelers?
<antennae.>
They are down to nubs! I have had him for
about 3 weeks, the first time I noticed it was about the first week,
(they "grew" back almost over night). Is that normal to grow so fast?
Was I just seeing things?, or were they tucked in somewhere? (okay
that's two questions)
<If the antennae reappeared, he must have
molted. They only come back after a molt. The molted shell may have
been eaten by others before you noticed it.>
It has happened again,
this morning, turned on the tank lights...no feelers! Down to about 1/2
inch!
<Broken antennae can be a result of low
iodine. But don’t go adding iodine without testing the level first.>
He has been cleaning everyone, even now he cleans, eats good (hasn't
molted yet, kind of concerned just a little).
<Slow
molting can also be a sign of low iodine, but since he probably did
already molt once, this may be fine.>
I have observed my yellow tang
kind of picking, he seems to be a bully...
<They are often bullies.>
Or my Royal Gramma ( I read in one of your articles, something about a
royal Gramma picking at the feelers), or is it the yellowtailed damsel
he's sorta beasty, but then my regal looks suspect, too.
<It is
unusual for them to pick on a helpful cleaner. But if you are seeing
bullying, it is likely so. You will have to watch from a distance to
try to catch them in the act. The tangs especially are probably bored
in the confined space. With both antennae disappearing at the same
time, that does indicate picking as opposed to weakness. Do read here
about the potential iodine issues, although it does sound more like
aggression…
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/shrimpdisfaqs.htm .
The cleaner
shrimp are nice in pairs. They will breed (free fish food) and give
each other moral support, or at least twice as many antennae to confuse
the fish. It does sound like a full tank with the fish you
have. Declining water quality could be causing fish stress. If you
want to keep the Regal tang, it is time to think about a larger tank. >
I can't seem to catch the culprit in the act...(I've spent so much time
with my new "babies" my husband swears he's neglected, imagine being
jealous of a fish tank (eyeball roll), tee hee).
<Can relate…>
I
feel I have read everything you have, but I know I haven't, any more
info would be most appreciated. I've been with you for about a month
reading, reading, and reading so if I'm a little forward it's because I
feel I know you guys.
<It happens quickly…>
I know I said a
question, then it turned into two, so let's go for three...When will I
be able to register to log on the your chat forum?
<This one I don’t
know. I see registration is unavailable. I will confirm that someone
is looking into this.>
I wanna yap with other marine lovers. :)
Thanks for all you do! ~Kathy Swiger, Wamego, KS
<We hope to
help. Thanks! Alex> Coris vs. Shrimp... I'll take the wrasse...
4/1/07
Hi crew,
<Jana.>
I'm sorry if this has been asked
before.
I have two skunk cleaner shrimps in my reef tank and am
thinking of adding a Coris gaimard. Do you think that is okay or will
the wrasse have the shrimps for a snack.
<It is surely a risk. The
Coris gets plenty big enough to make an easy snack of the Lysmata and
most invertebrate life for that matter. I have heard of instances where
pre-established Lysmata have been able to co-exist with rough and tumble
predators because the predators makes use of their janitorial
behavior. In most cases, however; though (those in captivity) the
shrimps will likely be consumed. Again I reiterate it is a risk....a
large risk which increases as the wrasse gets larger. The one thing to
keep in mind is that their are NO guarantees and there are SOME
exceptions. However I always say the same thing when it comes to
exceptions; some people jump off a 20 story building and live...but that
doesn't mean it's a good idea though.>
thanks for all you good
advise, regards, Jana
<Adam J.> Cleaner Shrimp with a Coral
Banded Shrimp in a 45-gallon? Mmm, No. 03/23/07
<Hello, Mich
here>
Can I put a cleaner shrimp with a coral banded shrimp together
in 45-gallon tank or will they attack each other and ill end up with no
shrimp at all.
<Likely the case.>
I know that I could put two
cleaner shrimp together.
<Yes, without a problem, as long as the
tank is fed regularly.>
Please help.
<Coral Banded Shrimp
(Stenopus hispidus) are quite aggressive, especially toward other
shrimp. I think placing Cleaner Shrimp or any Lysmata sp. with the
Coral Banded in a tank this small would be a mistake. -Mich>
Thor amboinensis, comp. – 03/15/07
Hello Bob,
I
was wondering if you think it would be worth a shot trying to keep
a few Thor amboinensis with a Euphyllia glabrescens in my 90 gallon
reef. Would the coral benefit from the shrimp? Are any "critters" I can
or should add to the tank that will benefit the other animals?
<Too
likely that some of the fishes listed below would consume them. BobF>
My tank inhabitants are:
1 Zebrasoma Flavescens
1
Pseudocheilinus hexataenia
1 Cirrhilabrus solorensis
1
Synchiropus splendidus
1 Amphiprion percula
8 Chromis viridis
1 Pterapogon kauderni
1 Centropyge bispinosus
3 Stonogobiops
yashia
1 Pseudanthias ventralis
Inverts:
3 Lysmata
amboinensis
3 Sabellastarte sp.
11 Sabella species
2
Sabellastarte magnifica
3 Tridacna Crocea
7 Clibanarius sp. (red
tip hermits)
7 Nassarius sp.
5 Astraea tecta
11 Trochus sp.
18 Nerita sp.
Coral:
2 Caulastrea furcata
1 Caulastrea
curvata
1 Euphyllia glabrescens
1 Briareum sp.
1 Xenia sp.
1 Cespitularia sp.
1 Cladiella sp.
2 Sinularia sp
2 Acropora
(bushy Acropora)
Thank you again for your time,
Brian
Sudden N. decora death 3/7/07
Dear WWM Crew,
<Hello Brandon today.>
As always, thanks for all of your help
along the way.
<Thank you for your kind words.>
We have a
72G reef tank with about 80 lbs. of LR. Our water parameters are
(Temp=77deg F, Sg=1.025, pH=8.3, Ca=380ppm, Mg=1290ppm, dKH=6.75,
Ammonia & Nitrite=0ppm, NO3= 5ppm). The tank was set up and cycled
last May.
<Cool.>
For about the last six months our live
stock has consisted of a pair of clowns (A. ocellaris), a purple
firefish (N. decora), a fat mandarin (S. splendidus), and a school
of 9 Chromis viridis. Various corals, a tube worm (Protula
magnifica) 2 turbo snails and some blue legged hermit crabs.
In
addition to this we have 3 peppermint shrimp (L. wurdemanni) & one
big, beautiful fire shrimp (L. debelius).
On February 17th, 2007
we added another fire shrimp (L. debelius) and a pair of cleaner
shrimp (L. amboinensis). Everything seemed great for the last two
weeks or so, until this last Sunday morning (the 4th).
Our
purple firefish, which had looked fine & had eaten heartily Saturday
night, showed up Sunday morning looking very roughed up. There were
two whitish abrasions on its left side, its left swimming fin,
dorsal and ventral fins as well as its tail were damaged. <Sounds
like fighting. Or a close escape.> It died Sunday night and was
subsequently eaten by the fire shrimp.
<Mmmm. Sorry to hear
that.>
This fish had an excellent home inside a small cave (see
attached photos) that it had lived in since last August.
What
could have happened?!?! None of our research, including your
excellent site, indicated that any of our shrimp types attacked and
ate healthy fish.
Could a disease have done this? All of the
rest of the fish look fine and are eating well and the corals look
great.
<It is possible that it and the clowns could have been
fighting. More likely than that you could have a predatory creature
in your tank that you have not seen. Try feeding the tank after
dark, and watching with a flashlight to see what comes out. This is
what I would do. I have not heard of a disease that manifests that
quickly. There is even a possibility that the shrimp that you have
are at fault. There is no such thing as a truly safe shrimp.>
We are broken hearted over this loss and need to know, if possible,
what killed this sweet little fish (our favorite, actually). Any
help would be greatly appreciated.
<To be honest, I am not 100%
sure. Bob? Mich? Any ideas?> <<Mmm, I do think the Debelius'
shrimp was involved here. RMF>>
Thanks so much!
<You are
welcome, Brandon>
Jan & Ellen |
Re: Sudden N. decora death 3/8/07
Dear WWM
Crew/Brandon,
<Hello Brandon again.>
Thanks so much for
your reply.
<You are welcome. I do my best.>
As a
follow up, the only creatures that we have observed of any size
that have "hitchhiked" into our tank are some bristle worms. <I
was thinking that if you fed the tank after dark, you might see
a Mantis Shrimp. Did you try this?> Some of these are quite
large, about 2 inches in length and only seem to be in the same
area that our firefish inhabited. <Even at this size, I would
not worry about them. They will generally only go after dead
creatures.> We have not added any LR since setting up the tank
in May 2006 so the killer, if a hitchhiker, has been in the tank
all along.
Could these worms have had anything to do with
this?
<Please see above.>
Right now, all suspicion is
falling on the new fire shrimp which was seen feasting the
firefish.
<It is a possibility. If you will check out
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/clrshrpcompfaqs.htm. You will
see where Bob has posted that he believes that the L. debelius
was at fault here.>
We are afraid to add anything to our
tank with an unidentified killer on the loose!
<I would look
to the L. debelius. You could move him to another tank, take
him back to the store, or not keep small fishes with him.>
Thanks again for all of your help,
<Any time, Brandon.>
Jan & Ellen |  
|
Shrimp Stocking Density, English Corrections..... 3/4/07
can <Can> i <I> put two cleaner shrimps in a 45 gallon tank with lots
of live rocks and crevices to go in. <?>
<Assuming your aquarium
meets the necessary needs of invertebrates/crustaceans then a density of
two in this size tank should not be a problem. Please see Wetwebmedia
for the specific care of these crustaceans.>
along <Along> with a
false clownfish and a yellow tang bright and healthy eats great!
<Long term the tang/surgeon will be to large for this size tank but as
far as compatibility, it should not be an issue.>
please
<Please> help <,> thank you.
<Welcome, Adam J.> Shrimp
Stocking Density, Tank Stocking Issues... Mich's go...
3/4/07
<Greetings! Mich here.>
I have a 45-gallon tank with
a false clown fish (Amphiprion ocellaris) and a yellow tang (Zebrasoma
flavescens) bright yellow and healthy name Bubbles. I was wondering
could I get a cleaner shrimp?
<Is the cleaner shrimp (Lysmata
amboinensis) compatible and appropriate for your
system? Yes. Unfortunately, Bubbles should be in a much bigger home,
75 gallons at a minimum, preferable larger. I hope you're considering
upgrading to a larger tank sometime soon. -Mich>
Cleaner
Shrimp Compatibility 12/29/06
Dear WWM Crew,
<Hello>
I appreciate your web site, loads of excellent
information. I think I already know the answer to my question but need
confirmation from you. <Ok> I have a 125g tank with plenty of live
rock, the live stock consists of 1 bi-color Angel, 1 Imperator Angel
Juvenile, 1 flame hawk, 1 blue tang, 1 neon Pseudochromis , 3 yellow
tangs, 1 yellow tail damsel and a small clown. <A lot> I plan to upgrade
to a bigger tank when this one gets too small. <Soon I hope, already
too small for all those tangs.> Having plenty of rock in the tank, do
you suppose a (Skunk) cleaner shrimp will be compatible?
<The Hawk
will probably be a problem for the shrimp at some point, I would skip
the shrimp.>
Thanks in advance,
Steve
<Chris>
New
Tank Mates and a Dead Cleaner Shrimp... Coincidence? 12/21/06
Hey guys,
<Hi there, Mich with you today.>
First of all, thanks
for putting up this great site.
<Welcome! Glad you find
it valuable.>
It has helped a lot of people including me.
<This
is good to hear.>
Yesterday I introduced a copperband butterfly and
a lunare wrasse in my tank and this morning I could not find my cleaner
shrimp, I searched everywhere and found him dead.
<Uh oh!>
Could
it be that one of the new fish ate him, or could it be that both of them
ate it.
<Yep.>
I really need to know.
<Yes, unfortunately it
is certainly possible that one of your fish took out your shrimp. Many
possible causes ranging from aggression to hunger to defensive
behavior. I would tend to suspect the Lunare Wrasse (Thalassoma lunare)
as the more likely culprit. They can be highly predatory. Sorry for
your loss.>
Thanks guys.
<You're welcome. -Mich>
Lysmata amboinensis comp., sys. 11/16/06
Hi WWM crew
<Hello, Michelle here>
Can I have 2 Lysmata amboinensis in a 30
gallon tank with ample live rock and hiding places? <Should be ok
provided they are well fed. If they get hungry enough they will eat one
another.> I have one Lysmata amboinensis in the 30 gallon tank right
now. Would it have to be bigger or smaller or could it be the same
size? <Same size would be most ideal> Would this work?
Thanks a
million!
<Welcome>
Without a Trace - 11/02/06
Hello Crew!
<<Hi Carol!>>
Just one quick question. I know it is Halloween but I can't figure out
what happened to my Cleaner Shrimp.
<<Uh-oh>>
He has been a
resident for 4 months (replacing the previous one who died after nearly
2 years). He has disappeared without a trace!!!
<<As sometimes
happens...>>
My inhabitants are a Majestic Angel, Purple Tang & 2
clowns. Could one of them had a late night supper?
<<Possible...though I doubt it...unless the shrimp was very small>>
I really enjoyed my shrimp but hesitate to replace him until this
mystery is solved. Thanks for your advice.
<<Will likely remain a
mystery... Perhaps the shrimp was already "old" when you bought it,
perhaps you have inadvertently introduced another predator, perhaps the
shrimp had a genetic abnormality that foreshortened its life, perhaps
you medicated the tank, perhaps the rockwork shifted and trapped/crushed
the shrimp, etc., etc...infinite possibilities. But based on what you
have posted, I see no reason not to try another shrimp>>
Carol
<<Regards, EricR>> Re: Without a Trace - 11/02/06
Thank
you, Eric, for your reply.
<<Quite welcome Carol>>
What worries
me is I moved all the rock etc ...the shrimp just vanished.
<<Honestly, this is not uncommon. There are many micro- and
macro-scavengers (bacteria, worms, crustaceans) that can scavenge a
carcass very quickly>>
He was a decent size (not small). Also, I
told you I had a Majestic Angel but he is an Emperor Angel. Are they
shrimp eaters?
<<Not normally...sessile inverts/sponges are more to
their liking>>
Thanks so much for your advice.
Carol
<<Happy
to assist, Eric Russell>>
Emerald crab and cleaner shrimp
- 09/01/06
Hello! <Hi Christy, MacL here today.> Thank you for
all of your help from the past, present and future! <You are so kind and
we all appreciate it.>
Three days ago I added an Emerald Crab to my
25 Gallon saltwater tank, 1.022 spg, ammonia 0, nitrite 0. I bought him
to control my Bubble Algae. My current residents are a Scarlett Cleaner
Shrimp, 2 Blue-Green Chromis, 9 Purple Mushrooms, 2 Red Leg Hermit
Crabs, 8 Turbo Snails. Before I purchased the Emerald Crab, I researched
and came to the conclusion that large Emerald Crabs could possibly pose
a threat to small fish or crustaceans if it was hungry, but most likely
a small Emerald Crab would do no damage to the other residents of my
tank. <Unfortunately Christy, small ones grow to large ones and to be
honest I have seen them cause problems at all sizes.> I haven't seen
any sign of aggression between the shrimp and crab. My shrimp molted
last night, and I didn't notice his antennas being any different earlier
today, I'm not sure if I just hadn't noticed or not, but now tonight..
I've noticed that all of his antennas are considerably shorter than
before, except for one which is the same length. <It is definitely
possible for something to have occurred during the molt which caused the
antenna length to change.>
I'm having a difficult time believing
that my less than one inch Emerald Crab could have done that. I also
can't find one of my Chromis anywhere! I'm now worried that I've got a
little green goblin in my tank! My question is could anything have
happened to my Shrimp's antennas other than the crab getting hold of
him? While molting, could he have lost his antenna length? <My
philosophy on this is pretty simple, if things were good before I add
some creature then I start having problems after I add them, then I
usually take the new creature out.>
On a different note.. I have a
question about my shrimp's molting
regularity. He molts almost every
week the morning after a water change. Is it bad to molt so
regularly? <In my experience he's molting way too frequently. Are you
adding supplements to the water like iodine? That can cause them to
molt more frequently. There is a great section on molting in general in
shrimp on site, I'd encourage you to take a look at it. MacL>
Feeding FD Cyclop-eeze, Cleaner Shrimp (conspecific) deaths,
7/30/06
Hello there. I hope all is well in your neck of the
woods. I am enjoying a little cooler weather here in PA (about 80 today
versus the 95 it has been for a week).
<Yikes, even warmer in S.
California, but likely with much less humidity>
Anyway, I have some
questions on separate topics I am hoping to receive some assistance
with. I recently purchased a yellow clown goby who is in qt right now,
just hanging out. Before the purchase I did much research about feeding
this little cutie and, of course, subsequently developed a bit of
anxiety I would have trouble getting it to eat. I picked up some items
I came across on your site that were suggested to entice eating. He is
eating frozen mysis shrimp and Sweetwater zooplankton.
<Good>
I
also bought some Cyclop-eeze, however, herein lies the issue. The maker
is Argent. They do not provide any info on how to administer it, and I
checked their site out, and it doesn't provide anything on that
either. For some reason they do not give you any sort of insert with
it, even though they say to check it out, nor does the can tell you
anything...other than to read the insert or check out their
site. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
<Strange... I would write them re>
I
did find an inquiry on WWM regarding this matter, however I continue to
be feeling dumb about it. I should mention it is the freeze dried type,
and it is a fine powder.
I tried to add it directly to the tank, but
it floats. I then tried mixing it with some mysis, but as soon as it
put it in the tank, it separates. The shrimp slowly sink, but the
Cyclop. remains at the surface. Any suggestions?
<Try soaking
overnight, adding the bits/parts/organisms that sink... sucking them up
with a baster>
Now, on to my other issue. I am new to the hobby,
about 8 months. I have a 46 G bowfront FOWLR system. Inhabitants are 2
TR Ocellaris clowns, one Royal Gramma, one Allen's damsel, some snails
and hermits, plus one remaining skunk cleaner shrimp. I initially had
one cleaner, but thought maybe he'd like a friend. My husband thinks I
tend to put human emotions onto animals,
<Mmm, a human trait...>
but what does he know?
<Would/could likely guess if he were another
animal...>
Anyway, I purchased a second skunk cleaner maybe 2 months
after the first and they quickly became buds and were so for
months. One morning as I was checking everyone out, I saw the molted
shell of one, saw one of them hanging where he usually does, but didn't
see the second one right away. Then under a piece of the live rock, I
saw, what looked to be another molt being devoured by "pods." And, I
mean being devoured. I knew then it was my other shrimp. In the past
whenever either of them molted, no amphipod went near it.
<Mmm...
likely consumed by its conspecific>
I do not know which shrimp it
was, the first or second purchased. They were both the same size,
although the second one was smaller than the first upon purchase. I was
devastated. I decided I wanted another one, so we got one a couple
weeks later, probably half the size of the existing one. All was well
now for 3 days, until this morning. I saw a molted shell, and a few
inches away, the little guy being devoured by those darn pods under a
piece of live rock.
<Not by them directly... they're just cleaning
up the bits that were left>
All I could see was his little legs
sticking out. Of course, in my mind I am picturing an organized group
of pods had picked him up and carried him off. Again, my husband says I
am too dramatic. Do you think they are killers preying on a vulnerable
creature?
<No... tis the other Cleaner... not able to be easily
added to in such a small world>
I do not know if it is a
coincidence. Maybe a bad molt?
<Not likely>
I am
just really sad now. I think the cleaner shrimp are so cool. After the
first death, I read that iodine will help with the molt,
<Yes>
so I did purchase a bottle thinking maybe a low level led to the first
demise, but actually just dosed yesterday for the first time according
to the directions. And voila, a molt already. It has been about 2
weeks since the larger one molted though.
<I see>
The other
inhabitants are all thriving. Temp 78, SG 1.023, Ammonia and Nitrates
0, Nitrites may be a little high, at <20, but that practically has been
the case since day one. No matter what I do, I cannot lower it.
<You will, in time>
It has never fluctuated, except when my tank was
cycling in the beginning. It was very high initially, then dropped as
my tank was cycling. I do a water change of 9 gallons every 2
weeks. Would I be better off doing smaller, more frequent ones?
<Possibly... though I would look into adding a refugium, DSB,
macro-algae there>
I also want to note I change the filter media as
recommended. It is a Fluval 304, plus I have a Super Skimmer, which I
think is useless. Every once in awhile a little grime will coat the
neck, but never once have I collected foam. It will collect water after
a water change for some reason, but I think that is due to the use of
Prime, my dechlorinator. At this point, I feel the skimmer is a waste
of swimming space, and I would love to get rid of it altogether, but I
guess that is not recommended. This is my second skimmer actually, the
first was a Seaclone...USELESS! That only collected water too. Sorry
for the tangent.
Can you tell I am frustrated?
<A bit>
If
you have any advice, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
for your time and expertise on these issues and for compiling such a
wonderful knowledgebase. I reference your site so often. Have a good
day.
Sincerely,
Tiffani
<Please read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/nitratesmar.htm
and the linked files
above. Bob Fenner>
Fw: Killer Pods????? 7/30/06
Hello,
<Tif>
Here I go again. Let's hope third time is a
charm. Well unfortunately since I sent this both times, my remaining
skunk cleaner has passed. This actually happened within the past hour
or so. He was fine this morning, ate, swam, etc. Then a couple of
hours ago, he was just lying on the bottom on his belly. It looked like
his legs were just twitching a bit. My first thought was he almost
looked paralyzed in a way. The one thing I did notice was what I could
normally see inside his body area now looked different. I could always
see something almost "fluttering" inside,
<Mmm, yes... the "gills">
if you will, until when he was just lying there . . . then that wasn't
happening. I just now feel like such a failure and am so
saddened. Happily, all other fishes are perfect. Water parameters are
as they were Sunday.
I hope this time it comes through. Even if I
am to be chastised for something, at least I will feel comforted in the
fact that someone listened and can maybe steer me in the right
direction.
Tiffani
<Please read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/clrshrpdisfaqs.htm
and the linked files
above. This loss likely related to a water quality issue. Bob Fenner>
Fire Shrimp/Hermit Crab/Compatibility 7/15/06
Hi there,
thanks in advance for the great advice.
<You're welcome, Angela>
I have a 55 gallon fish only tank.
Inhabitant are:
1 ocellaris
clown
1 yellow tail blue damsel
1 yellow watchman goby
2
green clown gobies
6 turbo snails
I suspect I'm a bit
overcrowded but am moving soon and will be getting a 100gallon tank
then.
<You're fine in this regard.>
Tank has an external filter
(canister), and air powered protein skimmer.
My question is can I
add a fire shrimp. I had thought it would be fine but my other half
says it would be a bad idea and it would eat my fish, specifically the 2
green clown gobies. Also I have had problems in the past when I have
added hermit crabs, inevitably either some of the crabs had died or some
of the fish! I don't know why this was possibly just bad luck with
either mean or sick crabs.
<If you are referring to a Lysmata type
shrimp, and I'm guessing you have the Lysmata debelius, your fish will
be safe and may even benefit, as some species will clean parasites from
fish.
They may be harmful to small tridacnid clams
though.
As far as the hermit crabs, some species such as the
Striped, Hairy, and Spotted Hermit Crabs will catch and eat smaller slow
moving fish. These would be the
Ciliopagurus, Aniculus, and
Dardanus types. The Red Leg Hermit (Calcinus), Polka dotted Hermit
(Phimochirus), Red Reef Hermit (Paguristes), and Blue Leg Hermit
(Clibanarius) for example, are all reef and fish safe.>
Please help.
Angela
Thanks again.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Maroon Clown with fin problems 7/7/06
Hi Bob and
crew, I have been trying to find the answer to my question on the site
but am unable to... hate to bother you with it.
<Not a bother...
actually a help>
Anyway, I have a 80 gallon FOWLR tank since Jan. It
has had 1 Maroon and 2 Chromis for 6 months. All get along great and
have been very healthy. The only addition we have had is 2 Peppermint
Shrimp 1 week ago. I have been noticing a problem with my Clown's fins
over the past week, she looks like she has small "bites" or "wedges"
taken out of several.
<Can happen>
They are not frayed, she eats
great, she shows no other signs of problems. She is alert, eyes clear,
skin looks great. Any clue of what is going on? Thanks, Beth
<Likely
over-eager "cleaning" by the new shrimp. This should "fix itself" in a
short while (a few weeks). I would change nothing here. Bob Fenner>
Cleaner Shrimp/Neon Goby Compatibility 6/20/06
Hello,
I
have
<Hello Paul> A question regarding compatibility of cleaner
shrimp and neon Goby. My son is new to salt water aquariums. In his
tank are a tang,
fire fish, neon goby, 2 clown fish, several turbo
snails, 2 peppermint shrimp and a cleaner shrimp. About a month ago,
the peppermint shrimp
ate the neon goby (yes, my wife saw it in it's
mouth). We got rid of the peppermint shrimp and bought another neon
goby. Now my son is
worried the cleaner shrimp is going to eat the
neon goby. Should he be worried? I don't think the shrimp were under
fed but they were voracious eaters.
<None of the shrimp you have are
known to attack/eat live fish. I'm guessing the Neon Goby was already a
goner. In that case, the shrimp(s) will scavenge/eat dead fish.>
Thanks for your help.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Regards,
Paul M.
Shrimp incomp. - 06/02/2006
Roy.
You had a cleaner shrimp eat your peppermint shrimp?
Interesting... very interesting indeed! This would explain the loss of
both of the shrimp in a tank that only contained the Skunk Cleaner and a
Powder Blue tang. I noticed the Cleaner chasing the little guys but I
wouldn't suspect him of eating them... maybe it was not the Christmas
wrasse that got the last one (Peppermint shrimp that did eat only
Aiptasia) during QT after all.
James
<<James: Yes I had a
killer Skunk Cleaner Shrimp. I have also read stories of Peppermints
eating Skunk Cleaner Shrimp. Though it's not common, it happens. Best
of luck, Roy>> Cleaner Shrimp
Compatibility 6/2/06
Bob,
<Jonathan>
I have a
72 Gallon FOWLR tank set up. The current stock is a juvenile hippo
tang, a pair of clowns, a punctatum butterfly, and a pinstripe
wrasse. I was just wondering how a pair of skunk cleaner shrimps would
do in this tank?
<Likely fine>
My main concern is the wrasse.
<Mmm... is this Halichoeres melanurus?>
I have done some research
and found that most wrasses must be monitored with shrimp. So, I am
just looking for some guidance before going out and spending $40 on what
could potentially end up being as an feeding session for my
fish. Thanks, Jon.
<Likely this fish will recognize the cleaners
for what they are and leave them alone. If you have sufficient rock for
them to hide, I would not be concerned here. Bob Fenner>
Jumping Goby & Greedy Shrimp - 04/27/06
Hi Crew,
Two
quick questions.
I just found my citron goby lying on the floor. It
bounced when I touched it so I gingerly picked it up after rinsing my
hands in system water (not drained back into the tank either) then
cupped it in the tank. I let it catch its breath and it seemed to gain
its bearings and find a place to rest and recuperate. Scared me, I love
this little ball of attitude.<they are quite interesting!> I had no idea
that they were jumpers and I am concerned as to why it jumped out,
especially considering that there is no easy way for it to escape. Other
tankmates are a skunk cleaner, 2 ocellaris clowns, 1 neon goby. Weekly
15% water changes. I have had an increase in water temp from my usual
78-80F to a higher 82F. Any insight, and do I need to do anything else
for the poor fellow? <he should be alright! sounds like you keep the
tank maintained well!>
Next, I am deciding if I should return my
skunk cleaner. 1 month in the tank and doing phenomenally well. Has
already molted 3 times, tries to clean the fish, actually cleans my hand
when I let it. An absolutely greedy animal. Devours several Mysis shrimp
at each twice-daily feeding plus as much Spirulina flakes as possible
while swimming upside down at the surface. Actually very quick learner
and has taken to harassing my frogspawn (3 heads, added 10 days ago)
during feedings to steal any Mysis that may fall into it or that I place
purposefully. I am concerned that the frogspawn will suffer for the
"attention" and not adjust to it. I have noticed a tentacle that does
not get full during the day anymore. The shrimp is over zealous, but has
not directly hurt anything, not even my small xenia. Your opinion. <I
would keep a close eye on this. It is a judgment call. If you feel the
frogspawn
is not doing well I would definitely return either the
frogspawn or the shrimp....good luck with this decision, IanB>
Thank
you for the website, individual attention to emails and your two books I
have purchased. Invaluable and interesting. I really appreciate my
friend that introduced me to your website. Keep up the great work.
<thank you and good luck to you!>
Jeff Morgan
Missing
Blood Shrimp/Skunk Cleaner/Peppermint - 04/05/2006
Hey
Crew,
<Dr. E>
It has been a while, thanks again for your never
ending support. My 120g reef tank has been doing very well.
Fish/LPS/LTA/and soft corals are doing
well. I am having a problem
with some of my missing invertebrates, namely my blood shrimp, (2) skunk
cleaners and (2) peppermint shrimp. I have not seen
any of them for
weeks. I have a fair bit if live rock, approximately 120lbs, (hiding
places) but they usually have been more social. I have not lost any
other living creatures. Water parameters are good. SG 1.026, ph 8.3,
Nitrate- Nitrite both 0, ammonia 0, Calcium 400, Alkalinity 4.4. Could I
have a predator I don't know about?
<Yes... but you should see
"parts" unless it's the LPS/LTA...>
Maybe a Mantis eating my
inverts?
<Perhaps>
My fish shouldn't be eating them (yellow
tang, hippo, tomato clown, Bangkok cardinal, flame angel, 2 fire fish.
Also my other inverts (hermits and
snails) seemed to be alright. Any
words of wisdom? Should I set a trap if I suspect a Mantis?
Dr. M
<Should see legs if this was the case... but you might want to "bait a
trap" here and see. Bob Fenner> Our Lysmata
amboinensis attacked & ate a snail! Happens - 04/05/2006
We absolutely love your site and refer to it all the time!! We have a
135 gallon tank, 240 lbs of live rock, Pistol shrimp & Goby,
Mandarinfish, Flame & Cherub Angel (they get along beautifully) Yellow
Tang, "baby" Hippo Tang & 4 green Chromis. We also have 3 Sally
lightfoot crabs, a dozen hermit crabs and lots of snails. As well as a
variety of soft corals. We added a couple of Lysmata amboinensis cleaner
shrimps several months ago which delighted the Flame & Yellow Tang! Then
last night we witnessed the Shrimps attack and rip apart a Stomatella
snail. We've noticed that the shrimps are rather aggressive.
<Most
crustaceans would be considered such by most western humans>
We also
have a brown brittle sea star (hitchhiker on the live rock) that we've
been treating to bits of clam. Since adding the shrimp we've learned to
treat the shrimp first or "Molly Brown" never stands a chance! The
question is whether or not this snail was in the process of dying and
that's why they went after it?
<Might have been fine... just tasty>
Or if it's within their nature and might go after our other snails as
well?
<Correct>
We have Turbo's and Nassarius snails that have
all reproduced and the tank if full of little babies! We would hate to
lose these baby snails or disappoint the fish, we know they provide a
valuable service! We also had 4 Feather Dusters, one went several weeks
ago and now another hasn't opened for several days and we are just
beginning to wonder? Just exactly what all could these cleaner shrimps
attack?
<Mmm...>
I've read all kinds of stuff about the Sally
Lightfoots and so far from our experience, they've gotten a bum rap. Our
Sally's are great. Recently one of them lost a front claw. We've never
had problems with molting before and they are not aggressive. My husband
doesn't think the shrimps would win in a fight but I'm not so sure. I've
watched them chase the Sally's away from their cleaning station a few
times. I have also read comments posed by other people claiming their
shrimps killed their hermit crabs. I hate to get so worked up over a
hitchhiker snail and I'm so sorry for the length of this letter but in
your expert opinion could we have a potential problem with these
shrimps, are they prone to aggression toward inverts. Thanks a bunch,
Kim & David
<How to put this... most all marine organisms can/are
opportunistic feeders... will consume other organisms if they can... are
hungry. Some groups (in this case larger crustaceans) are more
opportunistic than others. Bob Fenner> Skunk Cleaner
Shrimp vs. Dottyback - 2/20/2006
Hi crew!
<<Hi Chris.>>
I'm just researching the possibility of adding a Lysmata amboinensis to
my 30gal (UK) FOWLR tank. I have 2 Tank Bred Amphiprion ocellaris and a
Pseudochromis porphyreus, a few Nassarius Snails, a Bumble Bee Snail, a
Super Turbo and a Blue Legged Hermit Crab along with a few Actinodiscus
and a very small Sarcophyton.
I really wanted to
know if it's at all likely that the Dottyback would eat or attack a
skunk cleaner. I think it would make a really cool addition to my tank,
but I don’t want to add one if it's likely to end up as an expensive
meal for my Dottyback. I've looked through the FAQs but no-one seems to
have asked the question.
<<Tough call. I have never personally had
a problem with this fish and shrimp. That said, some have. If I were
you, I would remove your Pseudochromis to a quarantine tank, add the
shrimp to the qt, and watch carefully to see how the fish reacts. This
way if it goes poorly, you can more easily separate the two without
having to tear apart your display tank. Just a
suggestion. Alternatively, add a larger shrimp, watch closely, and be
prepared to separate/lose a shrimp.>>
Thanks again for a fantastic
resource. Whenever I'm planning something for my aquarium I always spend
a few hours/days trawling through the WWM site, reading up.
<<Me
too.>>
Warm Regards,
Chris.
<<Lisa.>>
Peppermint
shrimp to rid Aiptasia? Or feed a wrasse? - 02/16/2006
Hello again and thanks for the quick reply guys.
<Hello Trever,
sorry for the delay on this one.>
One thing I don't recall
mentioning is that I also lost a Lawn mower blenny about a month ago. I
had him for almost two years, and as with my cleaner shrimp, one day he
vanished. I spoke with someone who asked if I had ever heard any loud
"cracking" noises coming from the tank, particularly at night. Sure
enough, I have. One or two loud cracks and then silence. She said I most
likely have a Mantis shrimp?
<Could be.>
I checked out your site
and read all the information possible on these beautiful pests. I've yet
to see him and have tried traps unsuccessfully. Here's the dilemma. How
do I rid myself of the Aiptasia,( which is spreading like weeds), with
peppermint shrimp when that Mantis shrimp is going to eat any newcomers?
<Other ways you can attempt. Here's a good read for you
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/cav1i3/aiptasia_impressions/aiptaisia_impressions.htm
. - Josh> Re: Peppermint shrimp to rid Aiptasia? Or feed a wrasse?
- 02/27/2006
How's it going Josh!
<Doing well thank you.>
I hope all's well. I went with your advise on the Berghia and have
decided to wait until I get my friends eclipse 12 set up as a separate
tank specifically for the Berghia and individual rock stripping of the
Aiptasia.
<Glad to hear it.>
I'm happy to hear that bristle
worms are generally not a problem. I think you may have found the root
of my problems when asking me about the cleaning of my skimmer.
<Ahh...>
It's a CPR Bak-Pak 2R with a Rio-600. I've had it since The
get-go, approximately 2 years now. I clean out the Rio as well as
replacing my air lines regularly, but I do get a rather large quantity
in my cup on a daily basis. I would say a 1/4 to 1/2 cup daily.
<This could double after you clean the skimmer itself.>
As for
cleaning out the actual skimmer itself, I've never done so in the two
years I've had it. I was actually told not to by a friend as he insisted
it acts as a type of refugium.
<Nope.>
But it seems to me, a
skimmer is a skimmer and a refugium is a refugium.
<Yep.>
Each
being and having their own purposes. The main compartments of my skimmer
look like a refugium. I've got just about anything and everything
growing and living in my skimmer. Should I pull it and do a complete
cleaning on it?
<Absolutely. With all of this in the skimmer it can
not function very efficiently.>
I also use a wide variety of
supplements & additives, such as Kent Marine Zooplex, Micro-vert, and
Coral-Accel. Bionic 1 & 2, Liquid Life Bio-Plankton, Reef plus, etc. .
<Whew...say that five times fast.>
I've tried to use them as
directed, or even slightly on the low end, but perhaps to much of a good
thing is bad?
<Yes, if ya' don't need it (read test) don't dose it.>
Isn't that always the case? I have not heard any late night cracking
lately, but have found two spots in my tank where it appears holes have
been dug out right at the base of my live rock. Would you conclude home
to a Mantis shrimp?
<Could be...or Pistol.>
How big do they get?
<Quite variable.>
I realize that there are several different
species, but it can be narrowed down to a smasher, and most likely from
the vicinity of Fiji. I did go with some peppermint shrimp, and although
I see a slight decrease in my smaller Aiptasia they appear to stay clear
of the larger ones.
<Usually the case.>
Unfortunately I found
one peppermint shrimp laying on it's back on the bottom of my tank
yesterday, being picked apart by my 6-line wrasse.
<Hmm...it has
been a couple of days since you sent this, still two left?>
Well
Josh, as you eluded too, I've taken the route of the tortoise. And with
some patience and perseverance hope to find my way through these
obstacles. Leaving me more informed and my tank one step ahead. Thanks
again Josh.
Trever
<Quite welcome Trever. Enjoy the journey. -
Josh>
Re: Peppermint shrimp to rid Aiptasia? Or
feed a wrasse? - 02/28/2006
Hello again, My apologies for the
never ending supply of questions.
<No need to, you know we always
manage to sneak in a couple of our own;)>
You're correct, I have
only two peppermint shrimp left.
<No, actually I'm relieved. I was
implying you likely didn't have any.>
It appears to me that their
survival may be due in some part to their placement in finding good
homes in my tank. Both have remained in the original spots they took
within separate holes in the live rock since their introduction.
Whenever they are finished feeding, they always return to the same
spots. Perhaps the others made shelter too close to the mantis shrimp?
<Or they weren't the only ones hungry when they came out.>
You
pointed out that I may have a piercer as apposed to a smasher, but the
cracking noise I used to hear would indicate a smashing type of mantis,
would it not? Or do both make a similar noise with different weapons?
<Yep, be it Alpheid or Stomatopod, they can make quite a pop.>
Also,
As it seems possible to have both species/varieties in one tank.
<I'd say it's not likely.>
Will one eventually kill the other?
<Most likely in a small tank.>
Or can they live within the same tank
given enough room?
<If large enough, they would probably never
meet.>
As for my skimmer, I took it apart and was completely amazed
at the amount of life I found within it. I found so many different
shapes and sizes of what appeared to look like fish fry, I couldn't keep
up.
<Micro crustaceans I'm sure.>
Not to mention a variety of
algae, and several different snails, both with and without shells. I
actually felt bad about cleaning everything out.
<No worries, the
population wasn't generated by the skimmer. Still more in your tank. Be
careful of those snails though. Small, like a grain of rice, white, cone
shaped?>
As you mentioned, the moment I set the skimmer back up I
saw a noticeable increase in waste.
<Keep a close eye on it. May
find it "to the brim" otherwise.>
I've also cut back on my
smorgasbord of additives.
<Good.>
I've seen a decrease in the
amount of algae growth. Which makes my weekly cleaning and water changes
easier to deal with. So far, so good. I'm still waiting on my friends 12
gallon tank, but should have it this weekend to start my Berghia bash,
all out Aiptasia BBQ.( Can't forget the brew! ).
<Woo hoo! I'll pour
one out "for the homies" (poor little buggers).>
One more question
for you, all wise and mighty one.
<Whoops! Looks like you've got his
cousin Mise and Whitey.>
The Eclipse 12 I will be getting has a CSL
smart- lite retrofit which I believe to be in the area of 36W,(18W
daylight & 18W ultra actinic). Should this suffice for the Berghia &
Live rock during the inevitable feast?
<Should be fine.>
Thanks
for all the help Josh.
<You're quite welcome Trever.>
Keep up
the good work and pass on a word of praise to all the WWM Crew!!!!
Trever, Santa Barbara, Ca.
<Ahh, you already
have. - Josh> Cleaner shrimp dilemma... removal
1/22/06
Hello, my partner Martin has had his marine tank for
about three years now, he has a lot of soft corals and gorgonians. Our
problem is his cleaner
shrimp. Recently the shrimp has
worked out that to get an easy meal, all he has to do is jump onto the
gorgonians and steal the food from their polyps!
<Smart>
We are
worried that the gorgonians will suffer from lack of food so we decided
to catch the shrimp and return him to the shop we bought him from. We
thought
this would be the quick and easy answer to our problem but
we can't catch him!
<Really smart>
I know I sound
stupid, but we've just spent the last four hours trying to catch
him! Nets don't work, we've tried to tempt him into a bag in the tank
with food inside it. He has gone into the bag, but no matter how slow
we are at trying to get the bag, he suddenly flicks himself
out again. We would be
so grateful if you have any special shrimp
catching techniques or ideas.
Thank you, Amber.
<There are
pretty sensitive all-plastic small rodent-traps re-sold in the trade
that would likely work here. See Dr.s Foster & Smith (.com) re (I know
they list them). Bob Fenner>
Cleaner shrimp compatibility ...
not 1/16/06
Hi Bob,
I found your website and it looks like
you can help me with my question. I have a 40 gallon long coral tank
[almost a year old] with only 2 fish, about 12 small corals, 2 emerald
crabs, a sea urchin, snails & 2 star fish [one red & one serpent like
star. I also had a skunk cleaner shrimp & still have a small peppermint
shrimp [that I got to control the Aiptasia] Yesterday, I introduced a
fire shrimp
<This is too small a system to mix these...>
& when
I looked in my tank today, the skunk shrimp was dead. The peppermint &
fire shrimp are still alive & hanging out together under a rock. I
suspect the skunk & fire had a fight over territory as the skunk shrimp
was quite possessive about his tank.
<Maybe... but many
such shrimp are lost due to either poor-acclimation, and/or consequent
stress from being captured/moved. These last are at least co-factors>
Every time I put my hand in, he came over and pinched me. I am very
sad, because the skunk was quite comical. I thought it would be OK for
them both to be together in the tank because the dealer had the two
species in her coral tank together, no problems.
<Often there are
significant individual differences with these species>
I think the
skunk may have initiated the confrontation because it was "his" tank &
when I originally bought the peppermint shrimp, I had two of them &
right away one was gone. I wish I had not bought the fire shrimp as he
hides during the day & if I wanted to return him, I could never catch
him as he has a lot of rock under which to escape.
<Perhaps could be baited out, then netted...>
I would like to get
another skunk cleaner, but I don't want him to be killed. If I got a
smaller one [like the peppermint], might the 2 shrimps be compatible?
<I would not risk this>
Also, will the fire shrimp hurt anything
else in the tank [crabs, star fish, etc.]
<Not likely, though not
impossible were it hungry, the other animals impaired>
Thank you for
your time,
Linda Campbell - beginner coral tank enthusiast
<Your
mail shows intelligence and caring. I thank you for sharing. Bob Fenner>
Shrimp Aggression 12/31/05
I have a 25 gallon Nano with 45lbs of
live rock and some live sand. The
residents are 10 (less now)
Scarlet Hermit Crabs, some snails and I added a
Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
last week. Everyone seemed to be doing great (Shrimp
molted two
days ago) and getting along. I was keeping an eye on the snails
to
make sure the crabs were behaving and I saw my cleaner shrimp ripping a
crab out of its shell. The shrimp tossed him around and then savagely
began
using its two little limbs to tear the crab apart. I am sure
the crab was
alive before the attack; is this common? I thought the
shrimp were peaceful.
I am sure it is a skunk cleaner shrimp. Have
you seen or heard of this before?
<<No. Lysmata sp. are very
peaceful. Please double check the identification.>>
Should I remove
the shrimp? <<If this shrimp is capable of extracting living
hermit
crabs from their shells and killing them, either remove the shrimp or be
prepared to lose all of the hermits.>>
Oh the humanity!
Thanks
for your help.
Charlie
<<You're welcome - Ted>>
CCS
vs. cleaner shrimp 12/17/05
Good day, crew.
Question
about scarlet cleaner shrimp and chocolate chip star.
These two
lived together and didn't care about each other for 3 months.
Now,
whenever I try to feed my beautiful star, shrimp comes and plants
itself on star, taking food (blood worms, shrimp or raw fish) right from
under the poor star, getting into her stomach and everywhere.
<Not
atypical>
I feed the shrimp separately, it eats like a crocodile.
Why wouldn't it leave the
star alone? I think star is going through
some serious stress because of
this, and eats less and less.
I
feel like I want to kill the shrimp for picking on star, but I really
like both of them. Help. What do I do?
Tatyana Kucherenko
<Another tank... need to be separated. Bob Fenner> Cleaner Shrimp
Cocktails 12-05-05
Hello,
<Hi>
I am having a small problem
and thought you might have an idea on how i might fix this.
<I hope I
can.>
Presently I have a six foot long 180 gal marine tank. I am
using it as a angel tank. I have approx 100# of live rock on a live sand
bed about 4 inches deep. I have always had cleaner shrimp in my tank as
a biological deterrent. I have a sub adult French (mid change) and a juv
(2-3inch) passer. Well I found my cleaner was missing and figured that
it died and was cleaned up by the snails and hermits.
I went to put
another in and as soon as I did it was eaten by the French. I tried
again placing him in as I fed the angels from the other side but as soon
as the food was gone they grabbed the shrimp as soon as it was out of
the rock enough. I have had a emperor angel on order from my LFS for
about six months now and we finally found one that was just the right
size and healthy and eating, and some of the most beautiful patterns on
it (it's also just changed.) The new angel is in quarantine and will
remain for at least 4 weeks.
<Glad to hear you say that.
The LFS
will hold bigger angels in a quarantine tank they have, if specially
ordered.
<That is nice of them, but make sure that tank is on its own
water line and that they are not adding new fish to the tank. All of
those issues would make it so your fish was never truly QT'd.>
How do
I get shrimp back in my tank.
<Remove the offending fish.>
As long
as I have had cleaners I never had a problem with ich etc, plus my
angels looked a lot better and would go get cleaned every day. I've used
the gobies but they never even tried to clean. Any ideas?
<Gobies are
very hit and miss. I have not heard of any that live long term either.>
I really like using the shrimp, natural way, but know that as soon as
the new angel goes in there will be stress and I don't want to have a
problem to get out of hand if it pops up. Any suggestions will be
appreciated.
<Make sure the fish is properly QT'd and if you need the
shrimp then the angel has to go.>
Is the 180 enough for the French
and emperor?
<Sure.>
I will be putting the passer in my 100 gal I
have.
<Good Luck, Travis> Cardinal swallows shrimp, Legs
still sticking out. 12-06-05
Hello Crew,
<Hello>
A pajama
cardinal ate our skunk cleaner shrimp last night after it molted. The
shrimp doesn't fit in the cardinal's stomach as legs and antenna are
sticking out of the mouth.
<I must say this is a first.>
My wife
called me with this info at work, so I haven't seen it yet. Will the
fish die, too?
<The fish should be able to evacuate the shrimp on its
own. If it does not do so, or looks to be laboring then you may need to
help it out.>
Anything that can be done to save it? My wife saw the
empty molt, so she's sure it's the actual shrimp that got eaten after it
molted. The shrimp is full grown and almost as long as the cardinal and
I never thought it would try to eat it.
<They will try anything that
will try to eat anything that will fit in their mouth. Travis>
Re: Cardinal swallows shrimp, Legs still sticking out. 12-06-05
Thanks for the reply, but it turns out my panic was unwarranted.
<That is good. Always better to waste worry than to be right for
worrying.>
Over the course of the day, the legs and antennae slowly
disappeared into the fish until they were gone a few hours after my
initial mail... and it grabbed the largest piece of food at dinner time
when I fed the tank.
<Sea pigs.>
I assumed the shrimp was too
large to fit in the cardinal's mouth. It seems I was wrong.
<It does
seem so...>
Pajama cardinals won't be going into my next reef.
I'm looking at threadfins to fill the niche instead, in hopes that they
won't eat my beloved Lysmata shrimps.
<You will greatly enjoy the
thread fins. They can also be kept in schools which is nice. Travis>
Thanks, Ben Dwarf Angel with Rotting Fin Caused by Shrimp?
10/25/05
Hi Everyone,
<Hello Casper>
First of all, thanks
for the great site, I read it everyday and try my best to follow all the
recommendations you all make. First of all I have a Dwarf Flame Angel in
a reef tank. He has always been happy and never seems to have a problem.
Three days ago I added two Lysmata amboinensis "Skunk Cleaner Shrimp"
(?) to the tank.
I was instantly amazed at how the angel reacted and
started interacting with the shrimp. He spent the first couple days
receiving constant cleaning from the pair. Today when I looked at him, I
noticed that one of his side fins was missing about 1/3 of the fin.
The fin does not appear to be diseased as it is very clean looking. The
fish is swimming around like nothing is wrong. He is not scratching,
eating fine, has no other spots or marks, and this is isolated to only
one fin.
Do you think that he is being over cleaned by the shrimp?
Could there be some underlying disease that the shrimp are taking care
of? Do I need to treat the fish with any medications? I gratefully look
forward to any advice
you might have.
<Casper, I would let nature
take its course. Nothing to be alarmed about, fin will grow back. James
(Salty Dog)> Over-Zealous Cleaner Shrimp? 10/25/05
Hi
Everyone.
<Hi there! Scott F. with you tonight!>
First of all,
thanks for the great site, I read it everyday
and try my best to
follow all the recommendations you all make.
<I hope that they have
been useful to you!>
First of all, I have a Dwarf Flame Angel in a
reef tank. He has always been happy and never seems to have a problem.
Three days ago I added two* Lysmata amboinensis "Skunk Cleaner Shrimp"?
*to the tank. I was instantly amazed at how the angel reacted and
started interacting with the shrimp. He spent the first couple days
receiving constant cleaning from the pair.
<Not an unusual behavior.>
Today when I looked at him, I noticed that one of his side fins was
missing about 1/3 of the fin. The fin does not appear to be diseased, as
it is very clean looking.
<The missing fin section could be a result
of the shrimp's activities, or simply unrelated. Hard to be sure.>
The fish is swimming around like nothing is wrong. He is not scratching,
eating fine, has no other spots or marks, and this is isolated to only
one fin. Do you think that he is being over cleaned by the shrimp?
<It is possible that the shrimp are causing some damage with
over-aggressive cleaning behavior.>
Could there be some underlying
disease that the shrimp are taking care of?
<It is possible. However,
I would not discount the possibility of simple damage caused by some
unrelated event.>
Do I need to treat the fish with any medications? I
gratefully look forward to any advice you might have.
Sincerely,
Casper Rankin
<Well, Casper, unless the fish is showing signs of
infection, I'd avoid the use of medication at this juncture. Better to
keep an eye on the fish, and intervene if signs of obvious infection
(i.e.; fungus, etc.) are apparent. Maintain excellent water quality,
provide a complete diet, and continue your observations! Regards, Scott
F.> Killer Pacific Cleaner Shrimp 8/18/05
Hello,
<<Hello Justina>>
Thanks for your all the info at your
site it has been extremely helpful!
So back to the matter at hand, I
have a 40 gallon tank and three weeks ago I
purchased a cleaner
shrimp who has adapted nicely. Regular feedings of
shrimp pellets
and scallop/Cyclop-eeze mix happen weekly. This week I have witnessed
two rather aggressive behaviors and am concerned as I am having
difficulty finding any information related. <<Sorry for your losses.>>
Several nights ago I was cleaning the tank and had moved a feather
duster (worm somewhat exposed); soon enough shrimp was ripping him
apart... Then I purchased a (very) small colony of pumping Xenia - and
within two nights he has killed them. I watched him pick at them
several times and finally tonight I watched him really pick at them and
then my urchin came over and ate their remains. Should the shrimp be
exiled from the tank? I would much rather have coral
than a nasty
shrimp!<<I would remove the shrimp. Shrimp are carnivores and have been
know to eat xenia and other cnidarians. Please research on WWM. Here are
a couple of links to start you off:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/arthropoda/shrimp/cleaner.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/clrshrpcompfaqs.htm>>
Thanks Justina
<<You're welcome. Cheers - Ted>>
Advice Clown, shrimp
compatibility
Hi, Mr. Fenner
<Steven Pro this evening.>
I
have a good deal on a cinnamon clown fish and some peppermint shrimp. I
want to put them in a 50 gallon tank by themselves, do these two get
along and could I add other inverts, fish, and coral later on,
<Yes,
will get along with each other and many other animals. If you give
specifics on what else you want to keep, I can give you a more detailed
recommendation.>
if not please recommend a better fit for me. I want
something that is beautiful but easy to take care of. I only have time
to service the tank on the week end but I can do simple feeding every
day.
Thanks a lot, Ryan Blankenship
<You are welcome. -Steven Pro>
Eels and Shrimp?
Hey guys,
I've read several FAQs and I've
been through the WetWeb moray section several times. I've read something
more then once that I was shocked and I just wanted to clarify without
you all. Now from what I've read, it sounds like smaller eels like
snowflakes will eat any and all inverts (shrimp is what I'm really
concerned about.) But, I've also read that most of the Gymnothorax
(spelling) seem to leave cleaner shrimp alone while they will eat
cleaner wrasses/ neon gobies. I wouldn't get a cleaner wrasse anyway as
per your site. My question is, I am thinking of pursuing a Gymnothorax
permistus (spelling again!). The one that looks similar to a tessellated
but with bigger spots and much smaller in size. I have a cleaner and a
coral banded in my FO tank. Would this eel make quick work of my shrimp
or would he leave them be? Would a smaller eel of this species be more
likely to eat them then a larger one? Thanks ........keep up the great
work. Joe
<what works/is safe in the wild and what happens in
captivity are sometimes two very different things (like yellow tangs
schooling in the wild and generally beating the tar out of each other in
small groups in aquaria). IMO, the cleaner shrimp will probably be
safe... but all bets are off. You really have to be cautious and willing
to take the chance. Kindly, Anthony> Killer Sailfin (& Cleaner
Shrimp f')
Hi Bob, how do I get my Sailfin Tang to stop
attacking, my cleaner shrimp. Got the shrimp today at 12:00 pm, all of
the antennas picked off by 5:00pm.
<Put in more rock, hiding spaces
for the shrimp and/or remove the Tang from its presence otherwise for a
few days. The Sailfin is very likely only trying to "get the shrimps
attention" for cleaning services... and the shrimp "suffering from
jet-lag". It just needs a rest>
Also, I noticed that they get wobbly
after there antennas are gone, (fourth one he has killed). What purpose
do the antennas serve, is it balance by any chance. Thanks for all the
great resources.
<At the base of the antennae there are spatial
orientation sensors... but not the antennae themselves... These will
"regenerate" next molt BTW. Just save it from dying from exhaustion,
being knocked about for now. Bob Fenner>
Cleaner shrimp,
polyps, Heniochus
Hello again,
I recently added a cleaner
shrimp (Lysmata grabhami, I think) to my 75 gal. setup which includes
some yellow polyps and green button polyps. I've seen the shrimp
"sampling" the polyps several times, causing them to close up. Do you
think this causing harm to the polyps?
<The shrimp is probably
bugging them more than anything else, I doubt they are in any danger.>
On a similar note, I'm interested in Heniochus Bannerfish. I've read
that H. diphreutes is reef safe, but H. acuminatus is not. Do you agree?
<yes> Would a pair of H. diphreutes be suitable for a 75 gal. that is
otherwise lightly-loaded?
Thank very much, and thanks for maintaining
such a valuable site. John H.
<Thank you for the kind words, and I
promise, the site is only going to get better. A pair of the H.
diphreutes would be much better suited than the H. acuminatus. You can
find more information on butterflyfishes at the link below. Best
Regards, Gage
http://wetwebmedia.com/BFsBestWrst.htm>
Cleaner Shrimp - Reef Safe?
Hello how are you?
<Pretty darned
good Angelo! Hoping you are as well.>
My question is how reef safe
are Cleaner Shrimp - Lysmata amboinensis?
<A popular reef and fish
tank inhabitant. Quite safe.>
As far as I know, they are not coral
eaters, but they do seem to
>steal food from corals. It makes it hard
for me to spot feed
them because my cleaner shrimp is right there to
grab the food!
<"Spot" feed your shrimp first, then feed corals. A
1/4" hunk of shrimp, krill, clam, mussel, etc. should keep him busy.>
Also it seems to irritate them when it walks on the coral causing them
to retract there polyps. Do they cause stress to
corals?
<Locally,
they retract, but it would need to be continuous, in one place, to have
a big effect. I wouldn't worry. I have two that are stationed on my
Tubipora musica causing some of the polyps to retract on occasion, but
it continues to grow vigorously.>
Am I better off without it? I
originally started my tank
as a FO so the shrimp has been there since
then. Thanks, Angelo
<These shrimp are wonderful little inhabitants.
You can train them to come to the surface for food and they will clean
and hang on your fingers. It is unlikely he is doing anything negative
to your corals but more likely he is keeping things cleaned up. Craig>
Scarlet cleaner shrimp and clown triggerfish together
I am
thinking of getting a saltwater fish tank and buying a scarlet cleaner
shrimp and a clown triggerfish. Do you think I will be able to put them
in the same tank or will the clown triggerfish nip/ kill the shrimp.
Thanks Josh
<Have seen stranger things, but the vast likelihood is
that the trigger will consume the shrimp. Bob Fenner> Re:
Scarlet cleaner shrimp and clown triggerfish together
I just went
to a store and they had very small clown triggerfish about 2-3''. The
Scarlets there were almost bigger without their antennae. do you think
that, that would make a difference?
<Mainly just smaller bites,
longer meal. Please read through our Triggerfish sections (articles and
FAQs files) starting here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/triggers/index.htm
on to
"selection", "compatibility".
Bob Fenner> - Neon Gobies and
Cleaner Shrimp -
Hi!
<Hello to you. JasonC here...>
My
question for right now is - Will a Neon Blue Goby attack a cleaner
shrimp? <Not in my experience.> I was under the assumption that they
would get along (especially in a 38 gallon tank), but a guy at my LFS
said that pretty much any goby or blenny would mess with any kind of
shrimp. <For the most part untrue, but could happen due to territorial
matters. Or perhaps if was a fang blenny, which are worth avoiding
anyway.> That leaves me with a choice to make, if he is correct. <No
worries.> I really would like to have both, but am now confused if they
will co-exist. <Buy them both.> Thank you very much. - Alex Mills
<Cheers, J -- >
- Cleaner Shrimp Compatibility -
Ditto
for a Firefish Goby. Will it get along? <I think so, sure.> Thanks. -
Alex Mills
<Cheers, J -- > Wrasse and Shrimp
I
recently purchased a Pseudocheilinus ocellatus and he is attacking my
two cleaner shrimp. Is this normal?
<Not uncommon>
I expected
cleaner shrimp to have anonymity from all fish.
<Not so>
Did I
make a mistake by feeding him fresh cut up shrimp to start him feeding?
He just bit one of the feelers off of one, and they are both hugging the
side of the tank.
<They should be separated post haste. Bob Fenner>
Cleaner shrimp and Liopropoma
Thanks so much for the quick reply.
Problem is, I have a Liopropoma swalesi in the refugium. Will they fair
any better with him? I'm afraid to put the swalesi in the same tank as
the ocellatus to avoid fighting, although the swalesi never moves more
than a couple of inches from any cave.
<Worth trying... a better
gamble than with the wrasse. Bob Fenner> Shrimp Compatibility
and Ich Control
First off, I want to say that your website has
been an invaluable
resource to me over the past couple of months. I
can't express my
gratitude enough. Anyway, I have a mini reef with a
few corals (bubble
anemone, yellow polyps, mushrooms), some snails,
hermit crabs, a clam,
and two peppermint shrimp. I would like to add
a couple "cleaner"
shrimp that can take care of any ich in the event
that they may present
themselves. I realize the peppermint shrimp
are considered cleaners,
but will they also take care of parasites
(namely ich)? I got them in
the first place to take care of my glass
anemone, which they took care
of readily. So my question is, what
specific cleaner shrimp would be
compatible with my existing ones to
take care of ich (I read about the
coral banded shrimp and its
violent nature towards other shrimp)? Or if
not a cleaner shrimp,
will any other type of animals do the job without
disturbing the reef
or sandbed? Thanks in advance. Sandy.
>>Hi Sandy. The lords and
masters are always pleased to know that they and their minions are
helpful to all who seek knowledge.
>>What you haven't mentioned yet
is the presence of the animals that suffer from ich--fish--that would be
in need of cleaning services. If you have no fish in the system, then
you have no need to be concerned, as the invertebrates don't suit the
protozoan's lifestyle.
>>If you do have fish, then as far as cleaners
go, Lysmata amboinensis and L. grabhami (the Eel or Skunk Cleaner
Shrimp) are the most effective and reliable for these duties. However,
they'll also need to be directly fed (especially in systems with small
fishes only). There should be no compatibility issues between these and
your other shrimps, assuming you have a suitably roomy tank (minimum
40gals).
If possible, please try to find out more specifically which
"Peppermint" shrimp it is you have, as some erroneously labeled as such
have been known to cause problems with cnidarians, zoanthids,
corallimorphs, corals, and anemones. You don't appear to be having a
problem, but it's better to be safe than sorry. (I apologize for the
cliché.)
Marina Puffer + Cleaner shrimp?? (12/16/03)
Hello,
Big fans of the site =)
<Hey, I resemble that remark!
Ananda here...apologies for the delay; I just saw this.>
We are
keeping a 54G swim tank of fish we saw while snorkeling in Tahiti. We
realize that as the fish grow, we will have to remove some of the
inhabitants due to overstocking.
<Good that you know it now...do
consider setting up a "tank fund" at the bank now!>
Filtration: 1)
Fluval 303 powering a reverse flow UG filter;
<Not my first, second,
or even third choice for filtration in a saltwater tank. Do read up on
these in the WetWebMedia pages.>
2) ViaAqua Multi Skimmer (protein
skimmer/UV/power filter).
<This is something I have no experience
with, and I haven't seen it either, so can't comment on... are you
getting dark skimmate, at least 1/4 cup, daily?>
Salinity: 1.018.
Temp: 76. Status: cycled. Live Rock: 1 lg & 2 smaller pieces.
<Initial suggestions: raise the specific gravity to at least 1.020, get
more live rock, ditch the undergravel filter....>
Inhabitants: 3"
porcupine puffer (name: Mr. Puffer/Puff Daddy =); 2" Humu Humu trigger;
2 2" threadfin butterflies; 1 3" Heniochus butterfly; 2" yellow tang;
1.5" brackish spotted puffer;
<How's he doing in this specific
gravity? (If he's stressed -- check the belly barometer for grey/dark
markings -- try putting him in a tank with a lower specific gravity. I
have yet to find any hard data about when in their life cycles the
spotted puffers move into near-marine conditions, like those you have in
your tank.) Do realize that he's probably going to end up chasing those
long fins on some of the other fish.>
1" yellow tail blue damsel;
chocolate chip star; several snails & hermit crabs (for janitorial
services & food supplement).
<Glad you realize the latter. Hmmm.
Start tank-shopping now; I think you're already overstocked.>
Everyone is happy in this tank & has been for about 6 weeks, we feed a
wide variety of frozen Mysis, frozen brine, live ghost shrimp, frozen
ghost shrimp, krill, seaweed, flake & plankton.
<Yummy.>
We are
working on a small ich outbreak. The fish do not appear to be in
distress, but the spots are visible. We have read extensively on this
and have treated mainly by lowering the salinity to 1.012, raising the
temperature to 81 and performing daily small water changes to skim off
parasites from the bottom.
<Ah, good. Drop the salinity a bit more,
to 1.010. Do you have a refractometer?>
We have added Greenex 2
times.
<Eek! That will likely kill all the inverts and the live rock.
And I've read reports of it killing the fish, as well.>
We did some
1/3 salt and 2/3 fresh water dips on fish that had the most spots.
<You really can go with all-fresh-water, as long as you adjust the pH to
what it is in your tank. That's less harmful by far than a brackish dip
that has a different pH from the main tank.>
The 2 worst infected
were removed to a hospital tank for copper treatment, did well & were
returned. We almost have this beaten by now.
<Okay...keep in mind
that the absence of spots does not mean the absence of the parasite from
the tank!>
Would it be safe for the puffer to add a cleaner
shrimp/wrasse for the duration of this outbreak?
<Nope. The cleaner
shrimp would likely get eaten, and the wrasse would likely fare poorly.>
The butterflies lean up against the live ghost shrimp as if waiting to
be cleaned. We are fully aware of the danger to the shrimp, but are
mainly concerned with the puffer (he's one of our best friends =) we
have heard that cleaners might bother the skin of the puffer.
<After
you deal with the ich, use some heavy-duty chemical filtration to get
the gunk from the Greenex out of that tank. I would try a good activated
carbon first, then a Polyfilter. Then you could split the puffers and
trigger off into their own tank and get a couple of cleaner shrimp for
the other tank. (The live rocks you have are likely dead...but could
probably be used in the puffer/trigger tank, where the inverts are going
to be snacks anyhow.)>
Thx!!! You're the best =)
<Thanks so much
for the kind words. --Ananda>
Michael & Patty
AZ How big
is big (Emperor Angel) and cleaner shrimp tankmates 12/12/03
Good Evening-
<same to you! Adam here by the way.>
I have an
adult Imperator Angel, approximately 6-7" long, that I've had for 4
years, having raised it from a juvenile. When I first got it, I had it
in a 125 FOWLR, but after reading Bob's advice, bought a 180 where it
has been for the last 2 1/2 years.
<Congrats on your success with
this fish, and kudos for having the dedication to upgrade it's home!>
The tank has about 125# of LR, with 7 assorted and much smaller
tankmates. While I have no desire to get rid of him/her,
how will I
know if it's outgrown the tank? It does seem very happy and is doing
quite well.
<You have largely answered your own question. After four
years, you know your fish and your success is a clear indication of your
skills. As long as the fish isn't showing signs of stress, I wouldn't
worry too much. As your fish approaches it's full grown size of 15" or
so, you may have to remove some live rock to improve swimming room or
start thinking about larger quarters again, but that should be a while
down the road.>
At some point, will it stop growing and just maintain
it's size based on the tanks size or can I expect it to continue getting
bigger?
<You have fallen for the oldest and greatest fish keeping
myth. Regardless of tank size, fish will continue growing until they
reach their natural full grown size unless water quality, nutrition or
disease enter as limiting factors. You do have some time though as most
fish grow more slowly as they get larger.>
Thanks for the advice. I
couldn't think of how to do a search in
the archives, or I would have
started there.
<always a pleasure.>
Are there some fish that don't
get along with cleaner shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis)? I have had quite a
few disappear over time and have always thought it was the angel,
however during the day it seems to leave them alone if they are out
cruising around. Other possible candidates are maroon clown or hippo
tang?
<Any predatory fish could potentially turn on a cleaner shrimp,
especially if they get a bit too hungry, and all of the fish that you
mentioned could be suspects. If you only had the shrimp for a short
period of time, I would look to poor handling or rough acclimation first
though.>
Andy How many cleaner shrimp - 10/07/03
What is the absolute minimum tank size a skunk cleaner shrimp can be
kept in? <Well, I have seen them in various tanks with as few as 7
gallons (not recommended)>
... and how big do they grow? <Up to 2 1/2
inches in captivity. Here is some information I found from a great many
of sources (try Calfo and Fenner's new book "Reef Invertebrates"):
" The Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp is also known as the Indo-Pacific
White-Banded Cleaner Shrimp, Indo-Pacific White-Striped Cleaner Shrimp,
and Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp. It may also be called the Red Skunk Cleaner
Shrimp because of the very distinct two bright red stripes surrounding
one white stripe running down its back. There are two species usually
referred to as striped cleaner shrimp, the L. amboinensis with white
spots at the end of the tail and, from the Atlantic, the L. grabhami
that has no spots. The L. amboinensis is one of the most popular shrimp
for the home aquarium. Often found in groups, this Cleaner Shrimp
will set up a cleaning station on coral reefs or rubble, waiting for
fish to come and be cleaned. It feeds on ectoparasites or dead tissue
that it picks from the body and oral cavities/gills of these fish (e.g.;
Tangs or Groupers) in the wild or in the aquarium. This also helps to
protect the fish from contracting diseases and infections. Many fish
value its services so highly that they will allow it to clean the inside
of their mouths, and not harm it. Some fish, though, such as Hawkfish,
Lionfish, and some predatory shrimp and crabs may eat the Scarlet Skunk
Cleaner Shrimp. It will not tolerate copper or high levels of nitrates
in the aquarium, but will require correct levels of iodine in the water
to promote proper molting. In the aquarium, the diet can include
freeze dried, frozen, and dry foods. It is recommend no more than 2 per
50 gallons of tank."> Cleaner shrimp antennae and xenia
pom-pom getting eaten 10/19/03
Thank you Anthony,
<always
welcome, my friend>
I will remove the shrimp. Do you think that the
Lysmata shrimp is also responsible for the cleaner shrimp antennae being
eaten?
<no... peppermint and cleaner shrimp are both Lysmata and not
likely to cannibalize each other as such. Your cleaners have lost their
antennae due to incomplete molts (lack of iodine/poor water quality) or
aggression from a fish>
Thanks again for your help! I'll be removing
the shrimp today.
Chris
<best regards, Anthony> Cleaner
shrimp info - 10/07/03
How many skunk cleaner shrimps can I keep
in a 23 gallon tank? And do they require live rock to scavenge off, or
do they just feed of the fish, and/or feed from a special food? What do
they eat, and also how big do they grow, and would they eat an ocellaris
clownfish? <Research my friend It's all here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/arthropoda/shrimp/cleaner.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/arthropoda/shrimp/shrimp.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/arthropoda/shrimp/corlband.htm
Be sure to read the FAQs (blue links at the top for even more
information -Paul> Smart shrimp, dumb fish
Hello WWM
cleaner-shrimp guru :<IanB here>
I have a very active white banded
cleaner shrimp that is aggressively try to clean any of the fish in my
100 gal reefer (4 assorted small, apparently all retarded.) None of them
seem to know what to make of the shrimp and don't allow it to get too
close. <some fish don't like little pesky cleaner shrimp> None have any
visible parasites, but the shrimp's been in there 6 weeks now and the
fish don't seem any more interested in utilizing the shrimp's services.
<some don't like shrimp and some shrimp don't like fish...some dogs like
cats and some don't> I stick my hand in the tank often, and this
shrimp just tackles it, cleaning and pulling and scouring all over my
fingers and forearm. <yes, they tend to do that> This may be the
poor shrimp's only cleaning exercise that it gets, so I feel obligated
to do this. <You can do this if you would like. As long as the little
shrimp eats he should be fine, no worries my friend (its cleaning
services are just a bonus. they don't need to clean to survive. they are
very content with eating leftover food>
Any idea why the fish don't
care? <good luck, IanB>
Thanks, SLC Cleaner Shrimp in
FOWLR (4/20/04)
Thanks Steve, <A pleasure>
Just to let you
know, I took a chance and purchased a cleaner shrimp. The lionfish and
Niger can't get enough of the grooming treatment. My tangs aren't
interested though. <Give them time. Let us know how long the cleaner
lasts. If it has some good spots to hide and provides good service to
the Trigger, it may not be dinner after all.>
Kind Regards, James.
<To you as well.> Malu anemone and cleaner shrimps
<Hi,
MikeD here>
I would like to know if my 2 candy striped cleaner
shrimps could be hurting
the Malu anemone? They are constantly
picking on it and steeling its food
whenever I feed it.<I'm not
familiar with a Malu anemone and almost gave this to someone else when I
remembered some of my own experiences. Some of the long armed spider and
arrow crabs are adept at reaching inside anemones to remove food, almost
using them as a personal larder. I also suspect that if really hungry
they might dine on the gut of the anemone itself, but that's just a
suspicion. With the long arms of the Candy Striped Shrimp there's a
chance they might be guilty of this too, and if so spot feeding them
specifically might help>.
Thank you<You're welcome. I hope this
helped> - Grace Cleaner shrimp
pestering anemone 8/1/04
The cleaner shrimp that I have is
always in and around my anemone. My long tip anemone is doing very well
and is quite large compared to when I first got him. I got him at a very
good dealer. but whenever I feed the anemone or even when I haven't, the
shrimp either takes the anemone's food or is always digging around in
the anemone. I don't know if the shrimp is bothering him- or just
cleaning whatever is around the anemone's mouth. <The shrimp is looking
for food. It has been very well trained that a big chunk of food
arrives in that spot occasionally. If the anemone doesn't seem
bothered, I wouldn't worry, but some shrimps can turn particularly
greedy and damage anemones or corals in their efforts to steal
food. Over all, I would suspect that the shrimp is in more danger than
the anemone... my carpet anemone ate both of my cleaners! It may be
best to give up one or the other.>
I was also going to ask if
bristle worms are a problem in a tank. I get them out when I can and I
haven't seen as many as I used to, but they wont harm the anemone or the
few mushrooms I have in the tank will they? <Most bristle worms are
harmless scavengers. Only the true Caribbean fire worm and a couple of
rare others are harmful to other animals (unless you get a hand full of
bristles that is!). I would leave them in the tank to do their job and
consider them innocent until proven guilty. Best Regards, Adam>
-It Was The Brittle Stars In The Tank With The Dead Fish-
Please
respond at your earliest. Thanks!
Dear WWW Crew,
<Hello J.D. ,
Justin here.>
I have a 'Who Done It?' mystery in need of solving.
<Heehee, I will do my best Sherlock Holmes impression.>
I recently
lost my second Fire Shrimp/Scarlet Cleaner after it molted. Prior to
this loss, I had a smaller Fire Shrimp that disappeared under mysterious
circumstances, but prior to that I had a regular Cleaner Shrimp in this
tank for years with
no problem. So I¹m trying to figure out who most
likely snacked on a couple of $25 shrimps. It¹s a 175 g. FOWLR, which at
this time only contains:
* A Fijian Blue Devil damsel
* A 6-Line
Wrasse
* 4 Blue-green Chromis
* A large (1.5" - 2") Electric Blue
Hermit
* A medium (1") Blue Hermit
* A couple of small (<1")
Halloween Hermits
* A couple of Serpent Stars (Short-spined brittle
stars)
* A bunch of snail-like critters (conch¹s, turbo snails, et
al) that certainly can't be suspects.
Any thoughts? Thanks!!
J.D.
Hill
<Well "Watson" I believe that your culprits are those brittle
stars. If they are greenish, they are notorious for eating fish and
anything else they can get their arms on. I would try to remove them if
you would rather have the shrimp. Otherwise feed them meaty foods to
keep them satisfied and away from your expensive "snack menu".>
<Justin (Jager)> <Editor's note: Ophiarachna incrassata is the
infamous Green Brittle Star, but we can expect other brittles to behave
in the same manner.> Snowflake moray and cleaner
shrimp.
hey,
I was wondering if a snowflake moray would eat
my cleaner
shrimp. Or if he would leave it alone because it is a
cleaner.
best regards
Miles
>>>Hey Miles,
Based on
experience, I'm betting he'll eat it. :) In captivity, you really can
never tell with these things.
Cheers
Jim<<<
Cleaner
shrimp
Is a 29g tank enough to house two cleaner shrimp?...
<Most definitely>
I already have one but thinking about adding
another...or will they eat each other?
<They should not eat each
other. In fact, Cleaner Shrimps are hermaphroditic and pairs commonly
breed in marine aquaria, but the fry are next to impossible to rear.
Check this link for more general information on Cleaner Shrimp:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/arthropoda/shrimp/clnshrpf.htm
Good luck, Mike G> Lysmata are NOT reef aquarium
safe 2/3/05
I was given some nice soft coral frags from some
other salt water
enthusiasts at work (some mushrooms and some
branching corals). The other day, I noted one of the soft corals was
withdrawn and looking rather "leathery" rather than "frilly" (not
exactly technical terms, but I'm guessing you get the idea).
<yes... no worries>
It stayed that way for a couple of days, but
started to return to its normal shape. Today, another friend and I
noticed that my pregnant Lysmata amboinensis was picking away at the
coral that was looking withdrawn. The coral has withdrawn again. This
same shrimp was picking away at algae on my live rock and even looked
like it was eating some of the patches of Cerith snail
eggs that
recently got laid down (I'm pretty sure it was munching, but it was
moving its legs so fast that I couldn't see what it was putting in its
mouth). Is this normal behavior for this shrimp?
<yes... although
often sold for reef aquaria, species of Lysmata are categorically NOT
reef safe. They are not that dreadful either... usually just picking
away. Really only a problem in small tanks and with LPS corals>
Is
"she" having food cravings (protein)?
<heehee... no. Er,
well... sort of. Just indiscriminate>
I've got a single A. ocellaris
and a pair of Lysmata amboinensis in the tank (3 month old tank) and
I've cut back the feeding of spectrum A to every other day (phosphate
and algae issues).
Should remove the shrimp and put her in my QT
tank and generously stock it with pickles and Ben & Jerry's Ice cream?
(Mmmm ice cream)
David
<put it into QT, but send me the pickles
and ice-cream. I'll eat them separately :) Anthony>
Shrimp picking at clam
I placed 6 cleaner shrimp (purchased from
FFexpress) in a reef tank with an assortment of hard and soft corals, 2
clarkii clowns, a coral beauty, a Christmas wrasse, a flame hawk, and a
turquoise clam. A couple of days later I noticed one of the shrimp
picking at the clam, so I moved the shrimp away with a food poker. By
the next day the clam was dead and the shrimp had eaten almost the whole
thing. Is this natural for cleaner shrimp to eat live clams? I don't
remember seeing any warnings to this effect. Clam Lover
<<Dear CL,
sorry to hear of your loss. Yes, some cleaner shrimps will take to
consuming captive clams... especially if they're not offered much else
to eat. What species are these, Lysmata amboinensis? (the most common),
and why so many? For how big a tank? Except for very large systems, one
or two will do functionally... and more are real potential trouble with
other invertebrates.
Bob Fenner>> Compatibility
Hi,
is one Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp compatible with a Banded Coral Shrimp in
a
30 gallon fish-only tank. Thanks
<<Yes, if both are fed, given
adequate cover so that there are no hassles during molting periods. This
being stated, the actuality is that in general the CBS will become
larger, hungry enough and sooner or later consume other shrimp species
in close quarters. Bob Fenner>> Peppermint shrimp
Bob-
I recently purchased a Peppermint Shrimp. Since day 1 it has been
missing in action. The only other inhabitants in the tank are a Percula
Clown, Yellow-Tailed Damsel, and a host of red legged, blue legged and
left handed hermit crabs. The shrimp never comes out when I feed the
tank, which is unlike my old Coral Banded Shrimp which aggressively ate.
Is it in the nature of Peppermint Shrimps to hide or should I assume he
is dead? Thank you, Rob
<<Hmm, they (Lysmata wurdemanni) do
hide almost all the time... better kept in a small number if they'll
fit... I wouldn't give up just yet.... Especially if it is molting...
you won't see much of it for a while. Bob Fenner>> Re: invert
compatibility
The shrimp I'm suspecting is eating the hermits is
Lysmata amboinensis, and there is nothing else in the tank that I
have seen bothering the hermits and nothing that I think really would.
Is this species of shrimp ever been know to eat hermits?
<<Yes,
unfortunately... most don't. Bob Fenner>> 2 Cleaner Shrimp
Can I have 2 Pacific Cleaner Shrimp in a 55 gallon reef? My current
shrimp is busy in my quarantine tank, but I would like to get another so
it can be in my main tank in the meantime. Eventually though, the one in
the quarantine tank will move back into the main tank and I'm wondering
if the two would get along.
<<Almost always yes... two Lysmata
amboinensis should do fine in a fifty five with plenty of live rock.
Bob Fenner>> Peppermint shrimp and Sebae question??? Help :-(
Today I bought a sebae purple tip anemone with two tomato clowns. Can't
wait for the clowns to get in the anemone, but as soon as I put the
sebae in, my two peppermint shrimp, which did a great job eating my
Aiptasia 2 months ago, hopped into it. Does the peppermint have a
relationship with the sebae?
<Not a mutualistic one...>
Are they
eating it?
<Possibly, likely yes>
Do I need to remove them?
<I
would if you can>
Will they keep the clowns from entering the sebae?
<More likely the other way around if the Clowns would begin associating
with the (Heteractis crispa) anemone>... they only naturally occur with
Entacmaea quadricolor... take a look through the references listed on
the Anemone and Clownfish sections on the www.WetWebMedia.com site...
though they may become symbionts with your Sebae... shooing off the
pesky Shrimp.>
Thanks. Need help ASAP. Michael
<Happy netting! Bob
Fenner> My angry little Hawkfish
Hello Mr. Fenner!
<Howdy>
Today, I'm writing about my Cirrhitichthys falco (Dwarf
Hawkfish). He's a
wonderful little tank mate, that is much more
active than others that I've
seen. Unfortunately, he just cost me a
bit of money. My hawkfish is about
1.5 inches in length, max. I put
in a cleaner shrimp that was more than
twice his size (I had read
your site and made sure that I didn't introduce
anything too small,
that the hawkfish would eat). He IMMEDIATELY attacked
the shrimp
until it could get itself into the reef area of my tank (my
mistake,
I should have introduced the shrimp in a more docile fashion,
placing
him immediately into the security of the reef). However, the shrimp
got away and did fine for about a week. He even molted successfully
after 2
days in the tank. I had purchased him with a bicolor
angelfish, and the two
of them sort of "hung out" together, with the
shrimp cleaning the angelfish.
Once the shrimp found his "cleaning
station", other fish started coming up
as well. Surprisingly, the
hawkfish even started coming up to be "cleaned"
(or maybe to "case"
the scene . . .).
<Maybe both... but cirrhitids do use as well as
consume such animals in the wild>
Well, my bicolor angel died about 5
days later, and the hawkfish immediately
started attacking the shrimp
again. He would come along, overturn the
shrimp and attack his belly.
I tried to separate them, but it was too late.
The shrimp died within
a day.
So, my question is, is this normal behavior for a dwarf
hawkfish, even with
shrimps larger than itself?
<Commonly, yes>
Furthermore, are there any decorative crustaceans that I could introduce
to my tank that would be safe with this little angry fish AND would be
safe to my anemones and other fish?
<Crabs, real and
false/Hermits...>
I don't want to introduce any trouble, but I really
enjoyed having that cleaner
shrimp in the tank.
As always, thank
you for your wonderful advice! You've been a great help to
me in my
marine tank endeavors.
<Glad to be here. Bob Fenner>
Deborah H.
Colella Shrimps
I would like to keep cleaner shrimps
will they be eaten by a flame hawk , Thanks Bob, Ron from R.I.
<<Too
likely so...Bob Fenner>> Cleaner shrimp (expensive meals)
Hi Mr. Fenner
I've written to you before, and appreciated your
answers in the past.
Now, I have a new question. I'm having lots of
trouble keeping my shrimps alive. They, at first were being attacked,
and killed off during the night one by one. (if you remember me writing
you about an assassin in my tank about two weeks ago). I finally found
the culprit, who was my royal Dottyback. After I wrote to you, I decided
to try one more shrimp, and this time we actually saw the culprit swoosh
right in, and start attacking.
<Yes, some pseudochromid
species/specimens have unrelenting appetites for shrimps...>
Needless
to say, the little shrimp guy did not make it. So I took the Dottyback
out, and brought him back to the LFS. They even have a big warning on
their tank now, not to sell him to anyone with shrimp in their tank.
Now my problem is mostly with the cleaner shrimps I put in. They don't
last past one day. My water parameters are all good, except I have my
salinity low, it's always around 1.017, or 1.018. on purpose. I
introduce my shrimp the same way as all my other invertebrates, and
fish, yet they go down till they find something to rest on, and there
they stay, alive for a while, but they just don't seem right. They don't
really move at all, and I find them hours later dead, in the
same
place. No sign of attack, or anything. Even watching them I see
that
they just perish.
<You are right on target in stating the case of low
spg... the new shrimp can't make this chasm/gap in one go... you might
try acclimating them to lower salinity/specific gravity over a couple
months time from near seawater conditions in a separate tank... and be
careful from there on to match the spg of new water>
My other types
of shrimp, such as my camel shrimps, survive fine. One other thing, I've
always been buying my cleaner shrimp on the small side, thinking that a
younger one will last longer, and have time to grow. Is this a factor
because I've noticed that you don't recommend buying some types of fish
on the small side. Is it possible that the LFS that I buy my shrimp from
don't get good quality shrimps.
<Possibly, but not usually>
(I
have another store that I can go to, but haven't yet because they are
almost double the cost then at the first store). I know you always say
you get what you pay for as far as the catching, transportation, etc...,
but it seems like this is more with the fish quality then shrimps, or am
I wrong? Is there anything specific that the cleaner shrimps need: water
parameters, water quality that differs from fish in general, or other
types of shrimp, or should I just try one from a different store. I
thank you greatly in advance, Greg N.
<You need to acclimate them
very slowly... like a thousandth of a point per week. Bob Fenner>
Cleaner shrimp & anemones
I just purchased a Scarlet Striped
Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis)
and he has been spending all of
his time around the base of my quadricolor anemone. Will he hurt the
anemone?
<Possibly, but probably not... may be hanging out there for
"protection"... as in the wild>
I figure the anemone may eat him but,
I was wondering if he would harm it. The shrimp is a lot smaller than
the anemone so I don't think he can just eat the
anemone but, can he
pinch the anemone and cause it to die?
<Again, not likely>
Also, I
was wondering if you might have any idea what the 'blob' is that I have
in the same saltwater tank. The 'blob' has been there for like 2 years
and has only grown like 1/4of an inch. The 'blob' I'm referring to is a
group of gravel and shells from the bottom of the aquarium that are like
cemented together. You can kinda see a whitish looking material within
the group of cemented shells but other than that it's just a 'blob' of
cemented gravel and shells that is slowly getting bigger. Thanks for the
help! Ann
<Your blob is likely a type of Sponge... Phylum Porifera...
nothing to worry about. You can see some of these on our site here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/sponges.htm
Bob Fenner> Re: cleaner
shrimp & anemones
Thanks for the quick response. I didn't think
it would hurt it but, I wasn't sure. The Maroon clown who lives in the
anemone doesn't seem to care that the shrimp is hanging out there.
Thanks again! Ann
<Ah, and rest-assured, the Maroon Clown will not
tolerate anyone messing with the anemone... even you! Bob Fenner>
Re: cleaner shrimp & anemones
I know about the little guy's
attitude (Maroon clown) he just loves to charge me and bite me whenever
I put my hand down into the tank. I wasn't too sure how aggressive he
would be towards the shrimp though because the shrimp is only a little
bit smaller than him. He is only like 1 and 1/2 inches long but he is
full of attitude! Thanks again! Ann Cleaner shrimp
Hello
Zo:
Is 100 gal. large enough for a skunk cleaner shrimp and a flame
shrimp?
<Should be. Bob Fenner, who has returned>
Thanks, Ken
Some help with coral banded shrimp
Hello whoever is there today,
I have a fairly large coral banded shrimp in my reef tank which snacks
on any peppermint shrimps I introduce to get rid of Aiptasia. I have
tried in vain to catch him - he scuttles behind the rocks as soon as his
feelers touch my nets. PLEASE can you give me some advice on how to
catch him.
<Bait him/it out with a good sized piece of meaty food (a
cocktail shrimp?) on a fishing line, and when it's out near the front,
net it out>
Aiptasia is becoming a problem now and I suspect that he
is
nipping the tails of my peach Anthias as well.
<Could well
be>
Many thanks for ideas on how to trap him. I want to trade him in
for
something a bit friendlier.
Sharon
<Try the bait route
now... if this doesn't work, there are all-plastic traps you can resort
to. Bob Fenner> Re: help with coral banded shrimp
Hi Bob,
This is one clever shrimp. I have tried baiting him but he has got wise
to me and I have no hope of netting him. The traps that have been
offered to me will kill him (like a mousetrap) - which is not my intent.
What type of trap do you recommend?
<Take a look (on the Net, LFS),
there are "have a heart" type, non-killing traps sold. Bob Fenner>
In desperation
Sharon
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