Anemone Shrimp or Sexies?

[exiled_infidel]

Hi

Was debating whether to get some sexy shrimp (thor ambonesis) or anemone shrimp (periclimenes sp) for my nano.

I currently have a small (3.5") green haddoni anemone in my tank and am looking to get another one. Hoping that the sexy or anemone shrimp would host the anemones.

Firstly, has anyone kept anemone shrimp in groups (as opposed to pairs)? I know theyre usually found in pairs but one report i read made it seem like theyre occasionally found in groups.

Next, are sexy shrimp or anemone shrimp more likely to disappear into the rockwork and never be seen again?

I have been reading that sexy shrimp are far more personable and active and visible, but i wanted to get more real life experiences.

Liveaquaria indicates that more than two anemone shrimp can be kept in a tank. Having said that, it does also indicate that the male is larger than the female (incorrect, i think)

Thanks in advance for the input

 

[Javeo]

I have both, a single anemone shrimp and 3 sexy shrimp. To be honest the anemone shrimp is rather boring. Its hardly visible as it is transparant and hardly moves that much. The sexies on the other hand are, as you say, much more active and interesting. Anemone shrimps will hide more where as sexies are pretty confident.

 

[exiled_infidel]

Hi

Thanks Javeo,

Do your sexy shrimp host in anything? Or do they sorta move around all over the tank?

 

[Javeo]

Mostly the stay on a purple gorgonian, they tried living in the GBTA but the clowns wouldn't stand for it.

 

[mark97r6]

I have a group of 9 sexy shrimp hosting in a Rock/Flower Anemone (Epicystis crucifer), they are great to watch... I also have 1 Anemone Shrimp (Periclimenes brevicarpalis) that hosts in a torch euphillia coral. Like Javeo says its rarly seen as its transparant.
You really have to have a keen eye to spot it.

the sexys are great though, definetly reccomend them..

HTH
Mark

 

[iamwhatiam52]

Sexy shrimp are sluts! They'll host anything.
Seriosly, they are GREAT. As others have said, they are easy, active, interesting, get along in groups, no negatives.

 

[exiled_infidel]

Thanks guys!

Looks like i'll be going for the sexies.

Ive heard theyd sorta sleep in anything, but i sorta would prefer if they STAYED in their haddoni (or anything else they choose) cos i have lotsa LPS and wouldnt really want them to sorta just spread out and each do their own thing.

Mark, do your sexies seem to argue or anything (9 is a really nice number), would LOVE to have a good group like yours.

Any pics anyone?

Cheers

 

[mark97r6]

No arguments whatsoever and they are only in a 24g.
they all stay very close to the nem during the day and at night all 'hop on'.

Very interesting to watch.

 

[exiled_infidel]

Hi

Thanks Mark, sounds very good, i hope to get myself a good sized colony soon.

Will update when i get a bunch.

(Does anyone know if they will host my catalaphyllia or other euphyllias instead of an anemone?)

Cheers

 

[Javeo]

As stated above, they will host in most things, but remember that they host for protection and camoflage. When they realise they are not in too much danger they will tend to wander around more, and if you have more than one suitable host they may split up into smaller groups.

 

[exiled_infidel]

Hi

Grr, that was what i was afraid of!!!

Hmm, was thinking of putting a bicolour blenny in, although i dont know if thatd freak them out enough to stay in a tight bunch.

The problem now being the fact that i have lotsa nice fluffy LPS for the sexies to potentially host in, anyone have their sexies generally stay on one host?

Thanks

 

[Mina_40]

Hi, I have a 12 gallon jbj nanocube. I have a pair of sexy shrimp in it and they are all over the place. I love the fact that they don't hide. Always out and about. They hang out mostly on the zoos, but get around to everything. That would be my vote.

 

[Javeo]

I have 2 clowns, 2 shrimp gobies, 1 clown goby, 1 yellow wrasse and 1 leopard wrasse, plus a very large cleaner shrimp which chases the sexies sometimes. But during the day they still go about their business without a care. They are amazingly confident shrimp despite ther diminutive size. You should get 5-10 of them and let them loose.

 

[exiled_infidel]

Awesome!!

That all sounds very good, looking forward to it.

Now waiting for suppliers to come back to me when they get a red haddoni