Another Thread- Anemone Shrimp

[aromantis]

I was thinking of starting a small shrimp tank. I started looking at anemone shrimp, and I got interested. So, I was wondering if they can host tube anemones. I ask because I love the look of tube anemones, and figure they'll be safe with the other shrimp.

As a side note, what do you think of my list?
Harlequin Pair
Bongo shrimp
Red spot anemone shrimp
Yellow Line anemone shrimp
Venus Anemone Shrimp
Long arm shrimp
White SPot anemone shrimp
Fire shrimp (Pair)
Cleaner Shrimp(Pair)
Peppermint SHrimp(3 or 4)
Sexy Shrimp (3 or 4)
Bumble Bee Shrimp (Pair)
Tozeuma Ghost Pipe Shrimp (2 or 3)

Any suggestions? aka tank size, filtration, compatability problems?

 

[harleychic]

I too love tube anemones. At one point I took a 10 gal. that was a former quarantine tank and put a small tube anemone in it. It did very well for a long time, but ate everything I ever put in with it, several small crabs and shrimps, including a harlequin pair. I fed it often, so I don't know if it was just the small tank size or what, but anything that brushed a tentacle was dinner. Not saying it can't be done, just my experience.

Fwiw, there is swimming crab called a harlequin crab (I forget the scientific name that tube anemones will host. I have been unable to find a source for any online however.

 

[dragonette]

I dont believe anything can/will host a tube anemone. Generally, any movement or irritation to the tentacles of the anemone causes it to shoot back into its tube (like a featherduster). Also, it has a potent sting.

Tube anemones are awesome. I had to sell mine because it got too big, but I wouldnt plan on seeing a symbiotic relationship with that specimen.

Good Luck
Jess

 

[harleychic]

Here is the crab I mentioned

http://www.seadb.univpm.it/en_Harlequin-crab-Lissocarcinus-laevis_631.htm

If anyone can find a source for one, please pm me.

 

[aromantis]

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/june2004/invert.htm
This site states they are mostly filter feeders, and much less dangerous than other comonly kept anemones.

 

[philter4]

I have collected/kept 6 different species of anemone shrimp, and I've kept the local tube anemone. I've never seen a shrimp host in one, either in tanks or the ocean.

Your list is pretty impressive, but IME some anemone shrimp are much more agressive and go after the smaller species, In the ocean they stay away from each other, and in my tanks I've lost sexy shrimp to Periclemes type anemone shrimp so make sure your shrimp are compatible or you have lots of space.