Can Cleaner shrimp live with Coral Bandit Shrimp

[reef rico]

Can my 2 coral bandit shrimps live in harmony with a cleaner shrimp?

 

[k9fishkeeper]

banded

 

[SuperNerd]

depends on size of tank. it's usually the case with a lot of things in this hobby.

 

[Wrench]

In my 45g reef I had one of each and they were fine. I just added a pair of Cleaners to my 120 that has a pair of CBS and the cleaners only lasted 2 days.

 

[Reefynewby]

As with most marine livestock, it depends largely on individuals, and size of tank. If the shrimp are introduced to opposite sides of tank, and behave like mine (they stay nearest where they were introduced, and originally fought amongst THEMSELVES), they won't have a problem. A cleaner and a coral banded can safely co-exist in probably anything above 30-40 gallons, but i wouldn't risk it below that. The CBS has the large front claws, which most cleaner shrimp know to avoid, plus the enormously long antennae. Cleaner shrimp are also faster, and unless improperly acclimated, should be able to escape the grasp of any CBS they encounter. Overall, as long as you aren't in a nano etc. cleaners shrimp should be fine with CBS.

PS: occasionally, CBS can be fast, and cleaners slow, and since CBS can be territorial, this can cause a problem, especially in small tanks, seeing as shrimp wander out in search of food @ night.

 

[reef rico]

So u saying if i add the cleaner to my 130L wid my 2 coral banded shrimps the risk is over 50%?

 

[Reefynewby]

im sry if i made it unclear , but my intention was to state the the risk is like 10%-. thats just my opinion

 

[reef rico]

k thanks.

 

[Phxkeller]

My CBS chased the Cleaner around till it was lunch time ..

So I would not add a cleaner unless you just want to give the CBS a pricey gourmet meal.

Lobster is another pricey meal, but I don't think the CBS would want lobster for dinner since I think a lobster would win that meal Just my experience with them...

 

[Reefynewby]

PHXKeller, did you make sure to consider tank size and shrimp size? cleaners that are reasonably larger than a CBS will scare him off. And even then, cleaners should be faster, and it's doubtful that CBS can get a good cleaner... There must be some other factor. I always quarantine my cleaners after introduction. A good idea is to get a guppy breeder and put him in there. Get one of those clear ones that have slats on the side and two floats. Fill the floats with sand, and turn the breeder upside down. (remove the egg seperator first of course.) Then put the cleaner inside and leave him for a day. He will then be a-ok to wage war w/ your CBS.

 

[reef rico]

If i was 2 get 2 cleaner shrimp would there be a even higher chance of survival rate?

 

[ScubaDiver93]

I have one cleaner shrimp (second coming sunday) and a cbs and they are completely friendly with each other. They hang in different parts of my 180g and are great together...

 

[reef rico]

Can cleaners defend themselves any other way other than running?

 

[650-IS350]

Per Ron Shimek... These shrimp TEND to be VERY AGRESSIVE towards other shirmp, may attack and end up killing them.

For my experience I've had them before and will NEVER own these uber aggressive shrimp... only next to mantis shrimps... They may stay in their own side but any small fish especially other shrimp/inverts that go in his territory would be attacked or killed. My previous ones killed peppermints, camels, blood red and skunk cleaner shrimps... they also attacked smaller fish...

I've even traded the bigger CBS's for tiny ones which eventually did the same as the previous ones as they get larger or get more used to the tank.

 

[reef rico]

Would it be cruel if i do by the cleaners and put my coral bandits in my sump in the refugium area or live rock area?

 

[ivgonmad]

I have one of each on a 90g, they are about equal size, the coral banded lunges for the cleaner but the cleaner always gets away

in a smaller tank I think my cleaner could become lunch or would simply live harassed for the rest of his life trying to get away from the CB

 

[Reefynewby]

the CBS are natural predators, and will often attack the cleaners, but many are more passive, and as i said earlier, are usually slower. CBS are safe with me, and if you have a decent size tank (4feet +), then you should be perfectly fine with a CBS and a few cleaners. If you keep your CBS well fed, thru target feeding etc., he should be even less agressive towards cleaner shrimp.

 

[reef rico]

But do you reckon CBS are better shrimp overall looks and etc or cleaners from their looks and services?

 

[Reefynewby]

cleaners all the way man.!!!

 

[reef rico]

lol i will probably sell the CBS to my cuz but do u no if a snow flake eel will hammer the CBS because my cuz will buy it if his snow flake doesnt harm the CBS? His also scared about his longnose hawk fish.