Compatability Question

[wardworld]

I've been getting different answers from research (printed and on the web) and from my LFS. So I'm looking for some help. I've got a 55 gal w/ a coral-banded shrimp (and other verts). My question is could I put in a cleaner shrimp (one or two) without the cb shrimp harassing them? Or would it be somewhat of a crapshoot as to how they interact? Does anyone have this combo?
Thanks,
Daryl

 

[pmike25]

K heres a story from me, I had a 125 tank back in the day and had a CB shrimp in there 1st, than added 2 cleaner shrimp. They were in there till I sold it about 8 months later and never had a prob, but thats just my experiance!!!


Hope this helps alittle, Im sure others will chime in as well.

 

[wardworld]

Thanks pmike25, that's the kind of "evidence" I'm looking for...some real-world stories.
-Daryl

 

[W Ellis]

I have a coral banded and a cleaner shrimp in my 200. They both went in at the same time and i have no problems at all. They actually hang out in the rocks maybe 6-8 inches from each other all the time. I vote you should be ok.

 

[Steelslinger75]

I currently hace a CB living with 2 skunk cleaners, 1 blood shrimp, and a few pepermint shrimp. Occassionally the CB gets close to them, but the other shrimp move pretty fast. There have been 0 fatalities.

 

[Herman G]

Shrimp

Shrimp

I also am running a 55, my first shrimp was a banded coral shrimp, followed by 2 cinnamon then months later a cleaner shrimp. they all live together just fine. Granted i would not call them best friends (except the cinnamon, they stay together) the CB tends to run them off if they are in his path but he doesnt pursue them any further and the others just get out of his way.
just make sure you have plenty of rock for everyone to have their own little hang out.

 

[wardworld]

Thanks for the feedback...a related question: I've read some crazy stories of cleaner shrimp picking at certain soft corals...I've got some pusling xenia...anyone ever have any psycho cleaner shrimp behavior???
Thanks again,
Daryl

 

[Don Lino]

Yup, they pull the food right out of my sun corals mouths. I have to chase them off and sometimes swing at them with the Turkey baster. They are plain Greedy...but they also jump on my Orange shoulder tang and clean him.

 

[flfirefighter13]

Ive had 2 CB living with a skunk cleaner and a camelback for a little while with no problems at all. Ive even seen the cleaner on the CB's back once or twice. although as with any of these little critters who knows who is going to make who a snack next week, time will tell!