Do pistol shrimp actually clean?

[Caden]

I want a pistol shrimp, and in a smaller sized tank, I probably couldn't mix it with any other shrimp. I understand they hide in burrows durring the day, do they come out at night and clean?

 

[tahoe61]

Shrimp

Shrimp

My Tiger pistol shrimp is paired with a YWG. The shrimp is in a 28 gal with about 1 inch sandbed. The shrimp and goby are out and about the tank most of the time, moving, moving, moving the sand. Once pistol shrimp get used to the tank and are paired with a goby they tend to be out more.

 

[warlock4x4]

I just got a orange spot goby and now looking for a pistol. How do they do with other shrimp?

 

[claire481]

I have a tiger pistol paired with a high-fin goby. I have never observed him cleaning, (and yes, I am known to watch my tank at night). He comes out with the goby at feeding time and pretty much spends most of his time bulldozing sand and snapping at any crab, snail or fish that gets too close to the burrow. They are scavengers, tho so I'm sure he wouldn't pass up the chance to snack on decaying matter in the sand, just don't expect one to do all the janitorial work in your tank.

 

[claire481]

I have a pistol shrimp and a skunk cleaner in a 14 gal tank and they do just fine together.

 

[Spssteven]

I kept my goby and shrimp pair with pepermint shirmp too. The were fine. Pistol shrimp don't really " clean" but are awesome to have paired with a goby

 

[mscarpena]

They will mix up your sand nicely.