Peppermint shrimp and BTA

[eyeguy]

Friday I received a beautful green 2-3" BTA. After acclimation I placed it in my display and it immediately grabbed a rock and opened up. That is, until one of my peppermint shrimp found it and immediately began consuming tentacles. Next morning, I see no sign of the BTA. Is it normal for a peppermint shrimp to consume a BTA? Would I have had more success with a larger specimen? Am I going to be unable to keep a BTA as long as I have peppermints in the tank?

 

[BonsaiNut]

Friday I received a beautful green 2-3" BTA. After acclimation I placed it in my display and it immediately grabbed a rock and opened up. That is, until one of my peppermint shrimp found it and immediately began consuming tentacles. Next morning, I see no sign of the BTA. Is it normal for a peppermint shrimp to consume a BTA? Would I have had more success with a larger specimen? Am I going to be unable to keep a BTA as long as I have peppermints in the tank?

It can happen - particularly with peppermint shrimp. Your chances are better if you introduce shrimp to a tank with anemones, than the reverse. Also, your chances improve if the anemone is hosting clownfish (which should try to chase away the shrimp).

Right now the shrimp probably thinks you are providing it with a live meal

Not all peppermints will eat anemones, but some will.