shrimp compatibility

DMBillies

Active member
I have a coral banded shrimp in a 46 bow and I would love to be able to add a couple of peppermint shrimp. I've heard that CBS can be aggressive and territorial to other shrimp, but I just thought that I'd see if anyone has tried it out and the results they got.

Also, I've never had a pistol shrimp and would like to get a shrimp goby/pistol combo for the tank. Would there be a problem with putting a pistol shrimp in with a CBS.

Finally, I'm pretty sure I've read that there wouldn't be a problem, but I have a skunk cleaner in my 90 and would like to add another. You can keep skunk cleaners in groups, right?
 
Everything I read says they will fight. I would love to add have another in my 24 gallon Nano, but the one I have in there now it aggressive to even the fish. And they are all his size or bigger. I am no expert, but I would say it would be a bad idea.
 
You can keep more than one skunk cleaner with no problems... I have a pair in my 135... As far as the CBS goes, it will kill any other shrimp you put in there unless you get a mated pair of CBS's... And I've read that even if you buy a mated pair, if the tank is too big and the female loses track of the male, and forgets about him, she'll kill him... lol :) Guess he had it coming for running out on her... Anyways, I have a CBS in my 75 that would take on an Arrow Crab twice its size and the crab backed off... That is, untlill she caught him... :( Hope this helps...
 
I have a CBS....he's a bad mother ^*$*)! I personally think he's part of a gang! No shrimp will survive his wrath! I also tried putting emerald crabs in there with him....nope no luck there either. So it's either the CBS or other shrimp and crabs!
:)
 
I have had multiple skunk cleaners together and they buddy up and travel around the tank together. The CBS is different, I have even seen them territorial towards large fish. I think SS put it well as far as their attitude.
 
I've had one CBS before and he wasn't very aggressive toward the fish, but I never tried shrimp. I figured I couldn't get away with the peppermints or cleaners, but I thought maybe I could get away with a pistol because they borrow and don't just "hang out" like most other shrimp (and they have the nifty little pistol claw to scare him away). Hate to find out the hard way though.

Thanks for the input.
 
My CBS is SOOOO mean that I catch him after the lights go out roaming around the tank trying to start fights!!! Next thing I see is it getting a tattoo!!
:lol:
SS
 
i've got a CBS and two peppermints, and i really think the CBS is keeping the pepps from doing their job (eating aiptasia). the pepps have banded together and hang out on the complete opposite side of the tank (which isn't far in a little 29). so far no casualties though
 
I don't know about a pistol and a CBS... The pistol would be somewhat protected by the symbiot, but if the CBS if determined enough (and most are), it could get to it and have a snack.
 
Skunk cleaners are good in multiples. I had a mated pair that would breed regularly. as far as hte cbs, I dont think they would do well with much anything else. except maybe a reef lobster..
 
I've got a Coral Banded and a Peppermint. The Coral Banded will run the Peppermint out of his area but he has never harmed him. I also have a bunch of crabs but so far I guess I have been lucky. It has been 8 months and all is relatively peaceful. But, I guess it is the exception rather than the rule.
 
I gota cbs with a cleaner shrimp a fire & 3 peppermints in my 75 with no problems. I guess mines not that aggressive.
 
I have a CBS in with my mantis. Its the only critter the mantis has not killed. The CBS is one mean little guy.
 
Back
Top