Skunk cleaner, is it really useful?

[mastawong]

I have 1 skunk cleaner and 1 fire shrimp in my 29g, now I know that most people have either one of these shrimp in their reef tank, the question is, is it really necessary to have them? I'm thinking of taking out my cleaner shrimps since they are constantly stealing food from my corals, I'd have to get a stick and chase them away every time.

 

[seafansar]

I don't think they are really necessary. Mine don't even clean my fish and they are a pain like you said. If you want something to clean your fish, I'd suggest neon gobies. My gobies love to clean my fish, but they eat flake and frozen food too. I keep my skunks for show. I think they're pretty.

 

[cloak]

I think so.

When my fish ever wants attention they don't shy away. When I see the two of them together, it might just be a hint.

 

[wicked_NaCl_h2o]

My coral beauty angel seems to think the skunk cleaner shrimp are important. They are cleaning my angel daily. If yours aren't doing any fish cleaning then they are absolutely pointless to have. Your fire shrimp bothers your corals? I would try feeding the fire shrimp before feeding your corals. I don't have a fire shrimp but I want one, I just love their bright red color.

 

[mastawong]

I used to feed my shrimps prior to feeding my corals, but they keep stealing food from my corals anyway. I'm thinking of putting them in the refugium so that they can clean up the leftover foods.

 

[2wheeltyson]

what should i feed a skunk cleaner shrimp?

 

[Lunabud74]

I did a bit of rearranging of the corals so that the skunks would let them eat. I make it a point to feed them first so, they pretty much leave my open brain and sun coral alone. I have never had a problem with the fire shrimp leaving his cleaning post. Then again, I do feed enough food that no one really needs to wander too far to grab a bite to eat.

one thing I have noticed is that some fish will go to the skunks, some prefer the fire and yet a few prefer to chase down the 6 line wrasse for a cleaning. They all ignore the peppermints. I would love to know what they are thinking...lol

 

[Lunabud74]

potter being cleaned by a skunk cleaner

potter being cleaned by a skunk cleaner

Here is a pic of my potter angel being cleaned by a skunk shrimp.

 

[discocarp]

They're pretty and personable, but imo, totally ornamental. If you like em keep em, otherwise skip em.

I wouldn't put them in the refugium. They will decimate the pods.