Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
- Thread starter GT350pwns
- Start date
Would there be any harm in keeping a second? I've never heard of them fighting, but with it mentioned I might as well make sure there won't be any quarrels lol
Really? I've always seen people keep them in pairs in larger reefs. Personally, mine are always hanging out next to each other and are extremely peaceful. Maybe you're thinking of Fire Shrimp? But then again, I've seen people keep those in pairs pretty often too... *shrug*
In a 36 though, yea I'd keep one simply to keep the bioload down.
MondoBongo
Obligate Feeder Obsessed
I have one in my 75. He gets around quite a bit.
It can be helpful to give them some space, mainly so your fish can get away. They can be a bit overbearing with trying to clean. Certainly not harmful from what I've seen, but annoying for your fish.
It can be helpful to give them some space, mainly so your fish can get away. They can be a bit overbearing with trying to clean. Certainly not harmful from what I've seen, but annoying for your fish.
2. They are socially enforced monogamous hermaphrodites. Doesn't matter how many you start out with you end up with 2.
http://www.livescience.com/16985-cleaner-shrimp-murder-rivals.html
http://www.livescience.com/16985-cleaner-shrimp-murder-rivals.html
Mcgeezer
Reef gardener
Not true at all. I have two and they actually do better in pairs...so long as your tank size is sufficient. They are side by side 24/7
trinidiver
New member
I have 7 peppermints, 3 skunks and 2 fire........and they all get along great in my 200 gal reef. I have seen 12 skunks in a 100gal at my LFS (one of his personal tanks) with no issues. He sometimes has over 20 in his frag tanks. I am just waiting to add 5 more cleaners and 2 fire soon. I had 4 cleaners living in my reef before for close to 16mths till I lost them when my controller went.
trinidiver
New member
why you have them in QT?
I quarantine everything wet that eventually goes into my reef. Fish get 12 weeks. Rock, corals, shrimp, snails, etc. get 10 - 12 weeks.
Why, because some stages of ich can hitch a ride on rock, inverts and frag plugs. I also like to monitor the health of my new critters and it's easier to observe in a small QT and take care of pests there.
Why, because some stages of ich can hitch a ride on rock, inverts and frag plugs. I also like to monitor the health of my new critters and it's easier to observe in a small QT and take care of pests there.
You're display must look awesome. Do you have pics?
Yes. Blood red shrimp, likewise. I made a mistake (8 foot 240 gallon tank) of once adding a third which was immediately killed.
Correct. But fish will not allow cleaning unless they are "in the mood". Some fish will never allow cleaning (such as clownfish).
Well, keep in mind that in addition to "cleaning" fish, they make excellent scavengers. I would not worry about fish being overwhelmed. And by the way, they have no effect on preventing parasites like ich, velvet, or brook.
