What shrimp to get??

[isomorphic85]

Currently looking into getting my first invert.

I would like a shrimp that you guy's would consider to be the most beneficial and hardy...

what would suggestions be?

thanks in advance.

 

[CrabMan007]

Hi,
Shrimp are not usually ever hardy, really if you want something hardy get crabs. Popular shrimp like the scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp, peppermint shrimp, and the blood shrimp are all very sensitive to changes in water and some larger shrimp can be aggressive towards small fish and coral. If you do have excellent water conditions you must slowly float the bag in your water and exchange water from your tank to the bag like you are doing a water change, then I would recommend camel shrimp because if they do die they are cheap and they are relatively hardy among shrimp but require lots of hiding places. Hope I was of some help!

 

[CrabMan007]

On second thought if you are looking for your first invert I would really stress crabs as they are very hardy, especially hermit crabs and are very common as well. Crabs also clean up excess food and sometimes algae

 

[cloak]

Cleaner shrimp have tons of personality, but they can become quite the handful in a small tank though. Fire shrimp are nice too, but somewhat reclusive. Both the Camel shrimp and the Peppermint shrimp have been known to eat various corals, so be careful with those. GL.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-05/as/index.php

 

[CrabMan007]

Be careful with cleaner shrimp because they are around 30 bucks a head and can die quite easily unless your system is well established and you acclimate them well but best of luck!

 

[isomorphic85]

Thanks for the input guys!

 

[cloak]

Be careful with cleaner shrimp because they are around 30 bucks a head and can die quite easily unless your system is well established and you acclimate them well but best of luck!

Damn, that's expensive! They usually go for around $12-$15 around here. As long as your parameters are kept within reason I've always found ornamental shrimps to be quite undemanding. I'm not really sure what your definition of "well established" is, but you definitely don't have to wait 6-12 months before adding one goes. Anemones perhaps, but not a little scavenger like a shrimp IME. GL.

 

[MatnNatsReef]

Thanks for the input guys!

I have a pair of cleaner schrimps and they've done well. Very entertaining. I will warn you though when I move something by hand they do try to clean me. It's funny but a bit annoying sometimes. My pistol shrimp is awesome too. Highly recommend a pistol and goby pair.

 

[Coelli]

Sexy shrimp are pretty easy - just make sure you keep them well fed.