Cleaner shrimp eating my Rock Flower anemone!!!

jtbadco · #1 04-05-2012, 06:05 PM

I found two of my cleaner shrimp chowing down on my nem today!!!

Not sure what I should do. The mouth of the nem is completely ripped open and they are ripping chunks of flesh off it.

Should I get rid of the nem befor it dies? or get rid of the shrimp?

Enigma · #2 04-05-2012, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtbadco

I found two of my cleaner shrimp chowing down on my nem today!!!

Not sure what I should do. The mouth of the nem is completely ripped open and they are ripping chunks of flesh off it.

Should I get rid of the nem befor it dies? or get rid of the shrimp?

My impulse would be to get rid of the shrimp. But then, I am hoping to develop very non-predatory and peaceful tanks.

I suppose you need to decide what has more value to you. Do you have a QT tank you could move the nem into while you decide on your course of action?

LeanneP · #3 04-05-2012, 06:46 PM

Make sure you keep your eyes open for ammonia. If the nem begins to die you will have a huge ammonia spike in your tank. If you have another quarentine tank or know someone who does I would take the nem out until you know it isn't going to die. My nem died and through my tank into a huge cycle that killed all my other corals.

Leanne

jorjef · #4 04-05-2012, 07:08 PM

Crush the shrimp....and any crabs you find along the way...

They're all Jackals

RuGlu6 · #5 04-05-2012, 07:36 PM

If cleaner shrimps are already eating the anemone that may mean that anemone is slowly dying and releasing juices. Start making water changes every 2-3 days. When anemone will detach take it out and smell it, you will know where to put after you smell it, back to the tank or in the toilet.

jtbadco · #6 04-05-2012, 08:42 PM

Well, I have been monitoring the situation. The shrimp seem to be leaving it alone for now. Doesn't seem to be too much damage. If I find them after it again they are going for a FW swim. Jerks

reefwars · #7 04-05-2012, 11:37 PM

a healthy nem should be able to retract if it is being attacked.....shrimp are scavengers and i bet hes out for the free meal from leftover food or anemones expelled waste:P gross actually!!:P

naesco · #8 04-06-2012, 02:24 AM

jorjef ,jtbadco are you guys hobbyists or are you just joking?

jtbadco · #9 04-06-2012, 03:32 AM

I guess I am a hobbyist.
Why?

I was just joking about tossing them in FW. I would sell them...too expensive to toss.

jorjef · #10 04-06-2012, 03:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naesco

jorjef ,jtbadco are you guys hobbyists or are you just joking?

How about you police your tank and I will police mine