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12-02-2007 04:20 AM
My Shrimp
I find shrimp colorful and interesting additions to tank. As I am probably way past max # of fish in tank. Shrimp are about the only thing I can add without dramatically increasing bioload. I don't like crabs after having some bad experiences with them in past. Won't be any kind in my tank. They are great fish and tank cleaners. Eating parasites off fish and cleaning up excess food in tank. They are hardy, get along well together, and are fairly "reef safe." (if there is such a thing??? - 
)As of now, the following shrimp inhabit my tanks. Main: (1) Skunk Cleaner Shrimp (1) Coral Banded Shrimp (2) Blood/Fire Shrimp (2) Harlequin Shrimp (4) Peppermint Shrimp (?) Pistol Shrimp Nano: (1) Blood/Fire Shrimp (1) Coral Banded Shrimp
The Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
Lysmata amboinensis  Pretty cool shrimp. Least shy of different ones. Will set itself up in top of rock to act as a "cleaning station" for fish to stop by at to have any parasites eaten off. Often seen swimming around tank upside down (?).
Blood Shrimp
Lysmata debelius
 Very shy but beautiful shrimp. Stays hidden under rock ledges most of the time. Only come out at feeding time. If 4/5 in tank, they apparently will stay out in open more. (re. Tangster) This shrimp is well-known for its deep red color, so the name "Blood Shrimp" is quite appropriate. The white antennae and a few spots here and there make them look even better. (aka "Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp). Will clean, as I have observed in nano.
Banded Coral Shrimp
Stenopus hispidus
 Another great looking, but shy shrimp. Come out usually only at feeding time. Banded Coral Shrimp can also be found in mated pairs, and occasionally you may find such a pair for sale together. In this case, the two were collected together and shipped together, etc. and will stay together peacefully in your aquarium. However, it is practically impossible to buy two of these shrimp separately and get them to pair up in a tank. They don’t like each other at all, and certainly can’t be kept in groups. The bigger one(s) will kill the smaller one(s) until there is only one left, unless you have a really large tank that allows them to avoid each other. They often won't get along with other types of shrimps either, but they typically don’t bother other invertebrates. So, if you want one (or a pair), it will be fine in a reef tank. The only thing to watch out for is a hungry shrimp that might climb up on a coral and steal its food. Make sure the shrimp eats before giving meaty foods to corals.
The Harlequin Shrimp
Hymenocera picta
(Rip - Dec 2007)
 Most beautiful, oddest looking and interesting shrimp in tank. Rather shy, but become bold and come out in open when looking for food. Which is only starfish. I feed mine either Chocolate Chip or Sand Sifting Stars. Which they can consume a large one in two weeks or less. Usually come in mated pairs, with the male being much more active then the female. They work together when capturing a starfish, then drag it back to their lair.
Lysmata wurdemanni
 Added 4 to 125 gal. 5 Dec 2007. Don't know much about yet. Supposedly eat aptasia (which I have none TG!) - And like to hang out in groups...
CamelBack Shrimp Rhynchocienetes uritai
Got two of these at LFS as were
pretty cheap and pretty...however
Snowflake eel grabbed one immediatly
upon putting in tank. Now have
not seen other for a while.
Probably a good thing as
it is
not considered to be reef safe,
because it has a tendency to pick at
colonial anemones, disc anemones,
mushrooms, soft leather and other
various types of polyped corals. |
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04-07-2008 12:50 PM
Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
(Lysmata amboinensis)
A natural way to control
saltwater ich in aquariums, this
and
other similar Lysmata
species spend their time
cleaning parasites off of fish,
thus the name "Cleaner" Shrimp.
   Much fun to watch. Least shy in tank. Every tank needs at least one. Great Shrimp!
References: The Skunk Cleaner Shrimp: Lysmata amboinensis
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Found several crawling around on
filter sock when doing Sun
morning water change and
maintenance...one about an inch
long. Were a few smaller ones.
First time I ever noticed in my tank...   Discovering new stuff in tank never ends...one of the things that makes this hobby such a fascinating enterprise. 
Isopod, the nasty kind.
Thats the kind that attacks
fish. Thats also a baby one,
the adults can get over 2
feet.
_________ "Zoanthid, Notice that this word contains only a single "o." A zoo is a place where animals are kept on display, whereas zo-(rhymes with toe) is a prefix meaning "animal." This is a simple point, but I can't overstate how it grates on the ears of folks who know better. My advice in any endeavor would be to know the correct pronunciations of its words; otherwise we seem less-informed than we truly are." Renaming Our Corals 
Quote:
2 feet!!!! - can just imagine
finding one that big crawling
around on living room floor one
morning... Found in sump...never have seen in main tank. Probably there also, but hopefully enough "pod eaters" to keep to minimum. Again, thank God for wrasses...they really do take care of so many of those nuisance nasties...
"chiton"
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10-17-2007 12:48
PM
Coral Banded
Shrimp Regrows Leg/Claw
Just last week was fretting about new Coral Banding Shrimp losing leg on way home from LFS CB Shrimp Loses Leg/Claw Was reassured my many here that it would grow back all right. --- But seems like he grew a new one overnight!
Thought it might take a couple of molts and quite some time to do, but two days ago there was none there, today there is. A bit smaller then other, but he does not look so lopsided now.
Before (two days
ago - 16 Oct 2007)
 
Today! (18 Oct
2007)
 
Incredible.
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10-17-2007 12:45 PM
Bicolor Blenny
(Ecsenius bicolor)
 A fun, almost "DR. Seuss" looking fish, that are intelligent, entertaining and active. As they seem only to be able to swim a short distance, it looks as if they are hopping rather then swimming. Mine stays perched in a little cavern at the very top of LR formation, watching everything going on below. Will jump out dart around for a bit the return to cave quickly turning himself around to go in tail first. Has several "favorite" holes around tank to hole up in periodically, but his home at top of tank is where he can be mostly seen. It will only chase of other fish if they come to close and not do them any harm. Its best to keep just one blenny at a time as they will fight over territories untill one is gone. May be jumpers. Eats anything rest of fish are getting. Scientific Name: Ecsenius bicolor Alt Scientific Name: Salarias bicolor Common Name: Bicolor Blenny Alt Common Name: Two-colored Blenny Group: Blennies (Blenny Fishes) Family: Blenniidae Distribution: Indo Pacific Region: Central Indian Ocean to the western Pacific. Central Western Australian coast, to northern New South Wales.  Adult Size: 4.5 inches (11.4cm) Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons Cost: $15-$20 +/- Temperament: Generally peaceful but may become territorial. (Bold) Care Difficulty: 3/10 (easy) Temperature Range: 74°F - 82°F pH Range: 8.1 - 8.4 Salinity Range (specific gravity): 1.02 - 1.025 Diet Information: Omnivorous - a voracious eater that will eat a variety of foods including algae, flakes, pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, and frozen brine shimp. While the bicolor blenny will happily eat meaty foods, it must have some vegetable matter in its diet. If there is not enough algae in the tank, dried algae or seaweed should be added to ensure health. Additional Information : The bicolor blenny is one of the more personable saltwater aquarium fish available. With their unique mannerisms and a toad-like face, they often capture the interest of their owners and visitors alike. This is typically a hardy species and does well in an established aquarium with algae growth.The bicolor blenny is an active digger and will move sand, shells and small rocks to fit its needs. Rockwork should be well supported to ensure that rocks do not tumble down as a result of the blenny digging in and around its cave. While most individuals seem to be reef safe, some have been known to nip at corals or clams. A well fed blenny is less likely to disturb other inhabitants. Tank Mate Compatibility : A good community fish, but may become territorial with other similarly colored fish and gobies/blennies of any color. Breeding Information: Not recorded in captivity. Determining Sex: No reliable way to determine visually. Primary Area in Tank: Middle to bottom - will find a cave like structure and stay there. Acclimation Time: 3+ hours Coral Safe: Yes Invertebrate Safe: Yes Full Description: Taxonomy:  Additional Facts: The Bicolor Blenny has an elongated body with the anterior colored in dark purple and the posterior in yellow to orange. They have long straight cirri. These little fish have tons of personality and love to find a favorite spot in the aquarium to call home. They will often use rock crevices, caves, and empty barnacles to hide their body and allow their head to poke out to keep an eye on what's going on. They love to graze on algae throughout the aquarium and will often experience "pale patches" on their face and body when lights are first turned on. The Bicolor Blenny should not be mixed with other Blennies in small tanks. They are great for reef tanks and will accept most fish foods. The Blenny Family is commonly confused with the Goby family. The Blennies are distinguished by their single continuous dorsal fin and habit of resting on the bottom with their body curved. These fish will usually have tiny appendages on the top of their heads called "cirri". Some Blennies inhabit tidal pools where the water is warm and shallow. They have incredible jumping ability and are known to jump from pool to pool, which lends to the other name they are known as: "Rock Skipper". Other Blennies are found hiding in crevices and caves at coral reefs. These fish have blunt heads and their teeth are combed, giving them the ability to scrape algae -- their primary food source -- from rock surfaces.   |
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08-08-2007 08:32 AM
Harlequin Shrimp
(Hymenocera picta or Hymenocera
elegans)
 Added pair of "Harly's" back in June 2007. They are beautiful and impressive creatures. Unlike the many plain brown/grey variety's often seen in LFS's, mine are from Hawaii and have the most vivid colors.  They are quite shy and reclusive, and rarely seen unless out on a hunt for their favorite (and only) food, starfish. To see them on a regular basis, I initially tied a starfish to a rock using fishing line in front of their lair. They still managed to get the starfish loose and haul back into the cave they live in. They seem to be primarily nocturnal creatures and stay well hidden during the day. Other Common Names: Clown Shrimp, Painted Shrimp, and Dancing Shrimp. Hawaiian Name: None Scientific Name: Hymenocera picta or Hymenocera elegans --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Identification
This truly is one of the most stunning and beautiful Shrimps to be found in tropical waters. The body is of a pinksih-white or white color, splashed with large purple-edged pink spots, and sometimes reddish or light orangish toned looking spots. The claws are tapered and striped with purple bands as well. The eyes are on stalks, and the antennae are of a leaf shape because they are flattened. This shrimp remains very small, only reaching an average length of one for specimens in the Indian Ocean region, and up to almost two inches from Pacific regions. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Characteristics
This is a very shy, mild tempered shrimp, as well as delicate and sensitive. It prefers hard rocky or coral substrates, rich with lots of hiding places. During daylight hours it keeps hidden and only goes out to feed at twilight hours, or complete darkness. It is almost always found in pairs with the female being the larger of the two. To help with proper molting of this shrimp, supplemental iodine should be added to the system. Like with all invertebrates, this shrimp is sensitive to copper sulfate and high nitrate levels. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diet
The Harlequin Shrimp's diet consists solely of the tube feet of Echinoderms in the Starfish Family. In Hawaiian waters we know that when you find a Harlequin Shrimp, the small Linkia species of Comet or Blood Spotted Starfish will usually be close by. This is its primary food source, but in some rare cases the Harlequin may accept other aquarium foods. Unless you have a good supply of starfishes for this shrimp to live on, and they are not particular of what kind, it does not do well in captivity. Don't keep any prized starfishes in the same tank with it. Harlequin Attack I
Harlequin vs. Shifting Sand Star
Harlequin Attack! II
Harlequin having trouble with
CC starfish until help arrives
Collected Web Photos of
Harlequins
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08-22-2007 07:03
AM
Fish Buddies
My yellow tang and flame wrasse have developed a great friendship and bonding between each other. They follow each other about tank. "Hang out" together under large toadstool. And frequently bump and rub up against each other when out wandering about. (no the tang does not try to swipe the flame). Is quite an interesting relationship. Both have generally very peaceful and docile dispositions, and up to now have been mostly solitary fish. Always come to front of tank together when any activity in outer room, esp when they know it is feeding time...the flame is always "showing off/flashing" his colors when he is in company of tang. (I think to show he likes him)... Have no idea what attracts them to each other. Very different in shape and body color. I guess fish can make friends with those of another color, just like people can.
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