Coral Banded Shrimp/Compatibility   7/25/06
I had a quick question for you regarding my Coral Banded Shrimp.  I purchased a cleaner pack from Live Aquaria today and now realize it could be a problem because of the CBS.  It includes Scarlet Hermits and Dwarf Zebra Hermits.  Do you think that I should remove the CBS?
<The shrimp should be fine.  Also, do not believe Live Aquaria would provide a cleaner pack with incompatible animals.>
Thank you so much for the advice.
<You're welcome.  James (Salty Dog)>

Re: Coral Banded Shrimp ID  7/15/06
Thanks for the information guys.
<<Did it help?>>
I had read the links you gave, but was not able to determine which based on what was there.
<<Guess not <grin> >>
I finally did end up just trying to look up a listing with picture for all of the Stenopus species.  Luckily there are not too many.  I finally found a page on reefcorner.org that listed species and a brief description.  While this main page is in another country, it did give me a scientific name that I could search with, and found a picture of on another site.  It looks almost exactly like the Stenopus cyanoscelis shown.
<<"Almost"...but?>>
Now I just need to find some more detailed information regarding this subspecies.  I would guess based on how hard it was to find any information specific to this shrimp that he is fairly rare or just not brought into the hobby.  I did find that there must be similar species if not the same that occurs in Australia because of re)description regarding the Stenopus cyanoscelis and a new Stenopus chrysexanthus.  If you know where I can find more specific information regarding these, please let me know.
<<I just did some looking around and based on your earlier description, what you have might be Stenopus scutellatus.  Take a look here and see what you think: http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=685 >>
Thank you in advance.
Chuck Davis
<<Regards, Eric Russell>>

Re: Coral Banded Shrimp ID, Help!  Stenopus cyanoscelis  7/15/06
Bob, I'm struggling to provide/find any real info (in English, anyway) to help this guy out.  Can you CC Helmut Debelius re to see if he can/would help?  Eric
<Will cc Helmut... but this is a valid species: http://www.google.com/search?q=stenopus+cyanoscelis>
Coral Banded Shrimp ID III - 07/16/06
Eric,
<<Chuck>>
I looked at the picture you had on Live Aquaria.   I had looked at it previously, but in the description, it very specifically says it has yellow
legs.  The reason I stated before that it "almost" looked like the ones I have, was due to the fact, you are trying to compare a picture to an
individual, and because the one I have is very small also.
<<Indeed...and obviously, you are in a better position to make the call>>
I have included a link to the picture I found of it http://www.meerwasser lexikon.de/de/55/839/Stenopus/cyanoscelis.htm and also of the one that
refers to them as the blue leg boxer shrimp http://www.reefcorner.org/species/family.asp?FAMILY_ID=159
<<Mmm, yes...quite similar but for the "legs".  Too bad none of these sites offer "multiple language" translations>>
Thank you in advance,
Chuck Davis
<<Doesn't look like I'm helping you much here Chuck, you obviously have searched out well what little info there seems to be.  I'll ask Bob if maybe
he can CC Helmut Debelius and see if we can get some information re this species (Stenopus cyanoscelis).  EricR>>
<There are a few other similar-appearing Stenopid species... Bob Fenner>

Coral Banded Shrimp...Molting  6/5/06
I have a coral banded shrimp and he lost a claw. Will the claw regenerate?
<Yes,  after the next molt or two.  James (Salty Dog)>                                           
Thanks
<You're welcome.>
Monty

Stenopus hispidus eating tank mates!?   3/16/06
Good morning crew,
<Andrea>
I have a query about an interesting claim someone has made about a Stenopus hispidus, but first some back ground info:
I used to look after this tank since it was built in 2002, 10 weeks ago I left the establishment and therefore the tank and a new aquarist has been brought in to tender its needs.  I must stress that this e-mail is in no way meant as a derogatory slur on the new aquarist, nor am I wishing to portray that the aquarists skills are not up for the job.  I feel that this is merely an unfortunate circumstance, one that is obviously very stressful on the new aquarist who has taken over a seemingly stable aquarium.
Tank age: 4 years
Tank size: 250g including miracle mud sump
Ammonia: 0 ppm
Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: 0.5> ppm
Phosphate 0.1 ppm
pH 7.9 - 8.4
Temp 26 C
Salinity 33ppm
Inhabitants include:
1 x blue banded cleaner shrimp (the man in question) 3 x blood shrimps, 3 x white banded cleaner shrimps, 9 x peppermint shrimps 1 x sea apple (4 years old) 1 x sea cucumber (2 years old) 1 x red Caribbean brittle star (4 years old) 4 x common Anthias, 1 Caribbean blue tang
Several SPS colonies, some large some tiny frags, several soft coral species and several button polyp species, and Discosoma sp.
The problem appears that all the fish have died rather suddenly (sea apple and cucumber alive and accounted for) and this is a result of the S. hispidus catching and eating the fish?
<Mmm, not in a short period of time, no>
I have had a good look around on the web and gone through my numerous books and have found no claims of this happening.
<Mmm, CBS will consume most anything, including fishes (generally during the night while resting/sleeping on the bottom)... if very hungry>
I do not believe that the aquarist witnessed the act in question, and can only presume that the aquarist has seen the shrimp merrily
chomping away on the already dead remains of the once lively fish cohabiters.
<This is much more likely>
A few more fish were then added to the tank, (a mandarin and some kind of wrasse?) but met their ends rather quickly.
<Something else at play here. Could be poisoning from the cucumber... you could "test" this hypothesis by moving some of the water into another tank, place some test fish...>
During this time the corals have gone down hill, as far as I know non have yet released their zooxanthellae and non have bleached.  There is also a nasty covering of Cyanobacteria on the upper layers of the tank decor and corals.  I have also been informed that 'something happened' to the filtration, and the pump had to be replaced?
<... the pump?>
Water tests are now being done on the hour ever hour.  I think that the problems are due to technical difficulties or maintenance issues regarding the filtration system, that were not picked up on soon enough, or happened very suddenly over night.
<Something is definitely off...>
Poorly oxygenated water and lack of sufficient flow would explain the Cyanobacteria, and the corals closing up.  If the
water wasn’t running through the filtration properly then sudden nutrient spikes and the lack of oxygen would also explain sudden fish die off.  But why are all the shrimps alive and could the s. hispidus really be the fish killer?
<I doubt it here>
Any out look on this would be gratefully received.
Best wishes
Andrea
<"Woman of the Sea"... a fitting name. Bob Fenner>

CBS beh.   2/14/06
Hi
Sorry to bother you guys again but I have run into another problem. I have a coral banded shrimp, medium size, and this morning he has not been able to move around. It was struggling to get to the other side of the tank and at one point was actually being thrown around by the current.
<Not good>
He appears very weak, will not respond or run when I tap on the glass (he usually does) and has not been eating lately( for the past few weeks.) I offer him flakes and refuses and he will go after formula 1 frozen food but my ravenous fish eat it all  before he can get any. Is he molting? is he sick or hungry? any advice will be appreciated!
<... please see WWM re Stenopus Systems, Health... likely your water chemistry is off, or has changed too abruptly recently. Bob Fenner>

Re: CBS beh. Poor English, not reading  - 2/15/2006
I tested and all water params were good; amm= 0 nitrates were 5 and nitrites were0. The calcium was a little low,
<...?>
and all other inverts, including the soft coral was good. Ph was at 8.2 and sg at 1.022.
<... too low...>
Do you guys think it could have been from lack of food- he hasn't eaten in weeks- and he died this morning. But before he died he started loosing limbs- like one of his arms and antennas we on the floor of the tank. Fish and snails are fine. Any other theories?
<Yes... that you didn't read where you were directed>
thanks
P.S. Is it normal for coral polyps to not fully open during their first week in a new tank ? some members of a brand new colony I got are not opened at all. Most are, but about 4 out of  an estimated 30 are closed for the past fer days. All other inverts are ok. Thanks
<Don't write... read. Bob Fenner>

Coral Banded Shrimp Attacked My Anemone - 01/23/06
Greetings from cold, wet Indiana  (dreaming of our upcoming fall trip to Kauai)
<<Hello from slightly sloppy South Carolina  (I too am musing about a fall trip, but back to the Big Island)>>
I can't believe I have had my aquarium up and running for two years now and it is still alive and I haven't thrown it out the window (although there have been moments....)
<<?!>>
I am determined, if not lucky.  It has become a very interesting bio-diverse almost self-sustaining ecosystem.
<<Ah, well...that's good.>>
Most recently I have obtained a mated pair of Coral Banded Shrimp and they have taken up residence in a rock "cave".
<<neat>>
I have a beautiful Condylactis that is situated near enough to the opening of the cave that its tentacles float and wave at the opening.   Much to my dismay the male CBS seems intent on sparring with the Condy and actually pinched off part of a tentacle (the stinging portion) and ate it.
<<Hmm well, I do consider Stenopus hispidus to be one of the lesser reef-safe shrimp.>>   
The shrimp have plenty of food to eat so I don't think it's because he's hungry.   What kind of damage will this do to the Condy...can they sustain that sort of injury?
<<If the predation doesn't continue the anemone should recover just fine.>>
Isn't it poisonous or noxious to inverts?
<<Not all, everything has something that can/will eat it...anemones are no exception.>>
I've had the Condy eat inverts but not the other way around.  I've had the Condy for two years now and he has been very happy.  Don't want to lose him.  Haven't seen the shrimp pick on him lately but then I'm not watching 24/7.
<<Tis possible it was/will be an isolated incident, but like crabs, many shrimp are opportunistic omnivores and will grab a meal where they can.>>
Thanks for your help.
<<Not sure this was helpful...>>
Still dreaming of snorkeling in Kauai.....Janie
<<Some wondrous underwater sites indeed!  Regards, EricR>>

Coral Banded Shrimp Attacked My Anemone II - 02/08/06
Hello!
<<Hey there Janie!>>
Just had to follow up on the CBS.  He still pokes at the Condy from time to time but nothing vicious.
<<Excellent!>>
But....I  am so excited....I came home from work tonight and shined the flashlight in the tank just to make my bedtime check.
<<Something we all should do periodically...many more wonders to discover once the lights go out.>>
The shrimp were out and about as usual but I noticed the female doing an odd dance.  Upon further inspection she was raking her legs across her belly and expelling thousands of tiny little shrimp babies.
<<Neat!>>
It was amazing!  This is soooo cool!  How often do they do this?
<<Hmm, not sure...I would guess some 4-6 times a year maybe...the female carries the youngsters for a bit after hatching.  Do have a peek here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/arthropoda/shrimp/corlband.htm >>
I knew she was carrying eggs but I never expected to actually see them hatch.
<<Happens quite often really, though few actually witness the event as you did.  And I'm sure you're aware, the young shrimp are/will be 'relished' by most everything in the tank.>>
Well, just had to share.  There's never a dull moment in my aquarium.
<<Thank you for your input, EricR>>

Killer CBS  11/15/05
Hello. I have a rather unfortunate episode to report. After doing tons of research, I thought that the best fish to add to my 25g reef would be a pair of yellow clown gobies. All I had in there for livestock was a coral banded shrimp and a pair of clowns. I think you can probably guess the shrimp's reaction to the new additions. Within an hour he had caught and killed one of the tiny gobies.
<Yes...>
I am taking the other one back to the LFS today. Live and learn, I guess. I've heard that CBS are sometimes killers and sometimes completely peaceful. Mine just so happens to be massive, and I guess when he's just a bloodthirsty predator.
<Mmm, more likely just an opportunistic hungry one>
So to the question now, will this shrimp eat ANY fish smaller than him that he can catch?
<Yes... and not necessarily smaller>
For example, neon gobies? How about a yellow fin fairy wrasse (Cirrhilabrus flavidorsalis)?
<... this tank is full up fish-wise with just the two clowns...>
Hopefully I can compile a system including this amazing (but dangerous) shrimp. Any suggestions would be great, thanks.
<Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/arthropoda/shrimp/stenopus.htm and the linked files above... Bob Fenner>

Coral Banded Shrimp, poor English 8/24/05
Dear Bob,
<Jason>
Thanks for your previous help, always fixes the problem.
<Welcome>
I've had a coral banded shrimp for 3 months now and its molted id
<... there is no such word, as id... unless you're a psychologist...>
say 5  times. The other day I
<... the personal pronoun "I" is capitalized>
saw it stuck upside down next to my serpent star inside a rock. When I tried to help it, it grabbed onto the air hose with its claws and it  turned upright. After that it seemed to not be able to get back out, so I scared  it and it shot its way out of the area and seemed to be ok.
The next morning he is very lethargic and doesn't move much. His big claws droop and then he raises them only to droop right back down. It seems he can't walk or do much of anything, not for lack of trying.
It does seem to be picking at things and eating though. Is this behavior typical of pre-molting or is he in trouble?
<... please see WWM re Stenopus>
Attached is a small clip so you can see.
<Doesn't open for me>
(I moved him to his present location).. I also added extra calcium and iodine,
<Good... after testing for...>
in case it is molting  behavior and he's having trouble molting.
Thanks
Jason
<Your name is a proper noun... is capitalized. My young friend, learn to write in your native language... you don't want to appear ignorant, nor do I. Bob Fenner>

Can't find my CBS 7/31/05
A week ago I purchased a CBS.  I acclimated it over about a 2 hour period.
When I finally released it into the tank, it appeared to be fine.  It moved around just a little and then situated itself under a piece of coral.  Later that night, I noticed that it's body parts appeared to be falling off (I later learned that it was molting).  
<Mmm, molts come off in one piece...>
The next day it was still sitting in the same place.  Since then, I have not seen it at all (has now been 9 days since I purchased it).  I am trying to figure out if it is even alive.  I have not seen a body floating around.
<Might still be in the "hardening" phase of ecdysis/molting>
I know that they can apparently get into very small holes (I do have about 34 lbs of live rock in the tank w/lots of hiding places).  Do you think it is still alive?
<Can't tell from here... You do have sufficient calcium, alkalinity I hope/trust... and matching spg, pH during the extended acclimation...>
Today I am almost positive I saw "something" moving into a hole, but when I shined a flashlight in the hole, I couldn't see anything.  I also have a chocolate chip starfish, a coral beauty angel and a bicolor blenny in the tank.  When feeding, I usually alternate between frozen brine shrimp, Prime Reef flake and seaweed.  If the CBS is still alive, can you recommend something that will bring it out (so I can at least know if it's alive or not).  Thanks so much for your help!
LaVonda Black
<Only time, patience can tell whether your Boxer is still with you. Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/stenopodidae.htm
and the linked files above, where you lead yourself. Bob Fenner>

Boxer shrimp problem 7/20/05
Hi
Thanks very much for the advice you gave me last week.  I am pleased to tell you that within 4 days of the iodine going in my tank the boxer shrimp shed his skin and he has re-appeared complete with new claws.  It’s truly amazing!!  How long do you suggest I continue with the iodine treatment – is this a permanent thing I should be doing? <Should be done on a weekly basis.  James (Salty Dog).  I'd also like to apologize for the long delay.  I have been out of town.>
Regards
Dave

Coral Banded Assassin 10 April 2005
Hi Bob and crew, <Hi Pauline, MacL here with you today.>
I am having a problem with my coral banded shrimp, even although he is fed regularly with prawns he seems to want to catch every fish that passes him. I am aware that these shrimps can perform a cleaning function but this is no submissive shrimp wanting to pacify predatory fishes, he seeks out fishes and is practically chasing them all over the tank. <These guys do stake out territories and will chase other fish out of them but it sounds like yours has gotten a taste for fish and will have to be removed.>
He is quite large about 2 inch body and about 7 inches antenna to antenna. I have read in the excellent archives that these shrimps are not aggressive but he certainly is, so my question really is should I remove the shrimp or can he/she be pacified in some other way?? <In my experience, once they start chasing other fish in a predatory manner you need to get rid of them. I have kept many over the years and only had one behave in this manner so please don't judge them all by this one.>
I forgot to mention he has caught and killed a yellow tailed damsel and today I caught him with my newly purchased valentini puffer in his grasp. <Are you sure he caught it and killed it? Or did he just get it after the fish has passed? Regardless its best if you have doubts about him to just get him out of the tank.>
Another quick query, my sea urchin seems to be growing at an alarming rate, he has doubled in size in the space of three weeks. I am also feeding him prawns regularly, is this necessary? Or should I leave him to find his own food. <Sea urchins will do best finding their own foods.>

Coral Banded Shrimp Questions
Hi,
<Hello, MikeD here>
My CBS is fairly large (1.5" body, 4" antennae) . He always sits on the side of the same rock during the day.<This is normal, as they often have a preferred lair to call home>  The only time he moves around the tank is at night, when the lights are off and the yellow tail damsels are hidden and sleeping.  I actually think he is afraid of the damsels.<You're probably 100% correct in this observation>  
A few times I saw him try to get to the other side of the
tank during the day, which meant crossing one of the more territorial damsels (only about 3/4'' long).  It seemed to be an evenly matched stand-off, despite their size difference.<Not as even as it might seem. The damsel has much better sight, speed and co-ordination and when this is combined with belligerence, it tips the scales heavily in favor of the smaller fish.>
I read on some of the other posts that they're supposed to be aggressive during feedings but this guy doesn't seem to even be aware that feedings are taking place.<I'd hesitate to call a CBS aggressive at any time.><<Not I, RMF>>
   At night, he picks through the gravel and seems to scavenge.  Can he sustain himself this way?<Probably not, thus "spot feeding" him directly with a choice morsel will help tediously.>
   Is his behavior normal?<Very>
  I am wondering how can I feed him since he stays at the bottom and only moves around at night?<Try tweezers or a feeding stick during the day, and a last feeding in his area once the lights are out>
What should I try feeding him and how?<Small pieces of shrimp or any other meaty food works very well>
Do they need iodine to molt? They need a well balanced environment for everything, particularly molting, which is extremely hazardous for any crustacean>
Lastly, you're not supposed to freshwater dip them, right?<Definitely not!>
(not that I tried to).<best of luck to you.>  Thanks for your advice and great site!
Justin

Shrimp Hatching (10/23/04)
Hello! <Hi. Steve Allen today.> I have found out the gestation period for Coral Banded Shrimp is
6 weeks. I think. Anyways, I have noticed since yesterday the female is staying put on the back of my Pagoda Cup and the male will bring her food. How long do you think she has left? <Really no way to know.> We noticed the eggs about 3 weeks ago but we don't know how long there were actually eggs present. <Which is why we can't know how long is left.> Any help would be greatly appreciated. <What I can tell you is that it is extremely unlikely that you will succeed in raising any of these. Most will die or be eaten shortly after hatching. You might want to search the web for info on shrimp-breeding set-ups, but I've not found anything about successful raising beyond a fraction of an inch in size. I saw you left a thread on the chat forum. Perhaps that will yield something.> Thanks! <Sorry to be unable to be of more help.>

Coral Banded Shrimp Follow-Up
Thanks for your prompt reply...<Surely! Ryan with you again> so far, so good with the shrimp. He's kind of shy and stays under a rock most of the day and comes out at night... I decided to try a couple of corals and bought what were termed to be "easy" corals for beginners by the LFS. I think one was called a star polyp--it's a cluster of orange circles with yellow "hairs", and the other was a Parazoanthus gracilis (I think--they called it yellow polyps).
<Gotcha> We brought them right home and put them in the tank about 30 hours ago.  The orange coral is mostly closed up but the other has looked dead since we took it out of the bag. I've heard these are hardy. Will they spring back? <How were they acclimated? http://www.wetwebmedia.com/acclimcoralslight.htm>  Our water is good (no ammonia, nitrates/nitrates, and pH=8.3). We have 4 power heads in there and 600W of light, but even so, I can't believe our tank could have killed them so quickly. How long does it take after moving coral to see them "pop out"? Is there anything I should be doing to help them?
<Yes, at this point it's best to leave them alone and see if they'll overcome the stress.  As you'll find from the article, there are a lot of factors that must go right for a photosynthetic animal to transition from one captive system to the other.  If they pull through, you should see some changes within the next week.  Good luck! Ryan>
Thanks...R/Janet

Coral Banded Question
Hi-<Hello, Ryan with you today.> -I read your CBS Q&As, and now I'm a little concerned. <About?> I just put a CBS in my 175 gal tank after reading they are peaceful additions, only to read that Ryan has had fish eaten by his shrimp. <I have.> How large a fish could he eat? <Mine ate a 2 inch firefish, caught it in the cave.> He's probably close to 2". <Mine was much larger, 6 inches from antenna to antenna.> Most of our fish are small: two small false Percula clowns (about 1 and a half inches), a strawberry Pseudochromis (about 2") a royal Gramma (also about 2") and a mandarin dragonet (about 3") and a two-inch coral beauty. Could he eat one of these? Would he/could he eat our red-legged hermit crabs? <Those are all much hardier and more defensive fish than a firefish...You should be safe.  But, monitor his behavior, and perhaps alert the pet shop that there's a chance he may be coming back.  Hermits should be safe as well.>
Another question: I have a yellow tang, about 3". As soon as I added the CBS to the tank, the tang went over to it and lay on its side. The shrimp appeared to bite him. Was he "cleaning"? <Yes, or attempting to.  I have seen my tang do this extensively with my Fire Shrimps.>
Also, we would like to get an anemone for our clownfish, but have read that one might eat our mandarin. Are there any anemones that would be safe with the mandarin? <Not a great idea, delicate fish really need a tank free of possible hazards.  I'd steer clear, and leave the anemone in the sea.  A Sarcophyton sp. may be a non-hazardous, easier to maintain substitute.  Good luck, Ryan>
Thanks for your help!! R/Janet

Coral Banded Shrimp 6/21/04
G'DAY MATE
I have a  pregnant coral banded shrimp, I can tell by the big blue lump under her.
<The bearing of bright green eggs on the underside of females is a dead give-away. Otherwise mature females may be determined by a greenish/blue color in the ovaries through their translucent body wall.> She has a 400lt mini reef all to her self. I was told that she will need a male in the tank to make this a successful birth, due to the male looking after the new born, and to fertilize the eggs when they pop out. <As I understand it, it will be extremely difficult to put a male with a female.>
TRUE OR FALSE
Is the info I was given true or false.
Have you got any info as I have searched the net.
I have set the tank up already, so I don't lose the babe's down the filter. I would love to make this a success , any info would be great as I am doing this blind so to speak.<I would recommend going here http://www.breeders-registry.gen.ca.us and looking for information there. As well reading How to Raise and Train Your Peppermint Shrimp from www.lysmatapublishing.com/shrimp.htm. Good luck MacL>
TA MATE
CHRIS (from oz)

Arrow crab, missing legs... a big Stenopus...
Hey gang, just a quick question here! I Woke up this morning to find my arrow crab hiding in the corner...with only 3 legs remaining. This is a sad sight, even his pinchers have been eaten off, and his little body is just
resting on the sand. Here is the question: Can the arrow crab regenerate his lost legs, or is there anything that can be done to help poor Mr. Crabs???
<Can, will regenerate legs if survives... might be best to move this animal... or the offendi>
I am afraid that with only 3 legs, and no pinchers to defend himself, he will become a late-night snack...but for whom? I read on your website that my brittle star could be the culprit???
<Possible, but...>
Never would have guessed that one.
Also, we have a rather large coral banded shrimp (El Pincho) and an even bigger peppermint shrimp (Pepe'). Pepe seems to bother everything from the corals to the anemone, so he was my first suspect.
<Mine as well>
Any idea which of these might have developed an appetite for crab? On a side note: Had a cleaner
shrimp for about a day, and haven't seen him (or any evidence of his body) since. Initially I thought he had found a great hiding spot, but after seeing Mr. Crabs, I am certain that our Cleaner shrimp came across a similar fate. Who is eating my invertebrate friends???
Thanks for the help!
Jamie
<Other invertebrate friends... I would move at least the larger CBS... if not both. Bob Fenner>

Coral Banded Shrimp
Hello:
<Hello! Ryan with you today>
I have a coral banded shrimp that seems to be picking at my mushroom corals, and he is very curious about my curly-cue anemone.  I plan to get quit a bit of soft corals but when I bought this coral banded shrimp it was "reef safe", I also have a emerald crab will he be trouble in the future, so far he just eats what he wants and doesn't bother other corals. <All crabs are opportunists at best> Should I trade these two in a get a fish or in your opinion are they just scavenging food on top of/near the corals... <Neither is to be trusted, certainly not with expensive corals.  Much better in FOWLR applications.> My shrimp seems to stay upside down most of the time and not bother stuff, but other times he gets curious. <I have seen mine catch and kill a purple Firefish...> Any suggestions/comments would be greatly appreciated...
<These are predators, and will eventually need removal unless you don't mind an occasional polyp missing.  Good luck! Ryan>

Coral Banded Follow Up
Hello:
<Hey! Ryan with the follow-up>
I can't take them in until Monday, so I guess they won't do much damage, they been in there for a couple of days.  I thought they would all be reef safe, I don't mind keeping them if they won't damage my corals, but you
think they will???  I thought they cleaned the fish, no kill them...
<Although Coral Banded Shrimp serve cleaning purposes in nature, I'm not sure that any aquarists actually benefit from their cleaning services.  There are plenty of cleaners that WON'T eat your fish however, and they
are widely available.  Good luck, Ryan>  

Battling shrimp? 2/17/04
Hi all! I've just started my 46 gallon tank with 50lbs live rock and 40lbs live sand. It's been cycling for a couple weeks and shows well in all tests. I'm hoping to add a pair of mated Coral Banded shrimp with a collection of turbo snails, Blue Legged Hermit, a Sally Lightfoot and Emerald crabs. I was hoping to add a Blood shrimp but after much investigation I've decided it wouldn't be safe. What do you think? What I really would like to know is if the CBS will harm any of the crabs. Thanx for any info you can give!
<there is no question in my mind that the coral banded shrimp(s) is/are likely to pull the fire shrimp and any other Lysmata/small clawed shrimp limb from limb. They are very territorial, but hardy and handsome. Do pick one or the other here my friend to be safe :) Anthony>

Coral Banded with crabs 2/17/04
Thanx Anthony! I've decided not to put the Blood shrimp at risk. How about the crabs?
<sturdy crabs are likely safe with the CB shrimp... but few if any crabs are truly reef safe in the long run. I rarely recommend them if you intend to keep corals or polyps>
There's a lot of small hiding areas in my rock work so I'm hoping that will help. But I'd like your impute on it. Thanx again for you wonderful site!!
<thanks kindly, Anthony>

CBS molting
My newly acquired shrimp molted and I learned from reading through the Q&A's that it is best to leave the molt in the tank.  However, I noticed that the Condy had it in its clutches.  Is it something the anemone can consume or should I try to take it away from him/her (whatever)  Wouldn't want the poor thing to get choked and/or constipated.
<If the molt triggers the anemones nematocysts (the stinging portion of the tentacle, located at the tip of the tentacle), then the anemone will most likely consume the molt. There certainly isn't going anything bad happening to your anemone for eating the molt, I'm actually certain that the molt will contain proteins which will help the anemone. As far as choking goes, the anemone will most likely not choke on such foods (unless the food source is larger than the anemone). As far as "constipation" comes, anemones will break down all available food sources and will spit up any uneaten sources (such as bones, scales, etc.). It's impossible for the anemone be constipated.>
Have been feeding the shrimp, Condy and starfish by hand frozen Formula One every other day or so.  They seem to like it.  Any problem with that?
<I doubt that there is any problem. As long as they're all healthy and consuming the food, I would stick with it>
Thanks for the great service you provide.  You all have the patience of
Job!
<Thank you! Take Care, Graham.>
Janie

Coral banded shrimp 12/19/03
Dear Bob,
<Hi Christina! Adam here at your service>
I sent you a previous email with a question regarding my coral banded shrimp.  He had what I think must be a bad molt.  He lost his huge pinchers, and all of his legs.  I had emailed you saying he had his two mini pinchers which he used for feeding.  I just took a closer look and all he has are two front legs.
<Generally crustaceans regrow lost appendages internally, and they are revealed upon molting.  I have never observed them to lose the appendages in the act of molting.  Are their any fish or other shrimp that may be sparring with your CB?  Some fish will quite disturbingly dismember prey items instead of just eating them.  Also, CB's will fight viciously with each other and occasionally other shrimp.>
I am concerned about him eating, since now he has nothing to grab food with.  Does this mean inevitable death??  Any advice?
<your concern is quite warranted, but I don't think death is inevitable.  I would place some food near the shrimp and see if it is able to get it to it's mouth.  If so, it may make it.  In the mean time do try to find the cause and remove it (obviously not possible if this is some kind of disease).  Best of luck!  Adam>

Re: coral banded shrimp 12/20/03
Dear Adam,
<Hi Christina!>
Thank you sooo much for taking the time to respond to my email.   I love your site, and am extremely thankful!!
<My pleasure!  Glad you have benefited from WWM.>
In my tank...coral beauty, royal Gramma, yellow clown goby, maroon clownfish.  Nothing has ever shown any aggression whatsoever.
<Your royal Gramma and maroon clown could harass inverts, but I agree that even they are not likely candidates.  A bit of advice when you want to catch one of your fish "in the act"...  Observe from across the room.  Your fish are very well conditioned to be fed or disturbed when you approach the tank and will almost always drop what they are doing to see what you are doing.>
I had been using activated carbon and am wondering
if that depleted my poor coral banded shrimps iodine supply.  I wonder if that is possible?
<Activated carbon will indeed deplete iodine, but to the best of my knowledge, there is no proof that it is required in other than trace quantities for proper crustacean health.  Some have observed that iodine additions stimulate molting and have inferred that this means that it is required, but it could as easily be a poisoning response.>
Thanks again.
<Surely!>

Fight of the Year!  Coral Banded Shrimp vs. Mantis!
>Saludos Salados:
>>Greetings!
>Last week I purchased a CBS and placed him on a 10gal tank. This tank has been running for a year with no apparent problem. The other tankmates are a Cinnamon Clown a Turbo snail and a couple of Bumble Bee snails.
>>Alright.  And now..??
>Recently my wife noticed a strange animal in one of the life rock holes. For her description I think we have a Mantis in the tank.
>>Oh no.. <groan>.  I had a tank wiped out by a mantis once.
>This would explain the disappearance of a Royal Gramma about a month ago.
>>It would explain it quite neatly.
>My question is, will the CBS kill the Mantis or the other way around?
>>My money's on the mantis, hands DOWN.  As a matter of fact, being as how I'm NOT a gambling woman, I would actually put money on that one.
>I am concerned for the CBS (named Jacques) which my son regards as a cool pet to have.  Best Regards; José A. González
>>I would be concerned as well.  There are those who've had luck using different traps.  At the very least (and often the best), if you can determine which piece of rock it's in, then you can remove it to a pail of fresh water.  This will cause the animal to exit IMMEDIATELY, and allow you to put the rock back in sans mantis.  Marina

Who Will Win the Shrimp War. I'll bet on the Mantis (12/10/03)
Saludos Salados: <Greetings>
Last week I purchased a CBS and placed him on a 10gal tank. This tank has been running for a year with no apparent problem. The other tankmates are a Cinnamon Clown a Turbo snail and a couple of Bumble Bee snails.
Recently my wife noticed  a strange animal in one of the life rock holes. For her description I think we have a Mantis in the tank. <Uh oh> This would explain the disappearance of a Royal Gramma about a month ago. <Quite possible.>
My question is, will the CBS kill the Mantis or the other way around? <I'd put my money on the Mantis any day. It has a much more formidable weapon>
I am concerned for the CBS (named Jacques) which my son regards as a cool pet to have. <CBS are way cool. I love mine. Do get rid of that mantis. Start here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/arthropoda/stomatopods/mantisfaqs.htm>
Best Regards; José A. González

Coral banded shrimp Birth 12/3/03 Hi just wanted to share these pics of my coral banded babies they look like specs this was a night shot when she had them there soo many that it would be neat if they would survive. I shut down all powerheads and filters for a little while maybe they'll get a chance and attach themselves to a rock and live to be as big as there parents. do you guys have any clue on what the babies eat or how long till there big enough for moving? thanks WWM crew <rearing Stenopus shrimp is well-documented albeit involved. Do consult the reports abroad on the internet at such places like the Breeders Registry. Content on rearing similar shrimps like Lysmata will help too (How to Train and Raise Peppermint Shrimp by April Kirkendall). Best of luck, Anthony>

Coral banded shrimp breeding tips 12/4/03 Hi I thought I'd share what my tank perimeters are to have the CBS breed and have fry. There isn't too much info out on breeding and raising the fry I hope this may help. Salinity is 1.023 water temp is always 83 (a little warmer than most tanks but I haven't had any problems). CBS like hide aways to make them feel safe so they need a lot of live rock for them to get "in the mood" to breed. Also I found feeding them a silver side every so often will make them breed and produce more eggs than when I only let them "scavenge" for left over. Of course the most important thing is to give them a lot of room and make sure you have a "pair", and don't make this mistake ,this lady made. " I just wanted to drop a line to you about your 5 gallon saltwater. I have almost the same setup going in my bathroom, plus one more blue damsel. It has been going pretty well. There was a set of coral banded shrimp in there that didn't make it though. I would like to keep in touch, and see how you progress and mine compare. I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one wanting to make such a small saltwater. My best local saltwater shop wasn't very sure that it was going to make it." Thanks WWM crew ,JM   <we appreciate your input. Best regards, Anthony>

- Coral Banded Shrimp Minus One Claw -
I just brought home a Coral Banded Shrimp today and accidentally tore off one of his main claws (detached completely from the body) while adjusting some plants in the aquarium.  The guy at the pet store told me it would regenerate.  How long will it take? <Will grow back in two to three molts - likely a couple of months.> I feel so awful! <No worries.>
Ellen
<Cheers, J -- >

Mated Pairs from online sources
Howdy,
Do any of you know any on-line retailers who sale mated pairs of vert's and inverts?
Thanks,
Steven
<Likely Marine Center, Dr.s Foster & Smith and Marine Depot Live can select/get them for you. I would call them directly re the possibility. Bob Fenner>

Mated Pairs
Howdy,
<Hi there>
Do any of you know any on-line retailers who sale mated pairs of vert's and inverts?
Thanks,
Steven
<Most all of them do... principally clownfish species, some shrimps... If it's something "important" you can even put in requests... that reach all the way back to collectors, breeders.  Which part of the world are you in? For ease of matching close-by suppliers. And what sorts of organisms are you looking for? Bob Fenner>

Re: Mated Pairs
wow, thanks for the fast reply Bob. I am located in the southeast, US. I was kind of interested in a mated pair of Coral Banded Shrimp (Stenopus Hispidus) and a mated pair of Fire Fish (Nemateleotris Magnifica). I would actually like more of the latter, say around 4 or 5 but it may not be a good idea. I would think a truly mated pair would be allot safer. I have a 100g by the way.
Again, thanks for the quick reply.
Steven
<Don't know about the Dartfishes (the way they're collected I don't think the pairs are kept separate), but the CBS are do-able. Have your supplier/LFS contact Quality Marine or Sea Dwelling Creatures in Los Angeles. Bob Fenner>

Questions about Boxer Shrimp
Dear Sir,
            I would like to seek your help for my Marine Aquarium. I am a beginner and I have set up an aquarium of 2", I have left 5 pc.s of live rocks that have 1/4 spaces in my aquarium. I have a few of 2 inches fishes that is die without confirmed reasons. so I have to ask:
          This happened when I started to keep boxer shrimp in my tank. Although I don't want to think like that, but I think that if it is what the boxer shrimp has done: attack my small fishes and eat them. While my Nemo Fishes is not harmed).
         From the articles, I have known that boxer shrimp eat small fishes, and it is also predators. But in the same article, I found that boxer shrimp also known as Coral-Banded Shrimp - CBS, right?) has a function to clean fishes.
<Yes>
Is it has the same functions as Cleaner Shrimp - "mainly clean white spots in fishes"? If not, what's the cleaning function different from cleaner shrimp?
<Basically to remove external parasites and necrotic tissue>
         I have also heard that Cleaner Shrimp will be eaten by CBS, is it correct? Ok. I arrange the question I want to ask:
<Can happen, yes>
1) Do you think it is possible that my CBS has eaten the 2 inches small fishes? (Even it has eaten, it seems still want to catch the fishes - but in my sight, it is normally not successful)
<Yes, possible>
2) Can I still keep CBS in my 2" Aquarium while having small fishes?
<Yes. If the CBS is not hungry, will likely leave your fishes alone>
3) What's the function of CBS? What's the differences cleaning functions compared to Cleaner Shrimp?
<More of an opportunistic omnivore organism... able to survive as a cleaner, but also capable of becoming, or supplementing its nutrition as a predator>
4) What's the function of Cleaner Shrimp except curing white spots?
<Other parasites, dead tissue>
5) I heard that Sea horse eat small shrimps, but each time I put shrimps or dry foods) into my aquarium, sea horse seems not interesting, so what happened? How I should feed it? Will it die? (I didn't even notice sea horses eat anything)
<Perhaps... some crustaceans are not palatable to your seahorses>
6) My clown fishes is also with white spots, Why? Is the aquarium not clean enough? If I buy Cleaner Shrimp, will it cure my clown fishes? I heard that there's a antidote (liquid) to cure white spots marine specially, should I buy that medicine? Will the 1 cleaner shrimp just enough for my 2" aquarium without the medicine?
<Many factors go into determining whether white spot/Cryptocaryon becomes expressed or not. You may read re this equation on WetWebMedia.com...>
Thanks for viewing my questions and I hope to get reply soon. ^_^
<I hope to have more specific conversations with you, till you are satisfied with the completeness of your understanding. Bob Fenner>

Pair of coral banded shrimp
Good day WWM Crew I have a pair of coral banded shrimp in my 75 gallon tank I was wondering will they eat my mushroom coral?<doubtful> also I have a decorator crab will their be a problem?<This potentially could be a problem. I have seen CBS kept with decorator crabs. some fight and some don't. its just a chance that you have to be willing to take> The female has blue eggs under her I know these wont have a chance in my tank with filters it would be nice if one made it thought.<agreed> Thanks WWM Crew <IanB>

Coral banded shrimp, info, care and breeding.
<Hi David, PF with you tonight>
Hi all, hope all is well.  I am looking for info on coral banded shrimp, specifically about determining sexes, establishing pairs and any captive breeding successes.  Could you point me towards any such information?  As always, TEA for your help.
<Size shows sex - bigger is female. Trying to acquire a non-mated pair and get them to pair up is a once in a blue moon event. Most likely, the larger one will hunt down and eat the smaller one. There are occasionally pairs offered. I once owned a pair of the gold coral banded (Stenopus scutellatus) from Flying Fish Express, unfortunately I had to move them to my main reef tank and they didn't make it. They bred regularly, but I never made the effort to try and raise the larvae. I would recommend go here http://www.breeders-registry.gen.ca.us and looking for information there. As well reading How to Raise and Train Your Peppermint Shrimp from www.lysmatapublishing.com/shrimp.htm as well as www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/ Arthropoda/shrimp/corlband.htm  and the associated FAQs and articles. Lots to read and learn, good luck! PF>
David

Bad molt... here, take my arms!
BCS, CBS Never can keep it straight.. Anyway, my banded coral shrimp, who's about 5 years old and meaner than a snake,
<heehee... all too common>
apparently had a "bad molt" and showed up with both front claws missing.  
<no worries... will regrow... feed well in the interim>
I don't think there's anything else in the tank that could rip his newly molted claws off.  I have a brittle star, two small PJ cardinals, a mandarin and a Firefish in a 45 high tank .  I also have assorted hermit crabs (small with tiny claws) and snails.  From reading the FAQs I understand that they can drop the claws and get them back in subsequent molts.  Might this indicate a lack of nutrients/minerals?  
<indeed... quite possible. Lack of iodine for proper ecdysis/molt is often cited. If this is a non-reef aquarium or any that does not receive weekly iodine and/or water changes or better... then iodine levels are certainly low in your system. Seachem has a nice test kit for this if you like/to confirm. At any rate... a large but gentle water change would likely do wonders>
Everything else looks fine. thanks tom
<best regards, Anthony>

Dwarf Banded Coral Shrimp? ahhh... no <G>
I have recently purchased a male coral banded shrimp (boxer) that is very small, the supplier told me it was a dwarf CBS however I can't seem to find any info on a dwarf CBS. Can you confirm that a dwarf version of the species exists?
<if we are talking about Stenopus hispidus, then there is not such thing as a dwarf "cultivar". At best... you have a young male and the merchant is mistaken or outright lying. Perhaps you have another Stenopus species? If so... maybe smaller as an adult than the CBS.>
I have other shrimp (fire)
<Doh?!?!?! Yikes... be very careful here. I'll bet very good money on the fire shrimp getting pulled limb from limp when the boxing shrimp matures. Ill-advised for sure here>
in my tank and specifically bought in under the pretense that it was dwarf and would not be capable of attacking the other shrimp in the tank.
<hahhahahhahahhahahha...... hahahhahhaa.....hehheheee... hehe... ahh... hee... woo....ah, no. I'm quite certain that whatever species of boxing shrimp you have is, that it is a clear and present danger to any other small-clawed shrimp in the tank.>
The other shrimp are all much larger.
<no matter in time... claw size/defense/territoriality, etc>
Great site by the way. Thanks John
<thanks kindly, John.  Anthony>

Yellow/Gold Coral Banded shrimp Stenopus scutellatus 5/19/03  
Hi, Thanks for your response. I think I have found the species:
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?siteid=23&pCatId=685
Yellow banded Coral Shrimp
<Stenopus scutellatus>
Can I still assume that he is likely to be a danger to the fire shrimp as he gets larger.
<indeed to any small clawed shrimp... although this species is rather reclusive... even for a boxing shrimp>
He is about 1/2 his full size at the moment and is causing no problems, much less aggressive than the fire shrimp themselves.
I have a 50G tank with plenty of live rock i.e. hiding places, caves etc Should I take him back or wait and watch?
Cheers, John
<its a tough call, John. I would have never recommended it or tried it personally. Who's to say what will happen down the road. I am somewhat concerned for long-term prospects as the tank is only big enough for one shrimp's natural territory. I'd feel a lot safer to sit back and observe if the aquarium was larger/longer. Still... you have the best position to make a decision in actual observance of the behavior of these particular individuals... by day at least. In the US, both of these shrimps are uncommon and expensive. My advice would be to play it safe and separate them... although do not move the new shrimp so soon (days ) after purchase... too many moves since import could stress and kill it anyway. Kind regards, Anthony>

Coral Banded Shrimp
Hello Everyone:
        I would like to know if coral banded shrimp do any cleaning on fish?
<Yes, they can, do in the wild and aquariums>
I noticed today that when my Emperor angel (who is changing from juvie to adult currently) swam by, it started to clean around its face.  The angel let him poke at him for a few seconds and then left.  Was it picking on him, thought it was food, or was he attempting to clean?
<Likely the latter, otherwise the Angel could/would have given the shrimp "the brush off". Please read here re Stenopus hispidus: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/arthropoda/shrimp/corlband.htm
and the FAQs beyond. Bob Fenner>
  Any help would be appreciated.
        Thank you again for your assistance.            
                       Regards,       Mendy                      

Coral banded shrimp
I have a 55 gallon tank with 1 coral banded shrimp in the tank. I'm new to salt water. The tank consists of him/her a peppermint shrimp, 2 turbo snails a clown and 2 damsels oh ya a powder brown tang and 45 pounds of live rock. My question is how of ten will the coral banded shrimp have babies or is it having babies I have found three carcasses in the tank in the three to four months that she has been in there (the carcasses are coral banded). Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Dave
<Won't be having babies if there's only one... this is a dioecious species ("two houses"), takes two to tango... a male and a female. Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/arthropoda/shrimp/corlband.htm
Bob Fenner>

Aiptasia, Shrimp, CBS meals
Hello Bob,
My 40g reef tank is about 6months old and just recently there has been an outbreak of Aiptasia anemones. I've tried adding a peppermint shrimp to the tank but after a few days I can't seem to find it anymore. In my tank, I have a Banggai cardinal, purple Firefish, and a coral banded shrimp.
<whoa! Hello killer! Banded coral shrimps pull many/most/all other shrimps limb from limb!>
Could the Coral Banded shrimp have eaten the peppermint shrimp? 
<does a bear bring a reader's digest into the woods?>
I also have a bunch of emerald crabs that came with the LR.
<sturdy and safe from the BC shrimp>
thanks in advance, Jason
<best regards, Anthony>

Bubble Coral and Banded Coral Shrimp
Dear Bob (and company),
After 15 months, still no disease processes in my reef with water and animals treated and tested with Fenner advice. I caught the banded coral shrimp eating one of the Banggai cardinals.
<Unable to kill such a fish, but will surely scavenge it.>
A cleaner shrimp also is missing since I put in the banded coral.
<Notorious for killing other shrimp, though.>
All literature says the banded coral is a good guy, reef safe, etc.
<And should also say not safe with other shrimp.>
I have a number of small fish (fairy Basslets, clowns, fire fish, green Chromis). Should I get the banded shrimp out of there? How?
<Depends how much you want other shrimp.>
On another subject, I have a bubble coral (I'm not sure if it's Plerogyra or Physogyra) that has been in the reef for a year. It has doubled in size to seven inches when fully expanded. It remains fully expanded during the day except for about an inch in the middle which no longer expands at all. It looks like it is dividing into two large specimens. Is this possible?
<Yes.>
Or is it sick? I feed it small bits of raw ocean fish and shrimp with forceps weekly. Also, it enjoys the freshly hatched brine shrimp that I feed the reef at night weekly. Water Chemistry remains perfect with calcium at 350 - 400. I add very small supplements of Iodine, magnesium, and strontium.
Howard
<Sounds good, Steven Pro>

Coral Banded Shrimp is algae-covered and schizophrenic
Hi Robert.
<Anthony Calfo in your service>
I recently moved my 50 gal reef tank to a new house and fortunately everything survived. In transit, the CB Shrimp was jostled quite a bit and remained listlessly upside-down on the substrate for a few days. I
thought it had died, but it suddenly recovered and seems to be OK after 3 weeks.
<wow...severe temperature or (more likely) salinity shock. Probably sunk like a rock going into the new tank from admittedly poor acclimation (crustacea suffer osmotic shock from slight differences in salinity)>
The strange part is that the personality of the CBS has completely changed. 
<its called "dain bramage">
It used to hide under the rocks and react to any slight movement. During feeding, it would come out a aggressively snatch food. Now, however, the shrimp is always in the open and seems very lethargic.
<did you ever see the "Handy-man" skit on "Living Color">
I can even touch it whereas in the past it would dart away. While it seems to forage slightly on the rocks, it isn't very responsive during feeding time. Greenish algae has also grown over most of its body.
<wow...that's all I can say...wow>
It's just so weird because other than being a bit lethargic, the CBS seems to be fine. Any thoughts? TD
<yes...but none polite...hehe. I'm sorry your BC shrimp has suffered so. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be picked up and transported from a warm tropical beach to a perch in the high Alps in a millisecond? Hmmm...just me. I'm certain that there was a change in water quality parameters that caused this. Live and learn. Do the best you can with him, my friend. kindly, Anthony>

Shrimp
Hi, Bob. 
<friend/author Anthony Calfo in your service>
My tank is doing fine (remember, Honduras, 100 gal. FO tank). Question: Can I add a fire/scarlet shrimp and a peppermint shrimp to my banded coral shrimp? Thanks as always, Bernd
<All beauties...but alas, not safe with the banded coral shrimp. This large clawed species can be quite territorial and may tear the fire and peppermint shrimps limb from limp. Unduly risky... best regards. Anthony>

Shrimp (Steve's turn)
Hi, Bob.
<Steven "talking" right now.>
My tank is doing fine (remember, Honduras, 100 gal. FO tank). Question: Can I add a fire/scarlet shrimp and a peppermint shrimp to my banded coral shrimp?
<Sometimes. Your problem will be the Coral Banded Shrimp. I have seen several instances of shrimp species coexisting in tanks over 100 gallons, but many times some of them "disappear". Coral Banded Shrimp are notorious for killing other species.>
Thanks as always, Bernd
<You are welcome. -Steven Pro>

Coral banded shrimp ?'s
Hey Bob...I hope this finds you and yours doing exceedingly well. 
<Yes my friend, thank you>
Yesterday I removed all of my LR and livestock and built a platform of light diffusion grid/PVC to place my LR on. You see, I have a tomato clown that is a reincarnated excavator. Somewhere in the Bible it talks about the wise man building his house upon the rock, and the foolish man building his house upon the sand. My tomato clown proved to me that I am a bit foolish. 
<Ah, important lessons learned>
Well, during this move, a problem developed. When capturing my coral banded shrimp, it dropped both of it's claw arms. I say dropped because it wasn't caught in a net, or grabbed forcefully. Suddenly the arms were no longer part of the shrimp. The CBS seems fine, and is eating/scavenging. I seem to remember you mentioning previously that this shouldn't be a concern, and the arms will reappear after the next (or subsequent) molt. Is this usually so?
<Yes... the animal likely "cast" its arms as a defense mechanism... useful in avoiding a predator or danger that isn't "worth holding onto">
I am really excited about the changes to the tank, and hope to see some benefits to the increased water flow to the sand bed. Now the LR is suspended about 1" above the sand, and water is able to free flow much better everywhere. I didn't realize that there were areas of accumulation of detritus around my LR formation. Now, that should not be a problem as any detritus will fall through the eggcrate, and the current keeps it moving. Also, I have a sand sifting star there that loves the extra surface area of sand to sift and stir. I also expect this to be an additional safe area for the proliferation of copepods/etc. since it is an area that the fish sort of stay away from.
When doing the change, I also decided that it was a good time to frag the colt coral that I have. I divided it into three, and hope that it will go as well as it had before. Of course they looked horrible this morning, but I wouldn't feel well either if I'd been carved in thrice. Likely they'll be better appearing this evening.
Lastly, with the stresses of the change, my Poma angel has a slight outbreak of ick. I'm not really concerned because the fish has had it before, and the cleaner shrimp always does a nice job. I've been thinking of adding an extra cleaner to this system. (55 gal with 1 tomato clown, 1 yellow tang, 1 small grey Poma, 1 CBS, 1 cleaner). Would you recommend the neon goby, or another shrimp. How about both? 
<Worth trying>
My cleaner shrimp is often carrying eggs, but has no mate. Thanks for your help. Jason
<Be living my friend. Bob Fenner>

Cleaner Shrimp Pregnant
Bob,
<You got Steven Pro this morning.>
After struggling to keep my tank up and running and surviving an Ich infestation my tank is up and running great. I was determined to get it right after being discouraged after losing fish.
Soon after I added a cleaner shrimp and then two weeks later I added a second. In the last month and a half and have seen remains of three molts. Now I just noticed that one of the shrimps has eggs in the swimmerets. (sp?)
In search for a quick answer, what is the best way to approach this and try to save the eggs from getting eaten or the fry from being eaten once hatched?
<In a separate, dedicated tank for raising the fry. I know we addressed this before. Take a look at these FAQ files http://www.wetwebmedia.com/shrimpfa.htm http://www.wetwebmedia.com/clnshrpf.htm http://www.wetwebmedia.com/clnshrmfaqii.htm>
Thanks, Javier
<You are welcome. -Steven Pro>

Killer Shrimp?
<<Greetings, Miriam - JasonC at your service.>>
JasonC, please disregard the last email I sent. 
<<ok.>> 
But I still really need HELP! Here's the situation. As you recall, my domino damsel had some sort of fungal infection around his eye. This morning when I fed them, he didn't eat as hearty as he usually does. About three hours later (when I'd gotten all the necessary things) I went to set up my QT and to check on the domino. He was no where to be seen. Finally I located him, and he was in my coral banded shrimp's cave. I thought maybe he went there seeking help for the fungus, and went about setting up the QT. About a half an hour later, he was still in there (hard to see inside the cave) and I didn't think he was moving. So I stuck the handle of my net in the cave to see if he'd move. He didn't. Fearing for my fingers, I pulled him out. Dead. 
<<oh, sorry to hear about that.>>
 Not only dead but partially eaten. The area where the fungus was completely cleared of fungus, scales, and skin. His fins were also eaten off. Sad to say, this is not the first time something like this happened. I fell for the blue-streak cleaner wrasses before I could be warned off, and one of them died. Found him in Yngwie's cave (the CBS) with his fins and his belly gone. Now, I'm sure the wrasse died on it's own, as he was very ill and hardly moving when I went to be the night before. After long delay, my question is--Did Yngwie kill my fish, or is he just doing his job as a scavenger?
<<I vote for the latter.>>
 Keep in mind, the domino was alive and swimming (slowly) just three hours before. I'd really hate to give up my shrimp, but if he's killing fish he's got to go. Please, a quick reply would ease my mind. Yngwie's innocent...isn't he?  Jodie 
<<I do believe he is innocent and just taking advantage of a free and easy meal. Sadly for you damsel, the eye injury might have been a little worse than it looked. The slow swimming was probably a sign. No worries about the shrimp. Cheers, J -- >>

Quarantine
<<Hello - I know you wanted me to disregard this email, but I feel like I should answer so you have the information for the "next time">>
Thank you JasonC, now I have another question. 
<<You are welcome.>> 
Since it's most likely a fungal infection (on my domino damsel, remember?), should I just quarantine the domino and let it get better on its own, or should I treat? 
<<best to isolate, observe, then treat if necessary.>> 
And if I treat, what would be a good treatment? 
<<this is topical - depends on what we're trying to eliminate.>> 
I really don't want to use copper for anything, ever, if possible. 
<<well, this is why a separate quarantine tank is so vital - you can treat your illin' fish and not worry about polluting your main system with the various toxic therapies.>>
 I plan on having quite a few inverts in the near future and don't even want to take the smallest chance. Also, if I were to treat him with copper, wouldn't he transfer some to the main tank when I put him back in? <<again, a round in quarantine would last anywhere from two to four weeks, during which time you would treat, observe, and then run an activated carbon to remove the copper, etc.>>
 I've got a coral banded shrimp I'm really fond of...Going to quarantine him today. If I need to medicate him, will you please let me know as soon as possible? I know you're busy, but I'm really unsure of what to do. Thank you so much in advance! 
<<I'm not that busy, and it's absolutely my pleasure. Cheers, J -->>

And the Dingo ate me Baby
Dear Bob.
I hope this finds you well and in good spirits. Quick one today.
<Okay>
I have just come back from a lecture this morning and have discovered to my horror that a hermit crab and the CBS the one that you recommended trading :) have been EATEN!!!. There are pieces of fore-claws and hermit crab legs over the bottom of the tank. Apparently the CBS had molted last night as his exoskeleton is still near him. Not sure what happened to the hermit crab.
Quick review of the culprits. Would it be;
a. The tomato clown.
b. The Scooter Blenny.
c. The two fire gobies.
d. One of the Two Cardinals, Banggai and Pajama.
e. The Royal Dottyback
or last but not least, the Yellow Tang, who was always letting the CBS clean him.
Please circle your choice :)
<Almost certainly the Dottyback (pseudochromid for browsers of elsewhere)>
In mourning and do not want to run out and buy another Shrimp esp. the more expensive ones so that they can become Fish Fingers so to speak.
<Yes>
Oh and while I am keeping it short :) I have a quick question about the Pulsing Xenia. When we got it was a whitish color and was pulsing away like mad. Now that it is in the larger tank it has changed color
to purple and the polyps no longer pulse. It retracts at night, and seems to be growing longer day by day. There are also numerous small colonies sprouting up from the two larger stalks.
<Stress symptomology... you do use iodide occasionally? I would... and add something in the way of wash/food about the area (while temporarily shutting down skimmer/s, mechanical filtration? Please read: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/xeniidfaqs.htm>
And also if you could settle a dispute that would be really helpful.
After moving all of the live rock into the new tank about two weeks ago, everything was fine. Now the new coral substrate and everything is becoming covered with a layer of emerald green "algae" as well as on top
of the green layer large spots of Maroon and Purple "algae" are developing. The argument is, when I said that it was good algae, as opposed to the hair algae that the tang has disposed of, I was told it looks like it will turn into a swamp. Do I have too much light. I have 130 Gallon tank with 2 watts of power compact 50-50 per gallon.
<This is almost certainly mainly Blue Green Algae/Cyanobacteria... not desirable, not eaten by Tangs... Please read on WWM re its causes, control>
Ok leaving you alone now. I very much appreciate your time. Look forward to your reply. No rush so if there are more pressing matters please answer them first.
<Will do so. Bob Fenner>
Regards as always. Julian Hunt

Live rock/coral banded shrimp
I just got a shipment of 45 lbs live rock for my new 55 gallon tank from FFE. I am going to cure it in my tank. I am getting a filter from them: Euro-Fil 125 "Reef Ready" filtration system for reef aquariums up to 125
gallons. Includes AquaC EV90 Protein Skimmer with a Rio 1700, CPR CS90 Overflow Box, Drain Hose, Foam Block, and a 25 micron Pre-Filter Bag. My return pump will be a Rio 2100. What kind of time frame do you think it will it be cured by?
<Please read over the LR sections on WetWebMedia.com here>
In case there are any worms should I get any Flatworm Eating Varians Nudibranchs? If there are mantis shrimp, is there anything I can put in there to kill them like a Blue Spiny Lobster? Or is there another way than letting other animals eat them to get rid of these pests? I am hoping my rock does not have it bad.
<See WWM>
Pleasantly Surprised, I received a Coral Banded Shrimp with a ton of green eggs attached to her. Is there any real chance I can raise the offspring?
<See the coverage on Stenopus hispidus on...>
Should I buy one of those box things you hang in the tank from the top so I can separate the coral banded shrimp until she releases the eggs and then remove her and raise the babies in there instead of the main tank where some of my other shrimps may eat them? If they are pretty much only raiseable by people who are experts and devote their lives to breeding shrimps should I let the eggs hatch? I think it would provide a lot of nutrients to the water if they did hatch, but I would love to try and raise them. Please give me any advice you can.
<Not easily raised... mainly due to a need to culture foods for larval stages... and eggs may not be fertile... no need to move, store the specimen elsewhere... Do read through the links, FAQs, onto the Breeder's Registry re this shrimps culture. Bob Fenner>
Thanks for you time, Tim

Cleaner shrimp killing live fish? Could be...
Hi Robert,
I have a mystery to solve. I have recently had a few fish disappear (2 green Chromis) without a trace and just found my mandarin fish being consumed by my cleaner shrimp. I have the following cleaners in my 55g reef tank:
2 Lysmata amboinensis and 2 Lysmata wurdemanni (purchased for Aiptasia control - yes, they were successful)
I also have one Mithrax (emerald) crab but it does not look like the one on your crab page. Mine only has one pincher claw (on its left side) and seems to only pick up tiny bits of ? from the live rock. If you think this is the culprit, how best could I remove it without dismantling the tank?
<Bait, trap it out...>
I have removed the hermit crabs from my tank since they kept eating the snails to get their shells.
All four shrimp actively eat the food I add for the fish (flake, brine shrimp (for cardinal fish until they are trained to eat other food), Nori) so I know they are not starving.
Will cleaner shrimp catch and kill fish?
<The Stenopus might well be the "Butler" here...>
Should I regularly add meat for these guys? If so, what would you recommend and how often?
<Yes... something meaty about twice a week>
I have a question about your book (CMA). I have seen e-tailers list the
hard and soft back books with different copyright dates, different number of pages, etc. Are they the same? 
<Hmm, someone else recently mentioned the "different numbers of pages"... I looked at the couple of "courtesy copies" rec'd from the most recent publishing (2001) and both the HB and soft have the same number of pages... 430... but I thought I recalled the original having 432... Copyright is the same... As far as I'm aware the book is the same. I'll post this on the WWM site and maybe someone will know better, more.>
If not, which is more recent (assuming a more recent version to be "improved")? Are you planning a soon to be released update to it?
<All the same... would really like it if the publisher: Microcosm/TFH would get going on some other titles I have "done" (or close to it)... there is a "Conscientious Reef Aquarist", four volumes on "The Best Livestock For Your Marine/Reef Aquarium", a pond and a planted aquarium title... Do have a contract for, am working on a "Pocket Guide for Pond Organisms"....>
Thanks for sharing your knowledge with those of us just starting out. Jay
<Thank you. For asking and contributing. Bob Fenner>

My coral banded shrimp
Hi, Bob. I think my coral banded shrimp has become more and more aggressive.
<This happens>
I have lost a few small damsels, 2 cleaner shrimps and 2 camel shrimps to him.
<Mmm, the shrimps I believe... but damsels? Something else may be at play here>
I didn't actually witness all the killings but since I only keep yellow tang and tomato clown so far and all the victims had been doing well until their last day, the coral banded is the only possible culprit I can think of.
<Perhaps some unidentified lurkers... Alpheid, Mantis shrimps... large bristle worm/s>
I did see how one of the lost camels died. It happened all of a sudden. Firstly, the cleaners and other camels tried to bully him, and later the coral banded joined in and finished him off with his huge claw. I did try to stop it but in vain. The lost camel seemed very weak and vulnerable. I think probably because he need to molt and so looked weak. The other shrimps then took the advantage and got rid of him. You reckon? 
<Possibly? Are they crowded? Were they being fed?>
This is also what I think how other shrimps were killed. Isn't it amazing if my guess is right, the strong ones will gang up and kill the weak ones. Actually, you did warn me that I might lose some shrimps when they were molting. Now I still got 5 shrimps left (one coral banded, two cleaners, one fire and one camel) in my 44 gal tank.
<This is too small a system...>
I guess you probably think it is still a bit too packed. I am thinking to get rid of the coral banded but I do have ambivalent feeling toward this fellow. Maybe I just let the nature decide and add no more of small fish and shrimps.
<Perhaps... and start saving, planning for a bigger system?>
Last time you advised me to feed more variety of food to my yellow tang and added some iodine and vitamin supplements to the water to help the yellow tang regain his color. I tried and it did help. The yellow tang looks a lot better now. Thank you.
<Ah, good>
I would keep sharing with my experience if  you don't mind. G'day day! Eric..
<Please do. Bob Fenner>

Banded coral Shrimp
Good day Mr. Robert,
<Good day>
I read your FAQ with big interest since I' m quite new in the salt water fishes hobby. The aquarium been installed in December but my boy friend had it for one year at his previous place. Yes, he did move out a 100 gallons aquarium from Toronto to Montreal December 30th, in a snow storm . (we had bought a new aquarium here in Montreal). Everything seams doing pretty well so far as he brought with him 60 gallons of water.
<Good idea.>
There is 80 pounds of live rock, about 10 fishes i.e. Yellow tang (Cleopatra), blue Damsel, mandarin, Cinnamon clown s , 2 star fishes , a wrasse fish (eating parasite), a new (its my favorite) baby blue surgeon fish named junior, 2 new true perculas (they are right now in a hospital tank coz one have fungus) lots of snails, crabs.
There is of course, hard & soft corals and 2 anemones (one is the carpet).
We have 2 problems that I would likely appreciate your comments about it:
1) Two weeks ago we add in the tank 2 banded Coral Shrimp, very pretty indeed , apparently it is the male and the female. The thing is the bigger one always looking for fight and did took out 2 chugs from the other one.
One already grow back after the mute. I wonder if it will be always like this because the smaller one seams very afraid and go away as soon as the
bigger one comes over. I really wish that they will get along in the future of course. What is your impression?
<Should get along better as time goes by in this size system... if same sex (as in two males), could continue to fight... kill the other one during a molt period especially... if possible, I'd move the smaller one.>
2) The second situation is that in the same time (2 weeks ago) we add a
Royal Gramma that look adult and was in a good health .Since 3 days now he vanished . Even when we feed them he doesn't come along to eat. I read that the Gramma sometimes hide in the rock but I wonder if something else did happened. I did check in the back of the tank to see if he had jump, but no he is not there. hum what do you think?
<Maybe still hiding... but more likely it did jump... do you have a cat?>
We thank you in advanced for your reply. Johanne .
<Thank you for writing, sharing your experiences, thoughts. Bob Fenner>

Coral banded shrimp, lighting, and other reef concerns
Dear Mr. Fenner
Your information is very helpful to me as I am fairly new to this hobby. My father and I had a long talk with the LFS manager about reefs. He said we should get the high output compact fluorescents that have one actinic and one regular. He said we can start with just one set and then buy another later on. 
<A worthwhile plan>
He did not recommend metal halides because of their complexity (heat, etc.). He said we could keep soft and hard corals with this setup and even a captive raised clam or two. This didn't sound quite right to me. Could I really keep a clam or two with this setup (two actinic CF and 2 reg. CF)? 
<Depends on depth of tank, what one means by "keep"... certainly more intense lighting (up to a point) will boost photosynthesis/growth of tridacnids... but if this tank is not "too deep"... let's say, the clam no more than 18 inches in water depth from the light, the proposed lighting should work... not be the zenith in growth, color... but work>
We also talked about using the tidepool wet dry in combination with another sump for algae and rocks hooked on next to it. Could you recommend a good return pump-maybe an Eheim? 
<You already have my friend>
Keeping clams never occurred to me as it seemed an impossible task with my budget.
<With knowledge, patience... not so much money>
Sorry for bothering you so much. Andrew
<Never a bother>
PS my coral banded shrimp grew a new pincher in one night!
<Ah, good. With the next molt. Bob Fenner>

Fwd: coral banded shrimp and other reef concerns
Thank you again
I have a few more questions on my future reef setup. I just got my that pet place catalog and noticed high output compact florescent lights for not much more than what I paid for my 80 watt lights, if I get these as a replacement will my lighting still be on the low side?
<A bit, but much better>
I have been researching the Turboflotor skimmer and will probably get one after I return my SeaClone. Will a Turboflotor "over skim" my system? 
<No, not to worry... if there is/was a real danger of this at some later, more established time, you can/could easily place a timer and cycle the skimmer on/off every few hours.>
I think I will not have a live rock type sump yet because it sounds very complicated and I cannot find good plans for one. 
<Will have to make permanent link to "Oz Reef"... and other websites that have much in the way of DIY plans for such... Not complicated at all... and very worthwhile>
I have already bought a Rio 2100 for my wet dry that I'm trying to sell. Should I use this as a return pump (for simple sump) or on the skimmer? 
<Of these two choices, the skimmer...>
I think you said you prefer Eheims on the Turboflotor. 
<For most everything that they can be applied to... very dependable, quiet... long lasting... great value>
Also I was thinking about how much live rock I will need. Should I go with 45 or 90 (filtration wise). My coral banded shrimp appears to be growing a new claw and I am adding calcium.
<90... and start reading, dreaming about calcium reactors... you're just the type to lead the popularity for these in your area.>
Thanks again, Andrew
<You're welcome in turn. Bob Fenner, www.wetwebmedia.com>