One Cleaner Shrimp Or Two?

[Funkoid]

I'm obviously limited with my 125ltr but I was reading today that cleaner shrimp demonstrate more natural behaviour if kept in pairs? I'm tempted to have an extra shrimp and have one less fish if need be as although my cleaner has been shy thus far he's provided a fair amount of entertainment when out and about... What do you guys think?

 

[HappyGeorge]

What fish do you have in there? Certain fish are more likely to allow themselves to be cleaned than others, never see my Clowns cleaned and I don't think most wrasse are that keen. In fact in my whole tank the only thing that really likes being cleaned is the Algae Blenny.

 

[Funkoid]

None as of yet - clowns are going to be my first at the weekend though.

 

[HappyGeorge]

None as of yet - clowns are going to be my first at the weekend though.

Just don't expect to see too much cleaning, a lot of the reef safe fish aren't really the ones that like being cleaned. They are brilliant creatures though.

 

[Funkoid]

Presume there will be enough to feed the shrimp though? Is there anything you can give them as a bit of a treat or is it unnecessary?

 

[MrLiam]

I target fed my cleaner with a piece of flake and he just comes and takes it off of you.

 

[HappyGeorge]

Presume there will be enough to feed the shrimp though? Is there anything you can give them as a bit of a treat or is it unnecessary?

They will grab anything that comes close, putting a piece of frozen food that isn't fully dissolved within reach is hilarious, they sort of grab it with all their legs and thrash away at it with everything they have creating a Mysis storm in the tank. They will live on leftovers no problem they don't need feeding they will come out and chase round the tank for what they want but they are also fun to feed as Mr Liam says. Have you tried sticking your hand in and letting him clean it yet?

 

[Funkoid]

.... without realising it yeah, he scared me to death the first time he did it!!

 

[-Nemo-]

2 cleaners = free food every two weeks for the fish.
Babies nom nom nom!

 

[Funkoid]

Very tempted to get another on the way home tonight now, just worried about them having enough food

 

[MrLiam]

They will have plenty to eat don't worry

 

[woody88]

I might try and target feed my cleaner. He always climbs onto my arm everytime my hand is in the tank, looking for any dirt on me or dead skin!