Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
By Bob Goemans
Hi Bob,
You helped me set up a 75 gallon marine tank last year and I just want to send you an update report. Without you I wouldn't have enjoyed the past year with my tank. I have been going on snorkeling trips to our Bay Islands and have collected several specimens for my tank, including live rock, anemones, crabs, shrimp, snails, macroalgae, brittle stars, fan worms, feather dusters, etc. I and everybody that visits us loves my tank.
As of right now I have 2 Yellowtail Blue Demoiselles, 2 Ocellaris Clowns, 1 Clarks Clown (lives in a Condylactis), 1 Yellow Tang, 1 Blue Tang, 1 Fox Face, 1 Bicolor Blenny, 1 Longnose Hawkfish, 1 Royal Dottyback, and 1 Purple Firefish. As for the Inverts; 2 ringed anemones (collected), 2 Condylactis (1 collected), 1 bubble tip anemone, 1 tube anemone, 5 feather dusters, several hermit crabs, emerald crabs, 2 - 3 mantis shrimp all collected or stowaways on the live rock, and 1 Banded Coral Shrimp (bought).
I know that my light is still not enough for the anemones, as I presently use two 65W compact fluorescents, and hope to double that soon. Remember, I can't buy anything here, as there are no aquarium stores in my area. I do not intend to add anything more to my tank. Yet maybe an occasional live rock in case I go snorkeling again. My fish seek out the Banded Coral Shrimp for cleaning, but he doesn't do it. What other shrimp or fish can you recommend for that purpose?
Thank you again,
Bernd Losert
La Ceiba, Honduras
Hi Bernd,
The snorkeling trips to the Bay Islands sounds fascinating, and when and if we visit some of our family living in Honduras, they actually only live 20 minutes from you, I may also do some snorkeling in that area. And, when that trip happens, we will finally get to visit with each other!
As for your bioload, it has swelled since the last time we spoke. Its really is in excess for your size aquarium, however, if all are getting along with each other I would leave it be. If not, the troublemakers should be removed, and I would begin with trying to rid the tank of the mantis shrimps. Depending upon their size, they 'will' attack whatever they feel they can eat! And that's going to mostly happen at night, so be aware there's danger lurking in your tank.
As for Banded Coral Shrimp, they do accomplish cleaning in the wild, however, rarely exhibit those activities in captivity. I would recommend 'Lysmata amboinensis' generally called the Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp. It is one of the most popular of all cleaner shrimp. This beauty has two red longitudinal stripes separated by a white stripe that terminates in a white blotched inverted "T" on the tail fan. It also has extremely long white antennae. This 3 inch (8 cm) cleaner shrimp can be kept in small groups, and will come directly onto your hand to take pieces of clam, shrimp, krill, mussels, frozen mysis, fresh fish flesh and the hair off the back of your hand. It is frequently in view during the day, yet may pick/steal food from corals, but does not seem to be destructive. Since these shrimp are hermaphroditic spawners (possess both male and female sex organs), all adult members of the group produce eggs and are fertilized by another member of the group. Therefore, any two of these shrimp is sufficient to propagate the species, if they like each other! Take note, as I know your aquarium runs a little warm at times, they seem to be sensitive to temperatures above the low eighties. Photos of these shrimp are on my website.
Could be in your area that 'Lysmata grabhami' usually called the 'Candy Cane Cleaner Shrimp' may be more available. It is similar in appearance to L. amboinensis, and sometimes called the Caribbean L. amboinensis. It has its white stripe edged in white at the tail fan. Same requirements.
Keep in mind the above mentioned cleaners don't have a claw, and therefore they are quite defenseless, especially to mantis shrimp!
Enjoy,
Bob
