will my bicolor psuedochromis bother shrimp?

sweetriden76 · 02-29-2008, 04:30 PM

I read that these fish may eat "decorative" shrimp, and was wondering what all that intails, I do want to add some peppermints, and a cleaner shrimp. and maybe a sexy shrimp or two to the tank, will he attack, or Ishould say is it likely that he will attack any of these, hes about 2 inches, and fits the psuedochromis stereotype of being very territorial, he only chased my clowns for a day or two though and now he leaves them be unless the approach him quickly. it's a cool fish and I'd hate to have to get rid of it because it will be an invert killer

Breed · 02-29-2008, 04:40 PM

They are a small but fiercely aggressive fish, and from what I have read and experiences, they are not shrp friendly and prey upon many species, as they fit into their natural food diet. They are adept predator and can move very quickly when needed, and along with their razor like teeth, will devour shrimp and many other inverts. Bi-colours are one of the least aggressive of the psedochromis family, but I would advise you against this.

Breed

philip_r5 · 02-29-2008, 04:47 PM

The first thing I like to do before I get a fish is to read up on it. The first step I will look at Saltwaterfish.com - Saltwater Fish, Saltwater Fish Aquariums, Tropical Fish, and Saltwater Fish Tanks and read about the livestock I want to get there first to see if it fits a certain thing. However, This is not the only place I search. I only look here first to see if they fit one or two things usually if they are reef safe and what they eat. It tells if they are aggressive and other things as well. But I usually will take its sciencetific name and search more about the species. I suggest that if you plain on getting other stuff to look it up and compare. Also make sure before you buy anything that it will all be compatable. Don't try to keep something that shouldnt be with something else. You are just asking for troubles. Granted sometimes you can get away with it but... Why try ? IMO and Im sure others Research before you buy. And Make sure everything is compatable with each other. (Ecosystem)

sweetriden76 · 02-29-2008, 04:53 PM

I did look it up, not super extensively, but it says reef compatible, semi-agressive, will eat ornamental shrimp, and prey on bristle worms, I can take it back for full credit, should I get rid of it...

sweetriden76 · 02-29-2008, 05:03 PM

oh, as for stuff that may go in, the biggest want is a skunk cleaner shrimp, it I could have that and maybe something like a sally litefoot crab I'd be ok, he hasnt bothered my snails or hermits yet, that I know of, although he may be behind my large electric blue losing an eyestalk...didnt think of that till just now, he may have to go

philip_r5 · 02-29-2008, 05:03 PM

Think of it this way! One fish that isn't even really intreging looking vs many inverts (sexy shrimp

) , plus they are aggressive fish. I wouldn't buy one for a tank. If you could I would and possibly pick up your cleaner shrimp with the refund. They are a great addition to a tank and especailly a new tank.

sweetriden76 · 02-29-2008, 05:04 PM

yeah, I think I will, I thought he was a good looking and interesting fish, Ill get rid of him though...thanks...

philip_r5 · 02-29-2008, 05:07 PM

They are cool looking and add color but, IMO I wouldn't buy one because they are aggressive and may eat shrimp or small inverts. Also maybe wait a day or so get some other peoples opinions Dont want you to just take my word

Edit. Do you have any pics of your tank? I like seeing cubes

sweetriden76 · 02-29-2008, 05:47 PM

hopefully more will chime in on the subject, it's an interesting fish to watch, which is why I'd like to keep it if possible, heres a pic of the tank, you can see him in the back, the sand looks deeper cause the current stacked it up a little in the front, you can see my first coral(pics dont show off its colors at all) coralline really starting to show up...I need to know by about noon tomorrow if I need to get rid of him or not though... cause I'd be getting the shrimps sunday

lunatik_69 · 02-29-2008, 06:40 PM

I had one for a little over 4 yrs and a cleaner shrimp sharing a 45g tall tank. Never bothered the shrimp, but then again, the CS was as big as him if not bigger. One trick that might work is to make sure the shrimp is as big or bigger than the fish. Luna