Fish pale in color when near cleaner shrimp!

Discussion in 'Tropical Fish' started by GjB, Jan 19, 2011.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. GjB

    GjB Skunk Shrimp

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2010
    Messages:
    265
    Location:
    Buffalo, NY, USA
    I added a Blood/Fire Shrimp to my tank today and my Yellowtail Damsels look pale...they must have temporarily lost color due to the fact that they are in close proximity of the cleaner shrimp. My damsels entrusted this shrimp within one hour in his new home...they are swimming up to the shrimp's "cleaning stations" to be cleaned of parasites. Right now the shrimp set up shop basically anywhere in the shade and the damsels are almost waiting in line for cleanings! Normally they swim up higher but apparently they know that they have to have to be cleaned of parasites. I find it amazing that fish have an inborn trust and knowledge of cleaner shrimp.

    Has anyone else heard of fish losing color in the midst of a cleaning session?
     
  2. Click Here!

  3. rc_mcwaters3

    rc_mcwaters3 Clown Trigger

    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2010
    Messages:
    2,036
    Location:
    Valdosta, Ga
    my yellow watchman Goby lose some color but hes fine after about 2 minutes my blue damsel dosnt let him touch him
     
  4. GjB

    GjB Skunk Shrimp

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2010
    Messages:
    265
    Location:
    Buffalo, NY, USA
    Ok cool it must be normal. Thanks for the response.
     
  5. evolved

    evolved Wrasse Freak

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2010
    Messages:
    4,257
    Location:
    Phoenix, AZ
    This is a natural response as it makes the parasites on the fish more visible to the shrimp.
     
  6. GjB

    GjB Skunk Shrimp

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2010
    Messages:
    265
    Location:
    Buffalo, NY, USA
    Wow pretty amazing