Camel Shrimp Experiences?

So my first shrimp i wanted for my 20 gallon high was a Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp, however these are $30 dollars at my fish store each. I really liked those shrimp because of their cleaner behavior to other fishes. However camel shrimp are only $9 each and i like how they tend to interact and appreciate others of the same species. Another option is the Coral banded shrimp which is only $11 dollars. So either i get multiple camel shrimp or 1 coral banded. what do you think? I dont really like the size of the coral banded, seems like it would be too distracting in a small tank like mine....

 

how big is your tank? If it is big enough I would look into a Blood Shrimp they are awesome and very interactive with fish. In the wild they have cleaning stations set up on the reef and fish automatically know to go to them to get a cleaning. Its kind of like a carwash. I have actually watched fish in a line to go get cleaned when I had problems with my tank.

 

its a 20 gallon high. Definately not getting one of those $45 dollars at LFS and im not doing the whole shipping livestock thing. haha

 

Camel shrimp are not reef safe, get peppermint shrimp instead.

Scarlet cleaner shrimp and fire( blood) shrimp are great to have, but as you stated, pricey. Start with a peppermint first to see how it does.

Don't get a coral banded shrimp if you want a cleaner shrimp, or peppermint int he future. Coral banded shrimp have been known to dismantle and eat the cleaner shrimp and peppermints.

 

so what do you think? either multiple peppermint shrimp (which apparently hide during the day) or a coral banded? do you think a coral banded looks too distracting by its large size in a small tank like mine?

 

Peppermints do hide during the day.

I would try 1 or 2 of those, then get a scarlet cleaner after you can keep those.

 

not really trying to have shy fish/inverts... coral banded seems cool but a bit large.

 

As stated camel shrimp will absolutely destroy corals. You could do a coral banded, but be careful adding anything else shrimp wise as they are pretty aggressive. I would ask your LFS why they are charging double the going rate for cleaner shrimp, and maybe pick one up somewhere else

 

no kidding, i have never paid over $18 for a shrimp.

 

well they really are the only place i know of that has inverts/ such a wide range of live stock aaruond where i live. They know they are overpriced and they usually dont take kindly to asking why..... I may just go with the bc shrimp due to its cheap cost. I would much rather a cleaner shrimp but i am not going to pay $30 for something that very likely can die easily.