Fish don't like cleaner shrimp?

Discussion in 'Tropical Fish' started by Puffer Chick, Dec 8, 2009.

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  1. Puffer Chick

    Puffer Chick Giant Squid

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    I'm always seeing my cleaner shrimp trying to grab the fish but then the fish just quickly swim away.

    Is this normal between shrimp and fish?
     
    Puffer Chick, Dec 8, 2009
    Puffer Chick, Dec 8, 2009
    #1

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  2. jonjonwells

    jonjonwells Great Blue Whale

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    Not all fish will accept a cleaning from mine either. I am assuming it varies by species.
     
    jonjonwells, Dec 8, 2009
    jonjonwells, Dec 8, 2009
    #2
  3. Puffer Chick

    Puffer Chick Giant Squid

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    ok, i've been really hoping to see him clean them as it would be neat, the clowns are the ones that swim away, he hasn't had a chance to try and grab the firefish yet
     
    Puffer Chick, Dec 8, 2009
    Puffer Chick, Dec 8, 2009
    #3
  4. NeighborTomita

    NeighborTomita Banned

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    It should take some time for them to build up a relationship where both parties feel comfortable, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Once the fish accept that he is their to clean and not harm, they will be more comfortable with him, how is the dartfish doing?
     
    NeighborTomita, Dec 8, 2009
    NeighborTomita, Dec 8, 2009
    #4
  5. Puffer Chick

    Puffer Chick Giant Squid

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    ok, i've only had the shrimp for a few days.

    and as far as the dartfish goes he's finally swimming all around the tank and doing great! it's taken him a month to do this, just a very shy fish, still prefers his corner and hiding spot in the rocks but has become a lot more. I've even gotten him to eat flakes so that's exciting, and if he's hiding around feeding time, i turn the pumps off about 10 minutes before and he comes out because he just seems to know once there is no flow, that means it's food time :D
     
    Puffer Chick, Dec 8, 2009
    Puffer Chick, Dec 8, 2009
    #5
  6. bioreefdude

    bioreefdude Fu Manchu Lion Fish

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    just stick ur hand in there he'll clean it , my clowns do not i repeat DO NOT let my shrimp touch them only fish that lets him is my blenny
     
    bioreefdude, Dec 8, 2009
    bioreefdude, Dec 8, 2009
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  7. Puffer Chick

    Puffer Chick Giant Squid

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    lol i actually tried that today, he just hopped away, i think i either moved to fast or didn't leave my hand in long enough. That sucks about the clowns, i'm not getting a blenny so i'm hoping that the wrasse's and bangaii cardinal will let him clean them
     
    Puffer Chick, Dec 8, 2009
    Puffer Chick, Dec 8, 2009
    #7
  8. ayjay

    ayjay Astrea Snail

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    i have a cleaner shrimp as well, and the clowns are actually a bit aggressive towards it. they don't like the cleaner shrimp at all but my flame angel uses the shrimp's services all the time, even since the first night i introduced it into the tank. maybe clowns and cleaner shrimps don't mix :confused:
     
    ayjay, Dec 8, 2009
    ayjay, Dec 8, 2009
    #8
  9. Dingo

    Dingo Giant Squid

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    most tangs let them clean... some species more than others
     
    Dingo, Dec 8, 2009
    Dingo, Dec 8, 2009
    #9
  10. bioreefdude

    bioreefdude Fu Manchu Lion Fish

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    maybe we'll see. yeah just give it time hell be climbing all over u
     
    bioreefdude, Dec 8, 2009
    bioreefdude, Dec 8, 2009
    #10
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