Pistol and Cleaner shrimp together?

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by john1948, Jul 8, 2010.

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  1. john1948

    john1948 Feather Duster

    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2009
    Messages:
    204
    Location:
    Albuquerque, New Mexico
    I purchased a red Pistol Shrimp a few months ago from my LFS. At that time, I was told (by my LFS) that it would be safe to add a few cleaner shrimp whenever I was ready. However, I just viewed a video on u-tube that shows a Pistol Shrimp shooting a Cleaner Shrimp, rendering the cleaner unconscious then taking his victim into his lair to eat. Do any of you have both shrimps in your tank? Any problems?
     
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  3. Caseyds7NY

    Caseyds7NY Fire Worm

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2010
    Messages:
    158
    Location:
    Albany, NY
    I have a tiger pistol, 2 cleaners, an emerald, and a porcelain crab and never had any problems. They walk past each other all the time and no issues.
     
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  4. phoenixhieghts

    phoenixhieghts Panda Puffer

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2007
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    2,121
    Location:
    Manchester UK
    Its a risk.... theres no doubt about it.
     
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  5. blackraven1425

    blackraven1425 Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2010
    Messages:
    4,780
    It's a risk, but a relatively small one. Pistols and cleaners occupy different niches on the reef, and the cleaner likely won't ever hang out at the bottom of the tank where the pistol will have a burrow.
     
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