Shrimp disturbing corals?

I have a gorgeous mushroom coral that has been happy and plump for 3 months. Last week my camelback shrimp took up housekeeping on the coral, and the coral seems quite disturbed. It has shriveled, extending only a few polyps at a time and showing signs of stress (mucous-like strands). Is the shrimp causing the problem? Everyone else in the tank is fine.

 

Some camelback shrimp have been known to eat corals. If it's not eating the coral, it might be picking food off of it.

 

Yep, camelback shrimps aren't really considered reef safe in that regards. Should probably try and remove it.

Also on a side note, when people are looking to buy peppermint shrimp, make sure you're getting those instead of camelbacks. They can look similar are can be easily confused.

Good luck.

 

Yes what they said I'd get it out asap. Not at all reef safe

 

thanks...

thanks for your input all... I got the little bugger outa there and back to the lfs. Tonight the coral is back to it's plump self.

 

how did you catch the camelback. i have one that is destroying my corals...and fast as lightning! i can not even get close with a net...

 

Snake Plissken?!?!?! I heard you was dead!!!

 

Some shrimp are better than others in a reef tank, unfortunately, Camels aren't one of them! They often will attack certain corals, and at the very least, will annoy corals by stealing food from them or crawling on them.
Go with Cleaner, Fire and Peppermint shrimp instead, but caution should be used with adding them as well!

 

glad to hear you got it out

 

thats exactly why camel shrimp are no good.peppermint shrimp can at times be the same way.then again there is no garanty with any crab or shrimp