Flame Hawk & Cleaner Shrimp - compatible?

[Jana]

Question: I am considering adding a Flame Hawk to my 75 gallon tank. The only thing is that one of the inhabitants is a cleaner shrimp. I have heard that Flame Hawks eat small shrimps so I was wondering how likely the Flame Hawk will bother the cleaner shrimp. This particular cleaner shrimp likes hanging out in my colt coral for some reason & not in the rock work. Thanks - Jana

 

[reefsnreptiles1]

The shrimp would most likely become a meal. 8)

 

[pr0nd3xtr]

I have a flame hawkfish with a cleaner and 2 camel shrimp. Never seen him bother any of them. He isnt that large though.

 

[Expos Forever]

Decent-sized flamehawk + large fire shrimp= 1 dead fire shrimp. One day he took a good bite out of him, he healed only to be eventually torn to bits. So it definitely does happen. All depends on the individual I guess. I know I will never take the chance again as long as my flame is in my tank.

 

[Anonymous]

I have a 2" flame that has never bothered the 2" cleaner I purchased last summer.

So, the answer to your question is the same as that of many questions in this wonderful hobby: maybe.

Chris

 

[Jana]

Thanks for all the replies! I will definitely have to rethink the Flame Hawk issue. I am not sure about adding him to the 75 gallon, but maybe the new 100 gallon when it gets here! - Jana

 

[Expos Forever]

I should have said he's a great, personable, beautiful fish a great addition to a tank without shrimp.