by Saltwater Smarts | Jul 16, 2016 | Fish, Invertebrates, Reef, Science
Harlequin Tuskfish (Choerodon fasciatus)QuestionTwo weeks ago, I added a harlequin tuskfish to my 90-gallon reef tank with the understanding that it’s a peaceful fish. Then this morning, the stupid thing ate my skunk cleaner shrimp right in front of me! Was I misinformed about this fish’s temperament? Eating tankmates whole seems like pretty aggressive behavior to me. Also, I was under the impression that predatory fish usually leave cleaner shrimp alone because they recognize that they’re helpful. Is that not the case?” – Submitted by Jen Answer I don’t know that I’d say you’ve been misinformed about this species’ temperament exactly, but it may be that you’ve misinterpreted or misapplied a few terms here. by Joe Rowlett | Jul 15, 2016 | Science
Biological Controls Multiple species of Elacatinus Cleaner Gobies have been shown to severely reduce the presence of skin flukes in captivity, though their success rate appears somewhat variable (~50-99%) and may relate to maintaining the right ratio of cleaners to... by Dan Rigle | Jul 9, 2013 | Invertebrates, Photography
This large Naso vlamingi surgeon fish is enjoying a good cleaning from this cleaner shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis). Employing natural forms of parasite control in a reef aquarium is a necessity, and will many times prevent disease and parasites from becoming a problem... by Kenneth Wingerter | Apr 18, 2013 | Invertebrates
As far as aquarists may be concerned, the skunk shrimp or cleaner shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis) is the quintessential “reef safe” crustacean; it not only exhibits minimal interspecific aggression, but it also “cleans” (hence, one of its common names) by feeding on the...
