Cleaner Shrimp

[fishhooked]

I got a cleaner shrimp this weekend and he is causing my six-line to freak out. The shrimp decided that he liked one of the six-line's favorite spots and every time that the wrasse stops there the shrimp goes to do his job. The wrasse doesn't like this and has started darting at the shrimp. Will they get used to each other and get along or is this going to be a longer term problem requiring me to choose who to keep?

 

[nacl-h2o]

They will work it all out after a while.

 

[sandy]

My Purple Tang (who now has a new home) did not like the Cleaner. No harm was done. They got used to each other. I love cleaner shrimp!

 

[fishhooked]

That is very good news. I really didn't want to get rid of either.
BTW, is it a bad idea to play with the cleaner?When I put my hand in the tank he is very interested in cleaning my hand. Is it safe to let him do this?

 

[sandy]

Dunno. I hand feed mine from time to time and let 'em climb my arm. Of course my arms and hands are scrubbed, well rinsed and dryed before I touch the tank water.
Also... I "play" with him through the glass... I wiggle my fingers and he rears up and comes up to the glass to watch me be an idiot.

 

[cotton0627]

fishhooked...i've observed the lfs guy playing with the cleaner shrimp too. I trust him, so I don't think there is any harm in it.

 

[wrassecal]

I hope there's no harm, we let our cleaners climb on our hands too!

 

[fshhub]

hehe, let the climb on your hand or arm, and they will also clean your arm too (seriously)