Emperor Shrimp Information (help Ophiura or critter people)

[55galgill]

Hey everyone,
Im planing on making a purchase soon and i wanted some information on kind of a rare shrimp. I have seen this shrimp on sale at that famous Dr's place and I couldnt find much info on him. I'm hoping someone out there knows some info on this speicies. About the only thing i found was that they have a "commensal" relationship with sea cukes. Im hoping that its not the type of relationship that harliquins have with echinoderms if you follow my drift. I have a black sea cuke in my tank for over three years, he's fat, he's healthy, and if i could get a symbiotic relationship with the shrimp and the cuke then this would rock. any info helps

thanks in advance
Gill

 

[55galgill]

a-n-y-b-o-d-y

 

[ophiura]

Hi, well the shrimp is Periclimenes imperator and it is sometimes found in association with nudibranchs as well. I don't know a lot about it, but I believe it is a true commensal, basically seeking protection on animals that have defenses from being eaten (eg nudibranchs and cukes both have toxins or other means of defense). I do not believe it is a parasitism where the shrimp would harm the cuke. All references are purely to commensalism (which is a type of relationship where one animal benefits and the other is unharmed).
I didn't find much on diets however. I suspect also that if it doesn't take to that cuke it may not survive long, but I don't know for sure.

 

[candycane]

Hi,
These shrimp will usually "host" a cucumber for protection without really doing anything. I have seen several of them doing this.

 

[rebelprettyboy]

interesting. I was lookin at this shrimp at the Dr's place. Not wanting to buy it though. But learn about it!

 

[55galgill]

Thanks ophiura & others. the Dr's place actually has it listed as easy to take care of. I know this really means nothing, manderins are easy to take care of if you have a billion pods

i think im going to give it a go. I have not seen a shrimp that will pass up a meaty treat of some sort (except for harliquins). I'll
let you guys know how it goes

 

[lsu]

Keep us posted if you get it.