As a long-time reef keeper, I’ve heard countless claims about cleaner shrimp being a natural solution for ich in marine tanks Let me break down what we really know about these fascinating creatures and their relationship with the dreaded marine ich parasite
The Quick Answer
Cleaner shrimp will pick and eat ich parasites from fish, but they cannot cure or fully control an ich infection. While they may provide some temporary relief, cleaner shrimp should not be relied upon as a primary treatment method.
Understanding How Cleaner Shrimp Help
Here’s what cleaner shrimp actually do:
- Pick visible parasites, including ich cysts, off fish’s body
- Clean fish’s gills, which can help prevent suffocation from heavy ich infections
- Provide some stress relief for infected fish
- May reduce overall parasite load in the tank
Why Cleaner Shrimp Aren’t a Complete Solution
Several important limitations make cleaner shrimp ineffective as a standalone ich treatment:
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Can’t catch all stages Ich has multiple life stages – cleaner shrimp can only eat the visible cysts on fish not the free-swimming stages
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Limited access: Shrimp can’t clean inside fish’s gills where many parasites hide
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No prevention: Cleaner shrimp don’t stop new ich infections from occurring
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Timing issues: By the time visible cysts appear, the infection is already well established
What Actually Works for Ich Control
Instead of relying solely on cleaner shrimp, here’s what we recommend:
Proven Treatment Methods:
- Copper treatment (fish-only tanks)
- Hyposalinity treatment
- Tank transfer method
- UV sterilization (for prevention)
Supporting Measures:
- Quarantine all new fish
- Maintain excellent water quality
- Feed high-quality foods with immune boosters
- Reduce fish stress
How to Use Cleaner Shrimp Effectively
While not a cure, cleaner shrimp can still be valuable tank members:
- Keep multiple shrimp for better coverage
- Provide proper hiding spots so shrimp feel secure
- Feed varied diet so they stay healthy
- Use alongside proper ich treatment methods
My Personal Experience
In my 120-gallon reef, I’ve kept cleaner shrimp for years. While they definitely help keep my fish cleaner and healthier overall, I’ve still had to deal with ich outbreaks using proper treatment methods The shrimp are great helpers but not miracle workers!
Common Myths vs Reality
Let’s bust some common misconceptions:
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Cleaner shrimp cure ich | They only provide temporary relief |
| Shrimp prevent ich outbreaks | They can’t stop new infections |
| One shrimp is enough | Multiple shrimp work better |
| Shrimp replace medical treatment | Proper treatment is still needed |
Tips for Success with Cleaner Shrimp
To get the most benefit from your cleaner shrimp:
- Start with at least 2-3 shrimp in larger tanks
- Create multiple cleaning stations with rock work
- Ensure proper feeding beyond just parasites
- Monitor shrimp behavior and health
- Don’t rely on them as primary ich control
The Bottom Line
While cleaner shrimp are awesome reef inhabitants that can help control parasites, they aren’t a substitute for proper ich treatment. Use them as part of your overall tank maintenance strategy, but be prepared to implement real treatments when needed.
Remember – there’s no magic bullet for ich control. A combination of good husbandry, proper quarantine, and appropriate treatment methods when needed will keep your fish healthy in the long run.
Looking for more info on reef tank maintenance? Check out our other articles on marine parasites and natural tank cleaning crews!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article in more detail?
Do cleaner shrimp eat ich?
Yes, cleaner shrimp can help control ich (a common fish parasite) by eating the parasites off infected fish during their cleaning sessions. However, this should not be relied on for treatment of ich in your tank.
Care Guide & Information
Properly acclimating cleaner shrimp to your tank is crucial for minimizing stress and avoiding shock.
- Turn off your tank lights and float the sealed bag containing the shrimp in your aquarium to equalize the water temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Gradually introduce small amounts of tank water into the bag every 10 minutes over an hour to match water parameters.
- Gently net the shrimp out of the bag and release it into your tank, discarding the bag water to prevent contaminating your system.
Creating a habitat that mirrors their natural environment is vital for the well-being of cleaner shrimp.
They thrive in tanks with plenty of live rock and crevices for hiding and molting.
A sandy substrate combined with ample hiding spots offers a stress-free space for these invertebrates.
Maintaining stable water conditions—temperature, pH, and salinity within their preferred range—is essential for their health.
- Temperature: 74°F to 78°F
- pH: 8.1 to 8.4
- Salinity: 1.023 to 1.025 specific gravity
Cleaner shrimp are not picky eaters, but ensuring they receive adequate nutrition can be challenging in a community tank setting where other inhabitants might outcompete them for food.
What do cleaner shrimp eat?
- Parasites and dead tissue from fish (their natural diet)
- Critters living on algae
- High-quality frozen foods such as brine shrimp and mysis shrimp
- Flake foods and pellets designed for marine species (occasionally)
- Small pieces of fish or seafood as occasional treats
- Some Peppermint Shrimp will prey on Aiptasia Anemones
Feeding them directly with tweezers can ensure they get their share, especially in the early days when they’re still shy.
Skunk Cleaner Shrimp Easy To Care For Cleaner For Your Reef Aquarium!
FAQ
Do cleaner shrimp eat parasites?
The spotted cleaner shrimp is the dentist of the reef. These shrimp eat parasites, dead skin, and pesky food bits stuck in the mouths of fish. Entering the mouth of a potential predator may seem suicidal but the shrimp are so good at their job that fish will line up to have their mouths cleaned by the cleaner shrimp.
Will cleaner wrasse eat ich?
No, cleaner wrasse do not eat ich.
Can Ick survive on shrimp?
In general, most parasitic organisms have specific hosts and cannot live on/in other organisms. Just as you won’t get ich from your fish, your shrimp won’t either.
How to treat ick in a shrimp tank?
There are numerous techniques for treating ich, from gentle herbal solutions to very invasive ones, but after years of testing, Aquarium Solutions Ich-X is our medication of choice. It’s very effective and safe to use with any fish (even scaleless ones), shrimp, snails, and live plants.