Hey reef keepers! I’ve been keeping cleaner shrimp for years, and one of the most common questions I get is about their diet. These fascinating little creatures are amazing additions to any saltwater tank, but feeding them right can be tricky. Let me break down everything you need to know about what cleaner shrimp eat and how to keep them healthy.
Natural Diet in the Wild
In their natural habitat cleaner shrimp are like the dentists of the ocean! Their main diet includes
- Parasites from fish
- Dead skin and scales
- Fish mucus
- Algae
- Detritus (organic debris)
- Plankton
Feeding Your Cleaner Shrimp in the Aquarium
In our home tanks, these little guys need some help getting proper nutrition. Here’s what I’ve found works best:
Best Foods to Offer
Frozen Foods:
- Mysis shrimp (their absolute favorite!)
- Brine shrimp
- Rod’s food
- Cyclopeeze
Dry Foods
- Marine flakes
- Small pellets
- Spirulina powder
Fresh Foods
- Small pieces of seafood
- Blanched vegetables
- Fish eggs
Feeding Schedule and Tips
I usually feed my cleaner shrimp 1-2 times daily. Here’s what works:
- Feed small amounts
- Target feed when possible
- Feed after the fish have eaten
- Offer food near their favorite spots
Pro tip: If you’re having trouble getting food to your shrimp, try feeding at night when they’re more active!
Common Feeding Challenges
Let’s be real – these guys can be picky eaters! Here are some issues you might face:
- Competition from fish
- Shy feeding behavior
- Small mouths limiting food size
- Getting outcompeted by faster tank mates
Solutions:
- Use a turkey baster for target feeding
- Feed in multiple spots
- Offer variety in food types
- Feed after lights out
Signs of a Well-Fed Cleaner Shrimp
Your cleaner shrimp is getting enough food if:
- Shows active cleaning behavior
- Has bright, vibrant colors
- Molts regularly (every 4-6 weeks)
- Comes out regularly during feeding time
Tank Requirements for Healthy Feeding
For optimal feeding conditions, maintain:
- Temperature: 72-78°F
- Salinity: 1.021-1.025
- Tank size: Minimum 5 gallons
- Plenty of hiding spots
- Clean water conditions
My Personal Experience
When I first started keeping cleaner shrimp, I made the mistake of just letting them scavenge. Big mistake! Now I make sure to target feed them, and wow, what a difference! They’re more active, colorful, and do a much better job cleaning my fish.
Feeding Different Types of Cleaner Shrimp
Different species might have slightly different preferences:
- Skunk Cleaner Shrimp: More aggressive feeders
- Blood Red Fire Shrimp: Often more shy during feeding
- Peppermint Shrimp: Great at finding their own food
FAQ
Q: Do cleaner shrimp eat ich?
A: Yes, they can help with ich by eating parasites, but don’t rely on them as the only treatment.
Q: Can cleaner shrimp eat fish food?
A: Yep! They’ll happily munch on most marine fish foods, but it shouldn’t be their only food source.
Q: Do I need to feed cleaner shrimp if they’re cleaning fish?
A: Yes! While they get some nutrition from cleaning, supplemental feeding is important for their health.
Remember, every tank is different, and you might need to adjust these feeding guidelines based on your specific setup. The key is observation and consistency. Watch your shrimp’s behavior and adjust accordingly. Happy reefing, everyone!
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.
Behavior & Tank Mates
Cleaner shrimp are peaceful inhabitants that get along with most reef-safe fish and invertebrates. Other tank mates often appreciate their cleaning services, although some larger or more aggressive species might see them as food rather than helpers.
They do not pose any threat to corals or other sessile invertebrates.
Healthy cleaner shrimp are active with clear eyes and vibrant colors. Signs of stress or illness include lethargy, lack of appetite, or faded colors. Molting is normal and indicates good health. However, you must ensure enough hiding spots to protect them during this vulnerable time.
Breeding cleaner shrimp in home aquariums is extremely challenging but not impossible. A pair will often spawn after molting if conditions mimic their natural habitat closely. Stable water parameters and plenty of food are key factors here.
However, raising the larvae to adulthood requires specific setups that mimic planktonic stages in open water. These setups are complicated and expensive for average hobbyists.
Beyond the basics of care, a few nuggets of wisdom can elevate your experience with cleaner shrimp. These insights are born from the trials, errors, and successes of fellow hobbyists, including myself. Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Molting Preparation: Cleaner shrimp may hide more and eat less before molting. This is normal behavior as they prepare for the vulnerable phase of shedding their exoskeleton.
- Feeding Finesse: While they’re not picky eaters, offering a variety in their diet can enhance their coloration and activity level. Think of it as spicing up their life!
- Observation is Key: Regularly watching your cleaner shrimp provides enjoyment and allows you to catch any signs of stress or illness.
- Handling With Care: When necessary, be gentle in handling them. Their bodies are delicate, especially right after molting when their new exoskeleton hasn’t hardened yet.