scarlet cleaner shrimp and tricadna clams didn't mix well for me...

[brccoins]

The shrimp kept on disturbing my clams all day and they weren't able to get any light so I had to remove him.

[SDguy]

Shrimp tend to pick on sick or dying animals, IME. My shrimp don't touch my tridacnids.

[Aquabucket]

Originally posted by SDguy
Shrimp tend to pick on sick or dying animals, IME. My shrimp don't touch my tridacnids.

Although this is true it does not mean the clam was unhealthy or dieing! Cleaners can also search for food particles that collect on the mantle. If they find their search to be successful they will come back again and again. brccoins is not the only person to have this problem with cleaners irritating a healthy clam in this way.

[SDguy]

Originally posted by Aquabucket
Although this is true it does not mean the clam was unhealthy or dieing! Cleaners can also search for food particles that collect on the mantle. If they find their search to be successful they will come back again and again. brccoins is not the only person to have this problem with cleaners irritating a healthy clam in this way.

Well, that's why I didn't say "Your clam was already sick or dying."

However, as a beginner, I think it is good for brccoins to consider this very distinct possibility. FWIW, I've been keeping tridacnids since my first tank in 1989, and lots of shrimp. Never had this problem. Not saying it can't happen, just hasn't to me. So I'm just relaying my personal experience.

And BTW, even if the clam was sick or dying, that doesn't mean it was brccoins's fault either. Lots of factors here. He should take all the info in, and make an educated guess as to what is happening.

[AquaReeferMan]

I have 3 cleaners and they have never bothered my clams in the 2 years Ive had them all.

[brccoins]

All 4 of my clams are perfectly fine and healthy since I removed the shrimp. I also have a peppermint shrimp (at least I think I do) and he leaves them alone.