Shrimp:
Cleaner Shrimp:
Total size: about 3in.
Scientific Name:
Cleaner shrimp are one of the more attractive species of shrimp. They aren't always the cheapest of all shrimp, but are worth the money. They eat micro organisms off of your fish. The fish in your tank will line up in a type of cleansing line, in a non threatening position and allow the shrimp to pick through the fish's mouth, gills, and body. If you have a hawkfish, or shark, watch out for your shrimp because they may attack your shrimp, or give it a deadly thrust.
Tank mates:
Community type fish only
Pepermint Shrimp:
Total size: about 2in.
Scientific Name:
You will most likely never this shrimp again in your tank, they are strickly night lovers. These shrimp will clean up, by eating left overs, some types of algaes, and other waste given off naturally. Another shrimp to watch around hawkfish.
Tank mates:
Community type fish only
Crabs:
Blue Leg Crab:
Total size: depending on shell size, rarely larger than 1in.
Scientific Name:
Small, non aggresive, and very hardy, these small crabs are a great clean up crew. It is said that should buy 1 of these per pound of live rock in your tank because they get themselves lost in the caves and in the sand. I personally do not keep over 5 of these in my 120 gallon aquarium because they eat the same food as many other animals living with them. This way no one goes hungry.
Tank mates:
Community type fish only
Anemone Crab (porcelain crab):
Total size: around 1 1/2 in.
Scientific Name:
Anemone crabs an odd addition to your tank. They will find a "host" in which they will live in and clean up after. The host is usually an anemone of some type, but I have seen these creatures in organisms such as sea weed and mushrooms. They have fan like hands that spread out and catch small creatures in the water. They also help to keep the host clean by eating its waste. These creatures do not bother their host at all. I introduced mine to caudy anemones because clownfish will not live in caudys, but the anemones still have something taking care of them.
Tank mates:
Community type fish only
Lobster:
Purple Lobster:
Total size: around 5 in.
Scientific Name:
A very attractive, and very interesting creature, that once introduced to your tank, you will never see again. This lobster doesn't grow as large as many of the other lobsters in the trade. It will eat food fallen in the rocks, and like shrimp feels more comfortable at night. Watch out for small fish and other animals that this lobster might be able to catch, because it will eat them.
Tank mates:
Community type fish only
