clam vs. peppermint shrimp

[Anonymous]

Got a clam about two weeks ago...doing great. Noticed last night the peppermint shrimp hanging around and poking at it...thought it was just a general cleaning. Woke up this morning and found the clam mantle detached and a about a dime size eaten. Question...anything I can do?...are peppermint shrimps normally not allowed with clams? I thought they were fine...beware, apparently not! What a horrible lesson.

 

[reefman23]

Sorry we all missed this post. I kept a peppermint with two croceas and all was well. I have never heard of them injuring clams.... doesnt mean that it isnt possible though. Are you sure it was a peppermint shrimp? Was the clam looking well before this incident?

Jesse

 

[Anonymous]

peppermint shrimp culprit

Thanks for the reply....yes, I am sure it was the peppermint shrimp caught in the act, however, I think my blue legs gave him a little help. There is nothing else in the tank that could have done it. The clam was doing great and adjusted well to tank. Maybe it had some hidden problem the shrimp could detect.

About two months ago I had a new clam, crocea, and may not have been in good health when purchased. That clam was immediately attacked and died within 24 hrs....did not know it was the shrimp, I assumed the clam was sick from the start. My shrimp also attacks my cowries which I also did not know they do...a hard lesson. I feel awful about the clams...will not torture another. It has definitely made me rethink what I am introducing and research, research. I have since found other websites that do not recommend clams with shrimps.

 

[islandcreation]

Thanks for the information. I was planning on getting peppermints but I do have two clams too. Hmmmm... right now I'm at a 50/50 since there are two of you with opposite experiences. Can anyone leave any feedback about this? Thanks :mrgreen: