Cleaner Shrimp and Clam

[mrsaltwaterguy]

I have a blue Crocea clam that was doing well up until I came home today. It was closed and it appeared that some hermits were picking at it. I sumped the hermits and then the cleaner shrimp started going after it as well. Is this normal or are those not meant to be together?

 

[robert]

Never had a cleaner shrimp bother a healthy clam... kept both for many years.

 

[Dr. Phil]

As far as I know a cleaner shrimp should be fine with a clam...

 

[mrsaltwaterguy]

That's why it's so confusing to me. I've had the clam for months now and the shrimp never even looked at it. My only guess is that somehow the clams health deteriorated over night and it has some dead flesh or other parts that the shrimp are going for.

 

[reef lover]

yup him and the hermits r opportunistic and they'll smell the clam long before we know its ailing.....probably on its way out ...sorry.

 

[ReeferBob]

Sounds like your clam is on its way out. That will create a BIG mess in your tank. I suggest removing it to a quarantine tank asap. You can watch and medicate it there. Don't forget proper lighting!

 

[mrsaltwaterguy]

My QT tank currently has a new tang in it. I've been using a light dose of copper to cure any issues that may have came with him, I'm assuming that will be stressful on my clam?

 

[ReeferBob]

My QT tank currently has a new tang in it. I've been using a light dose of copper to cure any issues that may have came with him, I'm assuming that will be stressful on my clam?

Yep - NO copper for inverts. Maybe pick up a 10 gallon at Petcos $1/gallon going on now?

 

[mrsaltwaterguy]

I'll have to do that. I'm sure my girlfriend is going to be thrilled coming back from vacation to another tank.